Is the contribution of alcohol to fatal traumatic brain injuries being underestimated in the acute hospital setting?
O'Toole, O Mahon, C Lynch, K Brett, F M
O'Toole, O
Mahon, C
Lynch, K
Brett, F M
Author
Advisors
Editors
Other Contributors
Date
2011-04-05T15:30:40Z
Date Submitted
Keywords
Other Subjects
Subject Mesh
Accidental Falls
Accidents, Traffic
Adolescent
Adult
Age Factors
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Alcohol Drinking
Autopsy
Brain Injuries
Databases, Factual
Emergency Service, Hospital
Ethanol
Female
Humans
Ireland
Male
Middle Aged
Risk Assessment
Risk-Taking
Sex Factors
Young Adult
Accidents, Traffic
Adolescent
Adult
Age Factors
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Alcohol Drinking
Autopsy
Brain Injuries
Databases, Factual
Emergency Service, Hospital
Ethanol
Female
Humans
Ireland
Male
Middle Aged
Risk Assessment
Risk-Taking
Sex Factors
Young Adult
Planned Date
Start Date
Collaborators
Principal Investigators
Alternative Titles
Publisher
Abstract
Alcohol consumption in Ireland has nearly doubled during the period 1989-2001. To evaluate the relationship of alcohol to fatal head injuries in the acute hospital setting we created a data base of all fatal traumatic brain injuries in the Department of Neuropathology at Beaumont Hospital over a ten year period (1997-2006 inclusive). 498 cases were identified (351 males: 147 females). Fatalities were highest in males aged 19-25 years (N=101) and 51-70 years (N=109). Falls (N=210) and road traffic accidents (N=183) were the commonest modes of presentation. 36/210 (17%) falls had positive blood alcohol testing, 9/210 (4.3%) had documentation of alcohol in notes but no testing, 35/210 (16.7%) tested negative for alcohol and 130/210 (61.9%) were not tested. The RTA group (N=183) comprised drivers (n=79), passengers (n=47) and pedestrians (n=57). 65/79 (82.2%) of drivers were males aged 19-25 years. Blood alcohol was only available in 27/79 (34.1%) drivers and was positive in 13/27 (48.1%). 14/75 (18.7%) pedestrians were tested for alcohol, 4/14 (28.6%) were positive. Overall 142/183 (77.6%) of the RTA group were not tested. The contribution of alcohol to fatal traumatic brain injuries is probably being underestimated due to omission of blood alcohol concentration testing on admission to hospital. Absence of national guidelines on blood alcohol testing in the emergency department compounds the problem.
Language
en
ISSN
0332-3102
eISSN
ISBN
DOI
PMID
19771999