engleski

ACUTE ALCOHOL INTOXICATION AMONG CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

This study presents analysis of 36 patients admitted at the Pediatric Clinic, University Hospital Split, from January 1, 2002 to November 30, 2003, due to acute alcohol intoxication. The average of the patients (14 female and 22 male) was 14, 9 years. Two of them were 17 years old, nine were 14 or younger, while the youngest was aged 10 years. In 34/36 blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was measured. In most of the patients BAC was 1, 5-2, 5 parts per thousand (g/kg), while one had the concentration higher than 3, 5g/kg. Severe toxicity from etanol, manifested as coma, occurs at lower blood alcohol concentrations in youngest than in adults. Vomiting, hypoglycemias, acidosis and hypothermias were the commonest symptoms in young teenagers intoxicated by alcohol, while 21 patients were unconscientious in the moment of admiting on Emergency Department. Dispite of a high proportion of severe intoxications all patients survived without any complications. Alcohol intoxication in children and adolescents is an increasing problem and intesive prevention strategies are required.

alcohol intoxication; adolescent

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