Analysis of Predictive Factors in the Assessment of Warm-Water Near-Drowning in Children

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Abstract
• The records of 42 children hospitalized after a serious fresh-water accident were studied retrospectively. Nine variables thought to be indicative of neurologic outcome in near-drowned patients were analyzed by means of a stepwise discriminant function procedure. The presence of coma and fixed and dilated pupils on examination in the emergency room perfectly predicted those patients who would die (24%) or sustain severe and permanent brain damage (16% of the survivors). All dead or badly brain-damaged patients drowned or nearly drowned in warm water (> 20 °C). Easily obtained prognostic neurologic findings may be important in assessing the efficacy of resuscitation measures in pediatric near-drowning victims, particularly those who were immersed in warm water. (Am J Dis Child 1981;135:1006-1008.

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