Citation

Kao CL, Hsu IL. Chin. J. Traumatol. 2018; 21(2): 84-87.

Affiliation

Department of Emergency Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, Taiwan; Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, Taiwan. Electronic address: hsuyilin@yahoo.com.tw.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Chinese Medical Association)

DOI

10.1016/j.cjtee.2017.04.013

PMID

29454810

Abstract

PURPOSE: Suicide becomes a serious problem in today's society and hanging is a common method of suicide. We want to find the factors which can predict the final functional outcomes of these cases.

METHODS: All patients who presented to Accident and Emergency Department (ED) of the National Cheng Kung University Hospital from 1st January 2005 to 31th December 2013 with a hanging injury were included in this study. All cases were divided into good outcome group and bad outcome group according to Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Data was analyzed by Mann-Whitney test and chi-square test.

RESULTS: Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) < 3, pupil dilation and no pupillary light reflex both at the scene and ED were the factors to indicate poor functional outcome. Out-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), acidosis (pH < 7.2) and the need for intubation once arriving at ED were also related to poor functional outcome. OHCA cases all had poor functional outcome.

CONCLUSION: GCS, pupil size, pupillary light reflex, OHCA and acidosis are useful as prognostic factors. GCS = 3 lead to a very poor outcome. However, the functional outcome seems good in patients with GCS>3. There parameters can help to predict the outcome before treatment.

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Language: en

Keywords

Functional outcome; Hanging injury; Neck injury