[Frequently misinterpreted: blood alcohol concentrations in (sudden) natural and unnatural death].
The aim of our study was to gain more knowledge about the significance of acute alcoholization at the moment of death. The blood-alcohol concentrations of all sudden unexpected and nonnatural fatalities that were investigated at the Institute of Legal Medicine in Hamburg (5044 fatalities with an age below 60 years: 1177 females, 3867 males) were tested in a prospective 5-year-series (1989-1993). Measurable blood-alcohol concentrations (at least > or = 0.1 / 1000) were found in 30.2% of all deceased. Higher concentrations of > 2 / 1000 existed in 436 cases (8.6%). Alcohol prevalence and the amount of alcoholization are discussed with respect to age, sex and the manner of death (sudden natural death, accident, suicide, homicide). Alcohol as a relevant factor in sudden/unexpected death and nonnatural death seems to be underestimated. Only a small proportion of these cases are elucidated by way of routine police investigations or by the insurance companies.
Lockemann
U
U
Institut für Rechtsmedizin der Universität Hamburg.
Heinemann
A
A
Wischhusen
F
F
Ewerwahn
J
J
Püschel
K
K
D000328:Adult; D000435:Alcoholic Intoxication / Q000097:blood / Q000401:mortality*; D002423:Cause of Death; D003645:Death, Sudden / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D000431:Ethanol / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D000431:Ethanol