Near-drowning: an unusual case.

This paper reports the case of a 2 1/2-year-old male who appeared to have drowned in the family swimming pool. Immediate continuous cardiopulmonary resuscitation eventually restored circulation and respiration. Subsequently, in the intensive care unit, he appeared to "cone" and suffer brain "death". Prompt and continuous use of measures to support cerebral resuscitation were successful and the child subsequently was completely normal. A reevaluation of current information seems indicated in regard to the prognosis of the near-drowned child.