THE DEATHS IN ACUTE ETHANOL INTOXICATION
Abstract:
Romania ranks among the first places in the European Union in terms of the amount of
alcohol consumed, harmful consumption pattern and alcohol-related mortality both in women and
men. The paper presents the results of a retrospective epidemiological inquiry over the deaths due to
acute alcohol intoxication (except physical violence), registered in the Forensic Service of Sibiu
County in a 10 year period. The results show that death from acute alcohol intoxication accounted for
4% of the violent deaths. Their frequency was 2-fold higher during the weekend and up to 5 times
higher during the cold periods of the year. Deaths are 7 times frequent among men and 3 times more
common among rural population. People aged 40-60 have a 3-fold higher risk of dying from alcohol
abuse. Hypothermia (in winter) and dilated cardiomyopathy are the main factors contributing when
acute intoxication is the main cause of death. Hypothermia and mechanical asphyxia by drowning
are the main causes of death when acute ethanol intoxication was a competitive factor.
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