Adolescent patients presenting to the emergency department due to falls from heights: a comparative analysis of suicidal and non-suicidal cases

Abstract

Aims: This study aims to categorize adolescent patients presenting to the hospital due to falls from heights into two groups: suicidal and non-suicidal. It seeks to compare the clinical characteristics, trauma patterns, and outcomes between these groups. Methods: A total of 69 patients were included in the study. The demographic features, trauma patterns, imaging methods, medical interventions, and clinical outcomes of the patients were retrospectively assessed. Results: 63.8% (n=44) of the patients were categorized in the suicidal group, while 36.2% (n=25) were in the non-suicidal group. There was no statistically significant difference observed between the mean age of the suicidal group (16.27±2.52) and the non-suicidal group (15.96±2.85) (p=0.638). In the suicidal group, the incidence rates of maxillofacial trauma, pelvic trauma, and thoracic trauma were statistically significantly higher compared to the non-suicidal group (respectively; p=0.041, p=0.014, p<0.001). The in-hospital mortality rate in the suicidal group (22.7%, n=10) was statistically significantly higher than in the non-suicidal group (0%, n=0) (p=0.007). Conclusion: Cases of falls from heights due to suicide attempts result in more severe outcomes compared to accidental falls. These patients require a more comprehensive medical assessment and intervention.