[Prognosis in severe alcoholic intoxication].

Out of 489 patients admitted to the poisoning treatment centre in 1986, 122 had serum ethanol values of greater than or equal to 66 mmol/l (0.3 per cent). 55% of the patients were men and 45% women. 69.1% of this fraction was in the age range 30-49 years. Verbal contact could be achieved in 69.9%. 4.9% of the selected patients had systolic blood pressures of less than 90 mmHg. 0.8% had rectal temperatures of less than 36.5 degrees C. Aspiration of the gastric contents was performed in 63%. Tracheal tubes were inserted in 6.6% and three of the patients required ventilation. A woman of 36 years with a serum ethanol value of 0.32% died. 58.5% were alcohol addicts, among these 64% were males. 53% had psychiatric histories. The average stay was 1.0 days. Signs of serious poisoning were rare and therapeutic problems moderate. Contrary to what might be expected, no excess of non-abusers was found among the patients without verbal contact. The importance of close observation of persons with severe alcohol poisoning is emphasized.