A study evaluating the efficacy of corticosteroids versus placebo in improving neurological outcomes in hanging patients

Efficacy of corticosteroid therapy on neurological outcomes in near-hanging patients with altered sensorium: A multi-centre, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized trial - CHANGING

Status

Recruiting

Phases

Phase 3

Study type

Interventional

Source

CTRI

Registry ID

CTRI/2025/02/081343

Enrollment

192

Registered

2025-02-25

Start date

Unknown

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2026-03-02

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Health Condition 1: T711- Asphyxiation due to mechanical threat to breathing

Interventions

Intervention1: Dexamethasone: Dexamethasone 8 mg IV administered slow IV push stat followed by 4mg 6th hourly on Day 1. Dexamethasone 4mg 6th hourly on Day 2 to 3. Assessment on day 4 to see if st

Eligibility

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: Near-hanging adult patients aged 18 years or more Presented with altered sensorium, having a GCS score of 13 or less Presented within 48 hours of the hanging attempt

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria: Patients tried other methods of suicide concurrently Treatment for more than 24 hours with 20 mg of dexamethasone or an equivalent dose of corticosteroids before enrolment. Active tuberculosis, HIV infection, recent steroid use or other immunosuppressant therapy Definite indication or contra-indication to steroid therapy Allergies to the study drug Pregnancy or breastfeeding Patients having underlying neurological diseases Hanging induced cervical spine injury Moribund patients Informed consent not given

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
The primary outcome is to assess the neurological outcome in near hanging patients with altered sensorium after treating them with corticosteroid or placebo. The Glasgow outcome scale is used to assess neurological outcomes whether it is good or poor. Good outcomes include Complete recovery and Disabled but independent Poor outcomes include Death, Persistent vegetative state and Dependent on daily life activitiesTimepoint: day 28	—

Measure

Time frame

The primary outcome is to assess the neurological outcome in near hanging patients with altered sensorium after treating them with corticosteroid or placebo. The Glasgow outcome scale is used to assess neurological outcomes whether it is good or poor. Good outcomes include Complete recovery and Disabled but independent Poor outcomes include Death, Persistent vegetative state and Dependent on daily life activitiesTimepoint: day 28

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Secondary

Measure	Time frame
The neurological outcome using Glasgow outcome scaleTimepoint: at the time of discharge;length of hospital stayTimepoint: at the time of discharge;in-hospital complicationsTimepoint: during hospitalization	—

Countries

India

Contacts

Public ContactRamadoss R

Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER)

ramadoss2912@gmail.com9910952320

Outcome results

None listed

Source: CTRI (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: Mar 14, 2026