The epidemiology and outcomes of hospitalized drowning in Thai children: a national data analysis 2015-2019

Background Drowning remains a common cause of death among children. However, the epidemiology and impact of drowning in Thailand was underexplored. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiology and clinical outcomes of pediatric drowning in Thailand and to determine the factors associated with the need for intubation and mortality. Methods Data derived from the Thai healthcare delivery system for the period between 2015 and 2019 were used to examine the monthly admissions, mortality rates, length of hospital stay, and the number of patients who received endotracheal intubation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to identify the risk factors associated with the need for intubation and mortality. Results Of the 4,911, 58.8% were under six years old, 63.5% were male, and 31.2% were from the Northeastern region. The majority drowned during April, which is the summer season in Thailand. Among these patients, 28.8% required intubation, with the highest proportion found in the 6-<12 years age group (35.9%). The independent risk factors for intubation were metabolic acidosis (adjusted odd ratio [aOR] 9.74; 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.14-13.29; p < 0.001) and pulmonary edema (aOR 5.82; 95%CI 3.92-8.65; p < 0.001). The overall mortality rate due to drowning was 12.6%. Factors significantly associated with mortality included in-hospital cardiac arrest (aOR 4.43; 95%CI 2.78-7.06; p < 0.001), and the presence of drowning-related complications, particularly renal failure (aOR 7.13; 95%CI 3.93-12.94; p < 0.001). Conclusion Drowning admissions and mortality were highest among male children under six years old, occurring mainly during the summer season. Significant factors associated with intubation requirement included metabolic acidosis and pulmonary edema. The mortality was significantly associated with in-hospital cardiac arrest and drowning-related complications, particularly renal failure. Trial registrationThis is an observational study, does not include any intervention, and has therefore not been registered.