Related Experiment Videos
Elevated blood ethanol levels caused by 'non-alcoholic' beer
1Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. dimartiniaf@msx.upmc.edu
Journal of Clinical Forensic Medicine
|September 1, 2004
Summary
Non-alcoholic beer can still lead to dangerous blood alcohol levels in patients with end-stage liver disease. This case highlights risks for alcoholic liver disease patients consuming even "alcohol-free" beverages.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Gastroenterology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Non-alcoholic beer is increasingly used as a substitute for regular beer.
- Clinicians sometimes recommend non-alcoholic beer for alcoholics at risk of relapse.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of significant blood alcohol accumulation in an end-stage liver disease patient consuming non-alcoholic beer.
Main Methods:
- Case report presentation.
- Monitoring of blood alcohol levels in a patient with alcoholic end-stage liver disease.
Main Results:
- A patient with end-stage liver disease achieved a blood alcohol level of 57 mg/dL.
- This occurred despite consuming only non-alcoholic beer.
Conclusions:
- Patients with alcoholic end-stage liver disease may accumulate substantial ethanol levels from non-alcoholic beer.
- Caution is advised when recommending non-alcoholic beer for this patient population.