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Near drowning in the Dead Sea
Israel Journal of Medical Sciences
|March 1, 1977
Summary
Submersion in the Dead Sea can cause severe pulmonary edema, bronchitis, and hypermagnesemia. This unique condition requires specific therapeutic guidelines, including assisted respiration and fluid management.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- The Dead Sea's unique hypersalinity and mineral composition present distinct risks during submersion incidents.
- Previous literature has documented drowning cases in seawater, but specific effects of Dead Sea submersion are less understood.
Observation:
- Seven cases of submersion in the Dead Sea were analyzed.
- Patients presented with varied severity of clinical signs including pulmonary edema, chemical bronchitis, hypermagnesemia, and hemoconcentration.
- Aspiration of smaller water volumes appeared to cause severe symptoms compared to ordinary seawater.
Findings:
- Hypermagnesemia was a unique finding in Dead Sea submersion cases.
- Clinical manifestations were similar to seawater drowning but with distinct toxicological profiles.
- Two fatalities occurred due to hypotension and cardiac arrhythmia.
Implications:
- The high magnesium levels in the Dead Sea necessitate specific diagnostic and treatment protocols.
- Early recognition and management of hypermagnesemia are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
- Therapeutic guidelines should include assisted respiration, hypotonic fluid infusion, and corticosteroid therapy for Dead Sea submersion victims.