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At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Suffocation, shaking or sudden infant death syndrome: can we tell the difference?

Given that the diagnosis of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) remains one of exclusion, problems still exist in distinguishing possible cases from those where the deaths were due to accidental or inflicted suffocation. The term 'SIDS' cannot be used unless a complete autopsy examination has been performed, augmented by review of the clinical history and examination of the death scene. In the absence of a cause of death, a more suitable designation in the presence of inflicted injury is 'undetermined' rather than 'SIDS'. Use of standard autopsy and death scene protocols that have been endorsed by professional bodies will improve the investigation of unexpected infant death and will increase the likelihood of diagnosing subtle disorders that may be confused with SIDS.

Asphyxia↗
PubMed2003

"Suffocation roulette": a case of recurrent syncope in an adolescent boy.

We present the case of a 12-year-old boy admitted with a complaint of recurrent syncopal episodes. A careful history taking revealed the cause of the syncopal episodes to be a dangerous game played by adolescents called "suffocation roulette." We believe that recognition of this game as a possible cause of syncopal events, together with prompt educative intervention, might prevent adolescent morbidity and mortality and also might eliminate the need for unnecessary medical investigations.

Accidental Falls↗
PubMedDate not supplied

An unusual case of death: suffocation caused by leaves of common ivy (Hedera helix). Detection of hederacoside C, alpha-hederin, and hederagenin by LC-EI/MS-MS.

We report one fatal case of asphyxia caused by leaves of common ivy. Macroscopic examination of the corpse during the autopsy disclosed an incredible quantity of leaves of Hedera helix in the mouth and throat of the decedent. In order to rule out the possibility of poisoning by the toxic saponins contained in the plant, we have developed an efficient LC-EI/MS-MS assay of hederacoside C, alppha-hederin, and hederagenin in biological fluids and plant material. Sample cleanup involved solid-phase extraction of the toxins on C18 cartridges followed by LC analysis under reversed-phase conditions in the gradient elution mode. Solute identification was performed using full scan MS-MS spectrum of the analytes. Oleandrine was used as internal standard. Under these conditions, saponins in powdered dried leaves of Hedera helix were measured at a concentration of 21.83 mg/g for hederacoside C, 0.41 mg/g for alpha-hederin and 0.02 mg/g for hederagenin. No toxin was detected in cardiac blood, femoral blood, or urine of the deceased, but hederacoside C was quantitated at 857 ng/mL in the gastric juice. These findings led us to conclude that the man committed suicide and that the death was caused by suffocation by leaves of common ivy.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Suffocation from use of modified gas mask.

We report a case of suffocation caused by use of a gas mask modified by the attachment of a plastic bag with evidence of halothane inhalation. Gas masks and plastic bags are sometimes used to aid in the inhalation of volatile substances. Improper use or modification of gas masks or other respiratory protection devices may result in asphyxial death.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Increase in fatal suicidal poisonings and suffocations in the year Final Exit was published: a national study.

Final Exit was a best-selling book that recommended poisoning and suffocation by plastic bag as lethal means of suicide for those with terminal medical illnesses. The authors sought to determine whether the number of suicides involving these methods increased in the United States in 1991, the year the book was published, compared with 1990. Suicidal asphyxiations involving a plastic bag increased 30.8%, from 334 to 437, and poisonings increased 5.4%, from 3,143 to 3,314. There was no change in the number of suicides involving each of the other methods or in the total number of suicides between 1990 and 1991. These ecological data support, but cannot conclusively prove, the hypothesis that Final Exit influenced the choice of lethal means of suicidal individuals.

Asphyxia↗
PubMed1994

Triggering the false suffocation alarm in panic disorder patients by using a voluntary breath-holding procedure.

The authors compared the maximal duration of voluntary breath-holding in patients with panic disorder (N = 23), patients with generalized social phobia (N = 10), and healthy subjects (N = 26). Patients with panic disorder had significantly shorter breath-holding durations than either comparison group. Groups did not otherwise differ in physiologic response to the breath-holding. Implications for a false suffocation alarm in panic disorder are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Two cases of death due to plastic bag suffocation.

