Childhood drownings in private swimming pools

562

Inlurv~ the Ermsh Journal

Burns

variety of causes give rise to the increased zinc excretion. Shakespeare P. G. (1982) Studies on the Serum Levels of Iron, Copper, and Zinc and the Urinary Excretion of Zinc after Injury. Burns 8, 358.

Urine cortisol levels after burn injury

The urinary level of Cortisol in 19 burned patients over a ten day period was found to be increased when compared to normal healthy volunteers. The pattern was found to be similar to the changes in serum and was also correlated with levels of urine creatinine, magnesium, potassium, and the sodium : potassium ratio. Coombes E. J., Batstone G. F. (1982) Urine Cortisol Levels after Burn Injury. Burns 8,333.

Studies on serum levels after burn injury

Serum levels of zinc and copper did not change significantly after bum injury but there was a considerable increase in the output of zinc in the urine. The latter occurred about a week after injury. The considerable day-to-day variation in zinc output suggested that a

Organization Childhood

topics

drownings

of Accident

Surgery Vol. 14/No.

and prevention in private swimming

pools

Thirty-four children were drowned in private swimming pools in England and Wales in 5 years. Twentyone were boys and all were under 7 years of age. Twenty-four drowned in pools at their homes. In only 3 cases had the pools been protected by fences. The authors recommend that owners of private pools should be obliged by law to protect them by suitable enclosure. Barry W., Little T. M. and Sibert J. R. Childhood drownings in private swimming pools: an avoidable cause of death. Br. Med. J. 285, 542.

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