Ten-year review of pediatric bathtub near-drownings: evaluation for child abuse and neglect.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the risk factors associated with bathtub submersion injury and their relationship to child abuse and neglect.


METHODS
Retrospective chart review.


METHODS
An urban children's hospital.


METHODS
Any child sustaining a bathtub near-drowning over the 10-year period from 1982 to 1992.


METHODS
None.


RESULTS
Twenty-one patients were treated for bathtub near-drownings during the 10-year period, accounting for 24% of all submersion injuries. A significant number (67%) had historic and/or physical findings suspicious for abuse or neglect, including incompatible history for the injury, other physical injuries, previous child abuse reports, psychiatric history of the caretaker, and/or psychosocial concerns noted in the chart. The mortality rate of 42% was significant. No demographic characteristics identified the children at risk.


CONCLUSIONS
Many children who are injured in the bathtub suffer from abuse or neglect. Medical evaluation should include social work consultation and a search for other accompanying injuries.
Lavelle
J M
JM
Division of General Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
Shaw
K N
KN
Seidl
T
T
Ludwig
S
S
D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006786:Hospitals, Urban; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D015701:Near Drowning / Q000209:etiology*; D010414:Pennsylvania; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors