[Clinical characteristics and management of adolescents admitted to the emergency ward for alcohol intoxication in the region of The Hague during the period 1999-2001].
OBJECTIVE
To analyse the findings in adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 who were admitted to the emergency ward as a result of excessive alcohol consumption.


METHODS
Retrospective.


METHODS
The clinical characteristics, laboratory findings and treatment policy were studied in adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 who were admitted for alcohol intoxication (> or = 1/1000) to the emergency wards of Leiden University Medical Centre, Juliana Children's Hospital, Haaglanden Medical Centre (Westeinde location) or the Leyenburg Hospital (all hospitals in the area of The Hague, The Netherlands) during the period 1999-2001.


RESULTS
In the three successive years, the number of patients was 19, 18 and 51, respectively; there were a total of 58 boys and 30 girls. Laboratory determinations and other investigations were carried out and/or recorded in varying numbers of patients. The cause of the intoxication was usually the consumption of spirits together with friends; 60% of the patients had a Glasgow coma score < 15 and 30% were admitted to hospital. In 25% the visit to the emergency ward was preceded by an accident in which alcohol played a part. Little attention seems to have been paid to aftercare in the form of a follow-up visit.
Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum, afd. Kindergeneeskunde, Leiden. m.e.f.wilsterman@bkk.azg.nl
M E F
ME
Wilsterman
N
N
Dors
A J
AJ
Sprij
J M
JM
Wit
D000293:Adolescent; D000435:Alcoholic Intoxication / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006785:Hospitals, University / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D010343:Patient Admission / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors