Journal article
Outcomes and predictive factors in pediatric drowning: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prehospital predictors
International journal of injury control and safety promotion, p1
27 May 2026
PMID: 42203664
Abstract
Purpose: Drowning ranks as the third leading cause of injury-related death in children globally. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of mortality rates, and resuscitation success rates in pediatric populations. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across four databases PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science and Scopus for all original studies published till November 2024 with reported outcomes of drowning in the pediatric population. Outcomes evaluated include mortality, rate of discharge, neurological outcomes at discharge, and success rate of resuscitation. Results: Twenty-four studies encompassing 2,436 pediatric drowning cases were analyzed. The pooled mortality rate was 24% (95% CI [0.17, 0.34]), underscoring the critical fatality risk. The pooled discharge rate was 63% (95% CI [0.47, 0.76]), indicating favorable recovery for most cases. However, one-third of patients exhibited significant neurological deficits. Resuscitation success was achieved in 39% (95% CI [0.32, 0.48]), with bystander resuscitation demonstrating nearly double the success rates compared to emergency medical personnel or lifeguards. Conclusion: Despite favorable discharge rates, pediatric drowning remains a major public health challenge with high mortality and neurological impairment rates. Urgent action is required to develop standardized management protocols and prevention strategies, particularly in resource-limited settings.
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Details
- Title
- Outcomes and predictive factors in pediatric drowning: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prehospital predictors
- Creators
- Mohammed Alsabri - Altera (United States)Shree Rath - All India Institute of Medical SciencesHamza Irfan - Khost UniversityAmira A. Aboali - General Organization For Teaching Hospitals and InstitutesNoha S. Shaban - EIA UniversityAkash Kumar - Liaquat University of Medical & Health SciencesLauren A. Carr - St. Christopher's Hospital for Children
- Publication Details
- International journal of injury control and safety promotion, p1
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- Number of pages
- 13
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Pediatrics; College of Medicine
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001776767000001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-105040703051
- Other Identifier
- 991022196987204721