Deaths due to plastic bag suffocation or plastic bag asphyxia are not reported in Malaysia. In the West many suicides by plastic bag asphyxia, particularly in the elderly and those who are chronically and terminally ill, have been reported. Accidental deaths too are not uncommon in the West, both among small children who play with shopping bags and adolescents who are solvent abusers. Another well-known but not so common form of accidental death from plastic bag asphyxia is sexual asphyxia, which is mostly seen among adult males. Homicide by plastic bag asphyxia too is reported in the West and the victims are invariably infants or adults who are frail or terminally ill and who cannot struggle. Two deaths due to plastic bag asphyxia are presented. Both the autopsies were performed at the University Hospital Mortuary, Kuala Lumpur. Both victims were 50-year old married Chinese males. One death was diagnosed as suicide and the other as sexual asphyxia. Sexual asphyxia is generally believed to be a problem associated exclusively with the West. Specific autopsy findings are often absent in deaths due to plastic bag asphyxia and therefore such deaths could be missed when some interested parties have altered the scene and most importantly have removed the plastic bag. A visit to the scene of death is invariably useful.

Accidents↗
PubMed2003

The conditioning of dyspneic suffocation fear. Effects of carbon dioxide concentration on behavioral freezing and analgesia.

Previous studies in our laboratory have shown that a single exposure to 100% carbon dioxide (CO2) can serve as an effective unconditioned stimulus (US) in a Pavlovian aversive-context conditioning paradigm in rats. Although the US exposure parameters employed in the initial studies were sufficient for producing a context-specific enhancement of behavioral freezing and analgesia, it had yet to be determined whether variations of these CO2 conditioning procedures would produce other conditioning effects. Thus, the purpose of the following experiment was to investigate the intensity of the US on the conditioned response (CR). The findings confirm that variations in CO2 concentrations produce changes in the CR that are consistent with principles of Pavlovian conditioning. The findings lend additional support to the tenability of a dyspneic suffocation fear theory of panic disorder, a theory that postulates that at least one type of panic attack could be a consequence of Pavlovian conditioning.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Application of behavioral principles in the management of suffocation phobia: a case study of chronic respiratory failure.

This case study presents the first application of behavioral techniques in the management of psychological reactions associated with respiratory weaning. A forty-eight-year-old woman, with a history of brain stem dysfunction and repeated respiratory arrests participated in a four-week behavioral treatment program designed to 1) eliminate suffocation fear and depression, 2) promote respiratory self-sufficiency, and 3) facilitate successful ventilatory weaning. At one year follow-up, the patient continued to display no evidence of respiratory difficulty, depressive symptomatology, or agitated mood states.

Asphyxia↗
PubMed2000

Suffocation using plastic bags: a retrospective study of suicides in Ontario, Canada.

One hundred and ten cases of suicidal suffocation using a plastic bag were identified in the files of the Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario, Canada, between 1993 and 1997. The records were reviewed to determine the demographic characteristics of this group compared with all cases of suicide in Ontario, the scene information, autopsy findings and toxicology results. Most suicides occurred in people over 60 years of age, with older women making up a considerable proportion of cases as compared with other methods of suicide. In 40% of cases the deceased was suffering from a serious illness. Autopsy findings were usually minimal, with facial, conjunctival and visceral petechiae present in a minority of cases. One or more drugs were detected in the blood in 92.6% of cases where toxicologic testing was performed. Benzodiazepines, diphenhydramine and antidepressants were the most common drugs found, with diphenhydramine the most common drug present at an elevated concentration. Information at the scene from "right to die" societies was uncommon. One quarter of decedents took additional measures, besides the use of drugs or alcohol, to ensure the rapidity, certainty or comfort of their death. This study further elucidates the characteristics of this uncommon method of suicide. It emphasizes additional scene findings, such as the presence of dust masks, physical restraints and modification of the plastic bag that may be of use to death investigators in determining the correct manner of death.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

[The suitability of some chemical methods for evaluation of freshness of stored suffocated carp].

