[Acute alcoholic intoxication--risk of complications]

Alcohol intoxication is the commonest cause of unconsciousness among patients admitted to hospital. Studies have shown that, of all acute admissions to medical wards, approximately 20 per cent are patients who are intoxicated or have alcohol-related damage. A study cited in the article showed patients in deep stupor generally to have a blood alcohol concentration above 70 mmol/l, and to be at increased risk of respiratory complications and aspiration of regurgitated stomach content. In cases of severe alcohol intoxication, treatment includes the following: freeing of the airways, perhaps combined with respiratory support; tracheobronchial lavage and aspiration, followed by antibiotic treatment; liberal parenteral thiamine administration; cramp, hypoglycaemia and muscle damage may require special measures; in the acute stage, cardiac arrhythmia usually normalizes without special antiarrhythmic treatment.