Near-Drowning in Children: Clinical Aspects

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Abstract
Drowning is the 3rd most common cause of death in the pediatric age group in Florida [USA]. The clinical presentation, laboratory data, modes of therapy and outcome of 34 cases of near-drowning in children under the age of 14 yr were reviewed. The most common clinical findings on admission were a history of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, tachypnea, pulmonary edema and acidosis. Twenty-eight (82%) patients survived. Twelve (35%) required mechanical ventilation. Of these only 6 survived, 4 of them with severe neurological sequelae. Modern management of respiratory failure is important for the ultimate survival of these patients; however, the final neurological outcome seems to be related to brain damage at the time of the asphyxia rather than to subsequent management.

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