Alcohol Poisoning in Toxicology Center of East Azarbaijan Province of Iran

Abstract

Aim: The prevalence of alcohol poisoning is increasing in Iran but there is not enough information regarding the relationship between the prevalence of alcohol abuse and demographic variables. We aimed to obtain data regarding the epidemiological aspect of alcohol abuse and its treatment methods and the fate of alcohol-poisoned patients. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on alcohol-poisoned patients who were referred to the Emergency Department of Sina Hospital from October 2011 to April 2012. Gender, age, marital status, social habit, type of alcohol consumed, time of alcohol consumption, chief complication, and type of treatment, and finally the outcomes of patients were recorded. Results: There were 30 alcohol-poisoned patients during this period, including 29 males and only one female with a mean age of 37.6 years. Clinically, 66.6%, 56.7%, 56.6%, and 23.3% of the patients suffered from metabolic acidosis, consciousness and visual disturbances, and respiratory distress, respectively. In this study, 73.3% of the hospitalized patients underwent dialysis, 6.7% of the patients received ethanol or charcoal, 13.3% of the patients received ethanol and folic acid or other treatments, and 6.7% of the patients underwent intubation. Complete recovery was observed in 70% of the treated patients, while 16.7% of the patients experienced partial recovery and 13.3% of the patients died. Conclusion: This study shows that in case of alcohol overdose or toxic level, we must take into account methanol and related side-effects, particularly in the patients who consume home-made alcohol.