2026-05-29T17:42:40Z https://www.peertechzpublications.org/oai-pmh

oai:www.peertechzpublications.org:10.17352/ojt.000001 2017-01-03 PTZ.OJT:VOL1

Is There a Clinical Difference between Salt Water and Fresh Water Drowning? Celia Y Quang Ryan O Kennedy Scott G Blair Sidney B BrevardJon D Simmons<p><strong>Introduction:</strong> Salt water near-drowning events are not uncommon in coastal regions. The difference in tonicity between salt and fresh water in near-drowning events leads many to believe there should be differences in the approach to managing the patient. We present a case of near-drowning in salt water&nbsp; and a thorough review of the literature in managing these patients.</p><p><strong>Case Presentation:</strong> A sixteen year old male presented to our level 1 trauma center approximately 30 minutes after a near-drowning in salt water. The patient began to develop hypoxemia associated with profound pulmonary edema that was not responsive to elevated inspired oxygen levels and high levels of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP).</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Despite the alterations in the alveolar interface that are dependent on the tonicity of the fluid&nbsp; the ultimate treatment of drowning injuries remains consistent regardless of the tonicity of the water. Aggressive therapy, tailored to the individual patient, can improve pulmonary shunting. Patients with&nbsp; hypoxemia requiring intubation should be ventilated with (PEEP) as animal studies have shown rapid&nbsp; improvements in PaO2 with PEEP values in the range of 5-15.</p> Open Journal of Trauma - Peertechz Publications 2017-01-03 Case Report https://doi.org/10.17352/ojt.000001 en Copyright © Celia Y Quang et al.