[Acute ethanol intoxication among children and adolescents in Hamburg, Germany]

By using an anonymous postcard reporting system, data of n=358 children, adolescents, and young adults who were treated in 26 emergency departments because of acute alcohol intoxication were collected. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of acute alcohol intoxications in Hamburg, compare these data with the official hospital diagnosis register, and analyze the circumstances that led to the intoxication. A total of 358 cases were reported by the postcard system. Age ranged from 11-21 years, with 64.5% being 14-17 years old. Data were collected in the municipal area of Hamburg during the calendar year of 2008. The percentage of female patients was 65.6% in the age group from 11-17 years and decreased in the age group of patients being 18 years and older. A vast majority of patients were admitted by ambulance and were reported as being a"first offender". On average, male patients showed a higher level of blood alcohol when being admitted (2.02 ‰) than female patients (1.76 ‰). The older the age group, the higher the blood alcohol level. Among drinking circumstances, the situation"drank together with friends" was most frequently reported. In comparison with the official hospital diagnosis register, prevalence was 31.6% higher. This could mean that the prevalence reported in the official hospital diagnosis register is an underestimation of the actual case numbers.