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This paper reviews the pathophysiology and therapy of the multiorgan failure which occurs with submersion injury of children. First, the influence of hypothermia, the pulmonary, cardiovascular, neurologic and renal changes and the blood gas, acid-base and bloodvolume and serum electrolyte disturbances are discussed in detail. The therapeutic procedures are separated in the cardiopulmonary resuscitation at the scene of the accident and in the management of the children within the hospital where all near-drowned children should be taken. The intensity of the treatment at the hospital depends on the level of consciousness and on the respiratory and cardiovascular problems of the near-drowned child. For the treatment of comatose children with abnormal patterns of respiration and cardiovascular derangements the routine management and a more aggressive approach to therapy are presented. The rational for the aggressive therapy is to improve cerebral salvage. The urgency for an extensive monitoring system is underlined.

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