Analysis of predictive factors in the assessment of warm-water near-drowning in children
R. C. Frates Jr
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 (greater
than 20 degrees 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.
