title: Pneumonia associated with near-drowning.
abstract: Drowning and near-drowning can abruptly devastate the lives of both the affected victims and their families. In addition to the complications directly caused by the submersion, several indirect causes of morbidity exist. Infection is one of the complications associated with near-drowning, and pneumonia is the most severe of these infectious complications. The risk factors, microbiological causes, diagnostic approach, and appropriate therapy for pneumonia associated with near-drowning are not well described in the literature. Herein, we review the epidemiology and pathophysiology associated with near-drowning, discuss the potential mechanisms of infection, and describe the likely risk factors for pneumonia related to near-drowning. We also detail the microbiological causes of this entity and provide important clinical and epidemiological information associated with specific pathogens. Finally, we summarize an appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic approach to pneumonia associated with near-drowning.
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases, Wilford Hall Medical Center Lackland AFB, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: P T
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Ender
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Dolan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D018893:Bronchoalveolar Lavage; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006088:Gram-Negative Aerobic Bacteria; D016908:Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007036:Hypothermia, Induced; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009181:Mycoses / Q000188:drug therapy; D015701:Near Drowning / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids