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Electrocardiographic changes in experimental drowning
Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
|January 1, 1982
Summary
Aspiration of seawater is more lethal to dogs than freshwater, causing bradycardia and cardiac arrhythmias. Seawater typically leads to ventricular asystole, while freshwater more commonly causes ventricular fibrillation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Toxicology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Drowning is a significant cause of mortality.
- The effects of freshwater versus saltwater aspiration on cardiac function are not fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the lethal effects and electrocardiographic changes following aspiration of freshwater versus seawater in a canine model.
Main Methods:
- Healthy mongrel dogs underwent aspiration of 20 ml/kg of either freshwater (Group I) or seawater (Group II).
- Cardiac rate and electrocardiographic abnormalities were monitored for 40 minutes.
- Survival rates and causes of death were recorded.
Main Results:
- Both freshwater and seawater aspiration induced significant bradycardia and tall T waves on electrocardiograms.
- Freshwater aspiration resulted in ventricular fibrillation in 2 of 7 dogs, with 5 survivors.
- Seawater aspiration led to ventricular asystole in 5 of 7 dogs within 10 minutes, indicating higher lethality.
Conclusions:
- Seawater aspiration is more acutely lethal than freshwater aspiration in dogs.
- Ventricular fibrillation is a common outcome of freshwater aspiration, whereas ventricular asystole is more characteristic of seawater aspiration.