Alcohol Use is Associated with Unplanned Hospital Events in Trauma Patients.

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Clinical Outcomes
• Public Health

Background:

• Alcohol consumption is common in US trauma patients.
• Alcohol's role during hospitalization for trauma is not well understood.
• This study investigates alcohol use and unplanned hospital events.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between alcohol use and unplanned hospital events in trauma patients.
• To identify specific indicators of alcohol use that correlate with adverse events.
• To inform clinical practice regarding screening and management.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program (2023).
• Utilized multivariable logistic regressions and Pearson chi-square tests.
• Assessed alcohol use via alcohol use disorder (AUD) comorbidity, blood alcohol level (BAL), and alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) diagnostic codes.

Main Results:

• Alcohol use disorder (AUD) was associated with increased odds of unplanned operating room trips (aOR 1.54), ICU admissions (aOR 2.14), and intubations (aOR 2.51).
• Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) showed strong associations with unplanned operating room trips (χ² = 557.3), ICU admissions (χ² = 6700.0), and intubations (χ² = 5900.0).
• Admission blood alcohol level (BAL) ≥ 0.08 showed smaller effects on unplanned events (e.g., unplanned intubation aOR: 1.15).

Conclusions:

• Alcohol use in trauma patients, indicated by BAL, AUD, or AWS, is significantly associated with unplanned hospital events.
• Implementing screening protocols for alcohol use may improve outcomes for trauma patients.
• Further research into the mechanisms linking alcohol use and adverse events is warranted.