Utility of the peak expiratory flow rate in the differentiation of acute dyspnea: McNamara RM, Cionni DJ Chest 101:129–132 Jan 1992

✍ Scribed by Bryan D Goldberg

• Book ID: 104311335
• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1992
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 122 KB
• Volume: 21
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1097-6760
• DOI: 10.1016/s0196-0644(05)82806-9

✦ Synopsis

blood alcohol level above 100 mg/dL (15%); blood alcohol level below 100 mg/dL (13%); and no detectable blood alcohol level (72%). In the two groups with measurable levels, there was a significantly higher proportion of patients with an ISS of more than 10. However, no significant difference between the two groups of intoxicated patients existed. In addition, intoxicated patients had an increased number of head injuries (58% vs 31%; P< .0001) and higher death rates (13.3% vs 2.3%; P< .0001), and fewer were able to return home and care for themselves (54% vs 75%, P< .0001). Authors concluded that despite conflicting claims as to the effect of alcohol on trauma, it does appear that alcohol intoxication leads to a greater degree of morbidity and mortality in trauma patients. [Editor's note: Although not a definitive work, this study helps dispel the ridiculous notion that alcohol has a protective effect in trauma.]