Alcohol intoxication may be associated with reduced truncal injuries after blunt trauma

Abstract Background Prior studies suggest that positive blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is associated with lower mortality after motor vehicle collisions (MVCs). We investigated the relationship between increasing BAC and mortality after MVC. Methods A retrospective review of the Los Angeles Count...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The American journal of surgery 2015-07, Vol.210 (1), p.87-92
Main Authors: Liou, Douglas Z., M.D, Barmparas, Galinos, M.D, Zaw, Andrea, M.D, Bukur, Marko, M.D., F.A.C.S, Salim, Ali, M.D., F.A.C.S, Ley, Eric J., M.D., F.A.C.S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Accidents, Traffic - mortality
Adult
Alcohol intoxication
Alcohol use
Alcoholic Intoxication
Blunt trauma
Craniocerebral Trauma - mortality
Drunk driving
Fatalities
Female
Humans
Injury Severity Score
Male
Middle Aged
Motor vehicle collision
Retrospective Studies
Surgery
Torso - injuries
Traffic accidents & safety
Variance analysis
Wounds, Nonpenetrating - mortality
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Summary:Abstract Background Prior studies suggest that positive blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is associated with lower mortality after motor vehicle collisions (MVCs). We investigated the relationship between increasing BAC and mortality after MVC. Methods A retrospective review of the Los Angeles County trauma database from January 2003 to December 2008 was performed. MVC patients greater than or equal to 16 years of age with admission BAC were considered. Patients were stratified by BAC as follows: BAC0 (.32). Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of mortality. Results A total of 12,540 patients were included. Overall mortality rate was 2.2%. Mortality was lowest in BAC3 (1.6%) and BAC4 (1.3%), although the difference among all groups was not statistically significant ( P = .07). Decreased rates of Injury Severity Score greater than or equal to 16 were noted with increasing BAC, which was largely because of reduced chest and abdomen/pelvis Abbreviated Injury Scale. Adjusted mortality was lower in BAC3 and BAC4 (both adjusted odds ratio .4, P < .001). Conclusion A protective effect of alcohol after MVC may be related to decreased truncal injury burden rather than protection after head injury.
ISSN:0002-9610
1879-1883
DOI:10.1016/j.amjsurg.2014.11.015