Near-drowning in Pediatric Respiratory Intensive Care Unit, Siriraj Hospital.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To study characteristics, treatment and outcome of near-drowning patients in Pediatric Respiratory Care Unit (P-RCU), Siriraj Hospital

MATERIAL AND METHOD:

We retrospectively reviewed hospital records of 31 near-drowning patients admitted at P-RCU Siriraj Hospital during 1990-2002.

RESULTS:

The average age of admitted patients was 4 years (ranged from 6 months to 13 years). Seventy percent of the patients were under 5 years of age. Male : female ratio was 2.1 : 1. Sixty-two percents of the patients were left alone when near-drowning occurred. The sites of occurrence were around their houses in 60% of cases. Bystander resuscitation was documented in 35%. Common complications were pneumonia (74.2%) and seizure (58%). Patients with poor outcome were children without spontaneous purposeful movement within 24 hours after submersion. Neurological sequelae was found in 35.5% of the cases and the mortality rate was 25.8% (3 due to severe pneumonia from prolonged intubation and aspiration, 2 due to severe brain hypoxia, 2 due to severe adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and 1 due to intracerebral hemorrhage)

CONCLUSION:

Due to poor outcome observed in this study, prevention of submersion injury is the most important and cost-effective measure. However, if near-drowning happens, effective immediate resuscitation is crucial for the best outcome.

• Authors: Chakraphan Susiva, Thitima Boonrong
• Journal: Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet thangphaet (J Med Assoc Thai) Vol. 88 Suppl 8 Pg. S44-7 (Nov 2005) ISSN: 0125-2208 [Print] Thailand
• PMID: 16856425 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Female
• Humans
• Infant
• Intensive Care Units, Pediatric
• Male
• Near Drowning (complications, epidemiology)
• Retrospective Studies
• Risk Factors
• Thailand (epidemiology)