Hematologic effects of ethanol consumption in trauma patients

B. L. Erstad, D. K. Harlander, J. A. Daller

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of ethanol (EtOH) ingestion by trauma patients on the hematologic system as evidenced by coagulation abnormalities and transfusion requirements. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. The injury severity score (ISS) was determined for each patient. Patients were grouped according to presence of EtOH (+EtOH) and absence of EtOH (-EtOH) with further subdivision based on an ISS ≤8 or ≥9. SETTING: University medical center. PATIENTS: All adult trauma patients admitted during a one-month period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The volume of resuscitation fluids (including blood products) administered, laboratory parameters indicative of bleeding, and length of stay. RESULTS: Of 104 evaluable patients, 38 had measurable EtOH concentrations, 46 had undetectable EtOH concentrations, and the remaining 20 patients had not been tested. Although isolated, statistically significant differences were found among groups for some of the outcome measures, there were no clinically important differences. CONCLUSIONS: EtOH ingestion prior to injury did not appear to cause significant alterations in the hematologic system of trauma patients, but a larger study is needed to confirm these findings.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)889-891
Number of pages3
JournalAnnals of Pharmacotherapy
Volume27
Issue number7-8
DOIs
StatePublished - 1993

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology (medical)

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