Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Asphyxia is the generic term for mechanisms that cause a deficiency of the tissue oxygen supply that is required to sustain metabolic function. The present study was conducted to assess hanging deaths in adult population. Materials & Methods: 94hanging deaths of both genderswas recorded. Parameters such as time of incidence, type of ligature material, manner of hanging, type of hanging and clinical findings was recorded. Results: Out of 94 cases, males were 34 and females were 60. The type of ligature materialwas dupatta in 20, rope in 36, saree in 24 and towel in 14. Manner of hanging was suicidal in 68, homicidal in 20 and uncertain in 6 cases. Type of hanging was typical in 16 and atypical in 78. Clinical findings were cyanosis in 52, petechiae in 34, visceral congestion in 25, congestion of face in 46 and neck muscle hemorrhages in 30 cases. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: In most cases, type of ligature material used was rope. Manner of hanging was suicidal, homicidal and uncertain. Type of hanging was maximally atypical.