Nasal-continuous positive airway pressure in the treatment of near-drowning in freshwater.
In patients who have experienced near-drowning, hypoxemia is the major clinical consequence. We report two cases of patients who have experienced near-drowning in freshwater who were successfully treated with nasal-continuous positive airway pressure (N-CPAP) plus oxygen therapy. Both patients presented a radiographic appearance of bilateral pulmonary edema. We suggest the use of N-CPAP as an easier and less costly alternative to tracheal intubation for treating near-drowning in patients who are breathing spontaneously and who have not experienced loss of consciousness.
Dottorini
M
M
Pulmonary Unit, R. Silvestrini Hospital, Perugia, Italy.
Eslami
A
A
Baglioni
S
S
Fiorenzano
G
G
Todisco
T
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005618:Fresh Water; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D015701:Near Drowning / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration; D011859:Radiography