For the assessment of the degree of meat freshness of stored unbleeded carp some simple chemical methods were tested to be used as auxiliary criteria for veterinary decisions regarding the edibility. Under the experimental conditions where the suffocated carp were stored at cooling and room temperatures in water or in the air, differences were determined in the followed criteria between fresh and deteriorating fish which were statistically insignificant for most indicators. In view of requirements regarding chemical indicators only the determination of ribose content was found to be expedient. Changes in the levels of ribose were significantly correlated with the sense-detected changes in meat freshness of the stored carp.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

[Mortality caused by accidental suffocation during the first year of life].

We have analyzed the mortality due to accidental choking and suffocation during the first year of life that occurred in Spain from 1970 to 1980. The annual mortality rate due to choking caused by foodstuffs increased considerably from 1970 (5.7 deaths per 100,000) to 1977 (34.47 deaths per 100,000) and then declined slightly. Overall, mortality from this cause increased by a factory of five throughout the decade. This surprising evolution and its causes at a time when infant mortality is declining are discussed.

Accidents, Home↗
PubMed1980

Childhood asphyxiation by choking or suffocation.

Medical examiner records were reviewed for 42 Maryland children younger than 10 years who died of asphyxiation from 1970 through 1978. Twelve children choked on food; six of these deaths involved hot dogs. Eight choked on nonfood objects. Size, shape, and consistency were important, with small, round, pliable products predominating. Twenty-two deaths resulted from suffocation, including four infants who died when plastic bags in their cribs or playpens pressed against their faces. Twelve of the 42 deaths resulted from problems that are now the subject of Consumer Product Safety Commission activity or regulations. Important problems not currently addressed include plastic bags, balloons, and foods that because of their shape or consistency are especially likely to cause asphyxiation.

Accident Prevention↗
PubMed1994

Asphyxial suicide by propane inhalation and plastic bag suffocation.

A 26-year-old male committed suicide by inducing asphyxia using a combination of plastic bag suffocation and propane-gas inhalation. This method has been reported in the literature, but it remains unusual. Autopsy findings were consistent with a hypoxic event, and blood, brain, and lung tissue tested positive for propane by gas chromatography. Propane, while possessing some narcotic properties, causes death primarily by displacing oxygen in the atmosphere with resultant asphyxia.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Suffocation attack].

An acute attack of suffocation is a life threatening event which may be fatal within minutes. Since the oxygen stores of the body are small, any interruption of oxygen uptake by the lungs results in immediate anoxia of tissue and in particular in perilous cerebral anoxia. The primary aims in the management of this emergency situation are: (1.) opening of the airways, clearing any obstruction, and keeping airways open; (2.) administration of oxygen and, if possible, assisted ventilation. This "reflex management" will gain time for diagnostic evaluation, for the decision about further management and, in most cases, for safe transport to the nearest emergency hospital. Further emergency measures are required in the case of upper airway obstruction due either to a foreign body or to laryngeal edema caused by local insect stings or anaphylaxis. Occasionally a foreign body obstructing the upper airways can be cleared using the Heimlich maneuver, i.e. rapid inward and upward pressure on the victim's epigastrium. Mild forms of laryngeal edema can be relieved by inhalation of epinephrine. If these methods fail, cricothyroidotomy or transtracheal ventilation must be performed. Patients with acute severe asthma must be immediately treated with inhalations of a beta-agonist, parenteral prednisolone and administration of oxygen, while emergency transport to the nearest hospital must be organized. To ensure first aid the emergency physician must be equipped with the necessary instruments such as a small oxygen cylinder, appropriate cannula with connectors and tubings for transtracheal ventilation, and a suitable bag-valve-mask device.

Airway Obstruction↗
PubMed1998

Suicide by suffocation with a plastic bag.

Death by suffocation using a plastic bag has not been recorded in Sri Lanka. We report such a case here. Findings at the scene, the history, and autopsy and laboratory investigations assisted in arriving at the conclusion of suicide.

Asphyxia↗