Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026

The Use of Trace Eyeblink Classical Conditioning to Assess Hippocampal Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Published on: August 5, 2017
Children presenting to hospital with acute alcohol intoxication
1Department of Anaesthetics, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia. researchorg@aol.com
Insights
This study found that children are presenting to hospitals with severe alcohol intoxication, often consuming spirits. Urgent measures are needed to address children's easy access to alcohol.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Alcohol intoxication in children is a significant public health concern.
- Previous research indicates a need to understand the scope of this issue in emergency settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and characteristics of pediatric alcohol intoxication cases presenting to hospitals.
- To identify factors associated with severe intoxication and injuries in affected children.
Main Methods:
- An 18-month observational study was conducted.
- Data collected included blood alcohol levels (BALs), Glasgow Coma Scores, and injury assessments.
- The study was part of a multicenter injury prevention project.
Main Results:
- 62 children with a mean age of 14.5 years presented with alcohol intoxication (mean BAL 203 mg/dl).
- 90% of children had BALs above the UK legal driving limit.
- Injuries, primarily minor head injuries from falls, were present in 34% of cases.
Conclusions:
- Confirms significant alcohol consumption among young children requiring hospital care.
- Highlights the urgent need for interventions to prevent pediatric alcohol intoxication.
- Emphasizes the importance of addressing children's access to alcohol.
Aims:
To investigate the problem of children presenting to hospital with alcohol intoxication.
Methods:
An observational study was conducted over 18 months profiling children who presented to hospital with acute alcohol intoxication, proved by laboratory tests on blood alcohol levels (BALs). The study was part of a multicentre-funded injury prevention project based on the widely accepted Canadian Hospital Injury Reporting and Prevention Programme.
Results:
62 children (31 boys), mean age 14.5 years, presented with alcohol intoxication proved by BALs. The mean BAL was 203 mg/dl (standard deviation (SD) 80.7). As a point of reference, 56 (90%) children had BAL above the UK legal driving limit of 80 mg/dl. The most common type of alcohol consumed was spirits, in the form of whisky, gin, vodka and tequila. No significant association was seen between age and BAL. Children with high alcohol levels were much more likely to have lower Glasgow Coma Scores (p<0.001), but in contrast with conventional teaching, there was no association between blood glucose levels and BALs. The median Glasgow Coma Score on admission to the emergency department was 12. 15 (24%) children had a score < or = 8/15. Injuries were present in 21 (34%) children, most of which were minor injuries. Minor head injury was most common, accounting for 42% of the injuries. The most common cause of injury was a fall.
Discussion:
The results of this study confirm the heavy use of alcohol by some young children. This highlights a definite problem, which needs to be dealt with by a variety of measures, giving particular consideration to the ease of access to alcohol by children.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine
SBAR II: Application of SBAR
SBAR Report from a Nurse to a Health Care Provider
S: "Hello, Dr. Smith. This is Jane, RN, from the Med Surg unit. I am calling to tell you about Ms. White in Room 210, who is experiencing increased pain and redness at her incision site. Her recent...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption
Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies
Drug Dosing: Infants and Children

