Relation between Blood Alcohol Concentration and Clinical Parameters in Trauma Patients

Hong, Tae Hwa; Jang, Ji Young; Lee, Seung Hwan; Kim, Hyung Won; Shim, Hong Jin; Lee, Jae Gil

Abstract

PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) on the clinical parameters in trauma patients.
METHODS
From January 2011 to March 2013, the records of a total of 102 trauma patients with BAC data were analyzed retrospectively. The revised trauma score (RTS), injury severity score (ISS), presence of shock, use of mechanical ventilation and blood transfusion, length of hospital stay, and mortality were collected. Patients were divided into four groups in accordance with the level of BAC: group A (<100 mg/dL), B (100~200 mg/dL), C (200~250 mg/dL), and D (>250 mg/dL). Patients were also divided into two groups depending on the presence of the shock, and gender, ISS, BAC, and presence of active bleeding were compared between these two groups.
RESULTS
No statistically significant differences in the ISS, RTS, presence of active bleeding, use of mechanical ventilation, and mortality were noted between groups A to D. However, the presence of shock was significantly higher in group D. After patients with severe chest injuries had been excluded, mechanical ventilation was found to have been applied more frequently in the higher BAC groups (C and D). A logistic regression analysis of these factors showed that extremely high BAC (>250 mg/dL) was an independent indicator of shock.
CONCLUSION
High BAC is a predicator of shock and the need for mechanical ventilation in patients with trauma, regardless of injury severity. Alcohol intoxication leads to an overestimate of the clinical condition and aggressive management for trauma patients. Thus, a guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of patients intoxicated with alcohol is necessary.