Pediatric drowning: a 20-year review of autopsied cases: I. Demographic features.
Drowning is a significant cause of childhood mortality in the developed world. Males and preschool-aged children are overrepresented in most series of pediatric drowning. To obtain a better understanding of age- and gender-related factors, a retrospective review of autopsy records over a 20-year period (1984-2003) for cases of drowning (exclusive of bathtub drownings) was performed. Sixty-three consecutive cases of drowning were identified in 45 males and 18 females (ratio 2.5; P = 0.0007). The ages ranged from 9 months to 17 years, and most cases occurred in the 0- to 4-year age group (57%). Boys tended to be older than girls (5 years 9 months versus 4 years 4 months; P = 0.2133). Sites of drowning were open water (48%) and pools (44%), with children drowning in open water being significantly older than those drowning in pools (6 years 6 months versus 4 years 6 months; P = 0.0462). Most boys drowned in open water (53%), whereas most girls drowned in pools (50%). Resuscitation was attempted after the drowning episode in 84% of cases, with children aged 4 years or less having significantly higher rates than older children (P = 0.0346). The present study highlights differences in the pattern of drowning according to age and sex and may aid in developing targeted educational and preventative campaigns.
Somers
Gino R
GR
Division of Pathology, Department of Pediatric Laboratory Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. gino.somers@sickkids.ca
Chiasson
David A
DA
Smith
Charles R
CR
D000293:Adolescent; D017677:Age Distribution; D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004332:Drowning / Q000401:mortality*; D005260:Female; D005554:Forensic Medicine; D005618:Fresh Water; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009864:Ontario / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012621:Seasons; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013551:Swimming Pools