A retrospective evaluation of patients admitted emergency department due to drowning

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiologic features of patients who admitted to emergency department (ED) due to drowning. This study was designed retrospectively by examining medical records of the patients (age ?18) who were admitted to our ED after drowning. The data were evaluated according to clinical classification of Szpilman. A total of 67 patients were included in this study. The drowning was determined mostly in the 18-25 age groups and in summers. The drowning was occurred mostly in sea (91%) and most of the patient (% 92.5) has drowned accidentally. Those drowning patients presenting with a Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) of 3-8 on admission, mortality was higher than others. According to the degree of clinical classification of Szpilman; GCS, serum sodium and blood pH levels were statistically different between the Grades (p<0.05). The papillary light reflex and GCS which was determined on admission may be useful for emergency physician in predicting mortality. © 2012 OMU.