Paediatric near-drowning: mortality and outcome in a temperate climate.

Abstract

The decision whether to continue to resuscitate the paediatric victim of near-drowning is influenced by potential poor neurological outcome. A low core body temperature at presentation is frequently cited as a reason to continue resuscitation. We report the case of an 11 month old infant admitted to the intensive care unit following near-drowning and a prolonged resuscitation. The infant's core body temperature was 29 degrees C. Cardiac output was restored, but the child remains in a persistent vegetative state. We present the results of a ten year review of near-drowning in a tertiary referral institution, to evaluate the mortality and outcome in a temperate climate. Thirteen patients were identified in the review. The mortality was 23%. The incidence of a persistent vegetative state was 15%. Asystole, immersion time greater than 15 minutes, resuscitation time longer than 30 minutes, the administration of epinephrine, and a low core body temperature were associated with a poor outcome.

• Authors: S Crowe, D Mannion, M Healy, B O'Hare, B Lyons
• Journal: Irish medical journal (Ir Med J) Vol. 96 Issue 9 Pg. 274-6 (Oct 2003) ISSN: 0332-3102 [Print] Ireland
• PMID: 14753583 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Body Temperature
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
• Humans
• Incidence
• Infant
• Male
• Mortality
• Near Drowning (complications, epidemiology, therapy)
• Persistent Vegetative State (epidemiology, etiology)
• Retrospective Studies