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Critical Care

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01-12-2021 | Pneumonia | Research

Treatment of the lung injury of drowning: a systematic review

Authors: Ogilvie Thom, Kym Roberts, Susan Devine, Peter A. Leggat, Richard C. Franklin

Published in: Critical Care | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Drowning is a cause of significant global mortality. The mechanism of injury involves inhalation of water, lung injury and hypoxia. This systematic review addressed the following question: In drowning patients with lung injury, what is the evidence from primary studies regarding treatment strategies and subsequent patient outcomes?

Methods

The search strategy utilised PRISMA guidelines. Databases searched were MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science and SCOPUS. There were no restrictions on publication date or age of participants. Quality of evidence was evaluated using GRADE methodology.

Results

Forty-one papers were included. The quality of evidence was very low. Seventeen papers addressed the lung injury of drowning in their research question and 24 had less specific research questions, however included relevant outcome data. There were 21 studies regarding extra-corporeal life support, 14 papers covering the theme of ventilation strategies, 14 addressed antibiotic use, seven papers addressed steroid use and five studies investigating diuretic use. There were no clinical trials. One retrospective comparison of therapeutic strategies was found. There was insufficient evidence to make recommendations as to best practice when supplemental oxygen alone is insufficient. Mechanical ventilation is associated with barotrauma in drowning patients, but the evidence predates the practice of lung protective ventilation. There was insufficient evidence to make recommendations regarding adjuvant therapies.

Conclusions

Treating the lung injury of drowning has a limited evidentiary basis. There is an urgent need for comparative studies of therapeutic strategies in drowning.

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Title: Treatment of the lung injury of drowning: a systematic review
Authors: Ogilvie Thom
Kym Roberts
Susan Devine
Peter A. Leggat
Richard C. Franklin
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Pneumonia
Acute Respiratory Distress-Syndrome
Non-Invasive Ventilation
Published in: Critical Care / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1364-8535
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13054-021-03687-2

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Treatment of the lung injury of drowning: a systematic review

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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