McKenny, M and O'Beirne, S and Fagan, C and O'Connell, M (2010) Alcohol-related admissions to an intensive care unit in Dublin. Irish Journal of Medical Science, 179, (3), pp. 405-408. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-010-0498-y.
External website: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11845-0...
BACKGROUND: Excessive alcohol consumption is ingrained in Irish society and is known to have significant adverse health consequences, including adverse outcomes for critically ill patients. Previous assessments of alcohol-related intensive care unit (ICU) admissions were felt to have underestimated the scale of this problem.
AIMS: A study was designed to objectively measure alcohol-related ICU workload.
METHODS: We prospectively recorded the number of patients who were admitted to St James's Hospital ICU as a result of alcohol misuse during a 6-month period in 2008. Admission diagnosis, Acute physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Score 2 (APACHE 2), ICU length of stay and 30-day mortality were recorded. RESULTS: The study group occupied 16.7% of the total available ICU bed-days, experienced longer stays and higher mortality.
CONCLUSION: This study adds to the data available on the scale of alcohol-related problems amongst Irish healthcare system patients. Prioritisation of primary preventative strategies is necessary.
B Substances > Alcohol
G Health and disease > State of health > Physical health
G Health and disease > Digestive system disease > Liver disease
G Health and disease > Digestive system disease > Liver disease > Liver cirrhosis
J Health care, prevention, harm reduction and treatment > Type of care > Emergency care
J Health care, prevention, harm reduction and treatment > Health care programme, service or facility > Hospital
VA Geographic area > Europe > Ireland
VA Geographic area > Europe > Ireland > Dublin
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