Abstract

Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional accidental death globally. The most serious pathophysiologic consequence of drowning is hypoxemia from acute respiratory distress syndrome. Herein, we report a drowning victim who presented with hypothermia and cardiac arrest, followed by acute respiratory distress syndrome, rhabdomyolysis (with acute kidney injury), and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. Aided by advanced cardiac life support and mechanical ventilation in a prone position, the patient fully recovered after two days of hospitalization. Recovery was largely attributed to early prone ventilatory positioning and use of nitric oxide gas.

• Keywords: drowning;near drowning;prone position;ventilators;mechanical;nitric oxide;respiratory distress syndrome;adult