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A "back door" approach to analysis of ethanol-associated risks and behavior
R Hanzlick1, C Hawkins, A Hammami
1Department of Pathology, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.
The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
|December 1, 1988
Summary
High serum alcohol concentrations (SACs) significantly increase the risk of traumatic death. Specific SAC ranges correlate with different behaviors and death circumstances, necessitating careful interpretation in forensic investigations.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Public Health
- Accident Prevention
Background:
- Ethanol is frequently detected in medical examiner cases, impacting both natural and non-natural deaths.
- Elevated serum alcohol concentrations (SACs) are associated with increased likelihood of death from external causes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate ethanol-related risk factors and behaviors in medical examiner cases.
- To clarify the relationship between specific serum alcohol concentrations (SACs) and causes of death.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 149 medical examiner cases positive for ethanol and negative for major drugs of abuse.
- Correlation of serum alcohol concentrations (SACs) with death circumstances, including traumatic events and behaviors.
Main Results:
- SACs between 201 mg% and 300 mg% represent a high-risk factor for sudden, unexpected traumatic death.
- Low SACs (<100 mg%) were infrequently associated with traumatic deaths; interpretation requires caution.
- Behavioral patterns (active vs. sedentary) varied with SAC levels, with higher concentrations linked to more active situations up to 350 mg%.
Conclusions:
- Serum alcohol concentration is a critical factor in assessing the cause and manner of death.
- Specific SAC ranges provide insights into risk factors for traumatic fatalities and associated behaviors.
- Very high SACs (>350 mg%) in suicide or driver fatalities warrant further investigation to exclude other causes.