Evolution of patients visiting the emergency department due to alcohol intoxication

Background: Only a few studies investigated the evolution of characteristics patients presenting at emergency department (ED) due to alcohol intoxication. The aim this study was investigate three patient characteristics: age, gender, and blood concentration (BAC). Methods: A retrospective review medical records visiting ED two large university hospitals in Belgium performed. All older than 16 years, with primary diagnosis intoxication 2009 were compared those 2014. Results: Both had marked increase visits Male-to-female ratio one hospital showed redistribution toward women, whereas remained stable other hospital. Average BAC both sexes hospitals. More severe BAC-levels (>3 g/l) diminished male but kept women. no change more sexes. Conclusion: Since total consumption decreased, number intoxicated increased hospitals, there probably has been pattern. Changes still turns out be demographic dependent, since tendency young could only observed Implementing screening method for abuse should considered ED.