Abstract : BACKGROUND Excessive alcohol consumption is ingrained in Irish society and is known to have signifi
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Abstract : BACKGROUND Excessive alcohol consumption is ingrained in Irish society and is known to have significant adverse health consequences including adverse outcomes for critically ill patients. Previous assessments of alcohol-related intensive care unit (ICU) admissions were felt to have underestimated the scale of this problem.|AIMS A study was designed to objectively measure alcohol-related ICU workload.|METHODS We prospectively recorded the number of patients who were admitted to St Jamess Hospital ICU as a result of alcohol misuse during a 6-month period in 2008. Admission diagnosis Acute physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Score 2 (APACHE 2) ICU length of stay and 30-day mortality were recorded.|RESULTS The study group occupied 16.7 of the total available ICU bed-days experienced longer stays and higher mortality.|CONCLUSION: This study adds to the data available on the scale of alcohol-related problems amongst Irish healthcare system patients. Prioritisation of primary preventative strategies is necessary.|
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