Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the cases of drowning attended in our Health Department, assessing their clinical and pathophysiological behavior, as well as to study the influence of corticosteroids in the course of the disease.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed drowning cases admitted to the Hospital of San Juan during 15 years. Clinical and analytical variables were compared between drowning in fresh water (group A) and salt water (group B) and correlations were obtained between age, sex, need for resuscitation and level of consciousness. Blood analysis, arterial blood gases, radiology, mean hospital stay, clinical evolution, treatment and prognosis were compared according to the site of drowning.

Results: 109 patients were included: 71% in group A and 28% in group B. There were statistical differences in age (A: 57 ± 22 vs B: 35 ± 33, p<0.001), hemoglobin (A: 15 ± 2 vs B: 13 ± 2, p<0.002), hematocrit (A: 45 ± 8 vs B: 40 ± 5, p<0.001), pH (A: 7.2 ± 0.2 vs B: 7.3 ± 0.1, p<0.001), HCO3 (A: 16 ± 6 vs B:21 ± 5, p<0.001), PaO2/FiO2 (A: 316 ± 148 vs B: 223 ± 98, p<0.034), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (A: 23% vs B: 45%, p<0.039). 43 patients were directly admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) receiving 47% of them corticosteroids with a reduction in mean ICU stay.

Conclusions: Morbimortality of patients with drowning is low, being more frequent in salt water. Corticoids could reduce ICU stay.