Steroids in attempted hanging
Date First Published:
January 17, 2006
Last Updated:
October 14, 2008
Report by:
Rachel Jenner, Specialist Registrar (Manchester)
Search checked by:
Dr Paul de Keyser, Manchester
Three-Part Question:
In [an unconscious patient who has survived an attempted hanging] does [the prophylactic administration of steroids] lead to [improvement in neurological outcome]
Clinical Scenario:
A 12 year old boy is brought in unconscious following an attempted hanging. CT of his brain and cervical spine are normal. There is no clinical evidence of a spinal cord injury. You wonder if giving steroids will improve his neurological outcome
Search Strategy:
[exp Asphyxia/ or exp Neck Injuries/ or exp Suicide/ or hanging.mp or strangulation.mp or hang$.mp or strang$.mp] and [exp Steroids/ or steroid.mp or exp Prednisolone/ or prednisolone.mp or exp Dexamethasone/ or exp dexamethasone.mp or exp Methylprednisolone/ or methylprednisolone.mp] limit to Human and English
Search Details:
Medline 1966 to first June Week 4 2008
Outcome:
577 papers were found none of which answered the clinical question
Bottom Line:
There is no evidence for or against the use of steroids in this situation. Local guidance should be followed