HANGING AND ASPHYXIA: A STUDY IN CCM MEDICAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL

Abstract

Introduction: Hanging is a form of asphyxial death due to constriction of the air passage at the neck, as a result of suspension of the body by a ligature in the form of a noose, applied so that weight of the body acts as a constricting force. Hanging is one of the commonest methods of suicide in the Asian countries. The incidence of hanging in India is approximately 25% of total cases of suicide. Hanging is known as a painless mode of death with a very less failure rate. In typical hanging three possible mechanisms of death have been proposed by compression or closure of the blood vessels of the neck; compression of the air passages; and vagal inhibition by pressure on the bar receptors in the carotid sinus and the carotid body.

Material and Methods: A cross sectional study of 25 cases of hanging was included in the study. Detailed autopsy examination was done on the included cases after request of an investigating officer. All cases of deaths due to hanging of all age groups and of both sexes were included in the study. Information was collected from relatives, friends of deceased and hospital records. Also relevant information from police was collected. The ligature mark is the most relevant feature of hanging was noted. Data were collected on demographics, mode of hanging and clinical presentation.

Results: Of the total 25 cases 14 (56%) were male and 11 (44%) were female. No statistically significance was found in sex (P= 0.4009). Mean age in males was 26.44± 12.59 and in females was 22.56 ± 10.22 which was not significant. There was statistically significant correlation was found in attempt of hanging in first attempt death was seen in 21 (84%) and in 4 cases (16%). Hypoxic encephalopathy was found in 23 (92%) of death due to hanging.

Conclusion: Hanging is the easiest way for pain less suicide, there were male preponderances and hanging was observed in younger ages.