Prognostic factors in hanging injuries.

The objectives of this study were to review variable factors influencing outcomes in hanging and to identify prognostic factors related to outcomes. Forty-seven patients presented to our department. Eleven patients survived and 36 died. A significant difference in mean hanging time was observed between survivor (11.8 +/- 8.37 minutes) and nonsurvivor (50.81 +/- 61.9). In survivors, heartbeat was recognized in 63.6% at the scene and in 90.9% on arrival. Conversely, cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) was recognized in all nonsurvivors and heartbeat was recognized on arrival in only 5.6%. Thirty-nine (83%) had a Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) of 3 on arrival. Three (7.7%) of theses 39 patients survived. In survivors, eight patients had a GCS greater than 3. A significant difference in outcome existed between patients with a GCS of 3 and those with a GCS greater than 3. Hanging time, presence of CPA at the scene and on arrival, and GCS on arrival represented prognostic factors of outcome in hanging.