| Emergency physicians' opinions on the use of intravenous fluids to treat patients intoxicated with ethanol (alcohol): attitudes of emergency medicine physicians in the North East of England toward the use of intravenous fluids to treat individuals intoxicated with ethanol (alcohol) attending the emergency department compared with the scientific evidence. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 22134421 Owner: NLM Status: Publisher |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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OBJECTIVES: There is an apparent conflict between published evidence and UK emergency medicine (EM) physician practice with regard to the use of intravenous fluids to treat patients intoxicated with alcohol. We conducted a survey of all EM physicians in North East (NE) England to determine opinion with regard to this therapy, and compared this with the available evidence for its benefit. METHODS: We identified 136 EM consultants and trainees in NE England. Each one was contacted and asked to complete a questionnaire with regard to their opinion on the use of intravenous fluids for intoxicated patients, both with and without head injury. RESULTS: The majority (73%) of EM physicians in the NE England use intravenous fluids in their treatment of intoxicated patients. The treatment used varies, but the most commonly used fluid is 0.9% saline (volume range, 500-3000 ml; mean, 1300 ml). Fewer respondents (52%) would use intravenous fluids if the patient had suffered an apparent head injury. CONCLUSION: The use of intravenous fluids to treat intoxication is common practice among EM physicians in NE England. The available literature states that this practice is futile. However, there are significant limitations in these studies. This suggests that EM physicians might be using intravenous fluids therapy (IVT) because they are finding in their own practice it is effective. We hypothesize that IVT should improve care in most intoxicated patients as the result of a direct dilutional effect. Further research is required to establish the validity of existing EM physician's practice of using IVT. |
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Authors:
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Paul N Hindmarch; Steven Land; John Wright |
Publication Detail:
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Type: JOURNAL ARTICLE Date: 2011-11-29 |
Journal Detail:
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Title: European journal of emergency medicine : official journal of the European Society for Emergency Medicine Volume: - ISSN: 1473-5695 ISO Abbreviation: - Publication Date: 2011 Nov |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2011-12-2 Completed Date: - Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 9442482 Medline TA: Eur J Emerg Med Country: - |
Other Details:
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Languages: ENG Pagination: - Citation Subset: - |
Affiliation:
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aClinical Research Facility, Clinical Deanery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place bEmergency Department, Royal Victoria Infirmary, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. |
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