Background
Acute alcoholic intoxication patients (AAIP) are a common public health problem. The aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive laboratory analysis for these patients to investigate the co-morbid medical problem.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed laboratory findings of AAIP who were transferred to the emergency department (ED) from January 2017 to June 2017.
Results
A total of 160 male patients were enrolled. Sixteen patients (16/160, 10.0%) and three patients (3/160, 1.9%) had macrocytic anemia and microcytic anemia, respectively. A total of 33 patients (33/160, 20.6%) showed thrombocytopenia (<150×109 /L). Twelve patients (12/159, 7.5%) showed low serum albumin level (<3.5 g/dL). Three patients (3/160, 1.9%) had chronic kidney disease stages 3–4 based on estimated glomerular filtration rate. Six patients (6/27, 22.2%) had high hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level (>7.0%). Positive rates of hepatitis B surface antigen and antiHBs antibody (anti-HBs Ab) were 3.5% (5/141) and 49.0% (68/141), respectively.
Conclusion
Patients with AAIP who were transferred to ED had various laboratory abnormalities (anemia, thrombocytopenia, high HbA1c). They had low positive rate of anti-HBs Ab. This might be a public health problem, suggesting the need of hepatitis B virus vaccination program for AAIP. Our data suggest the need of further nationwide studies.

Citations

• Efficiency of Flossing Technique Application among Dental Students at Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  Rakan S Shaheen, Mohammed M Aldosari, Humod A Altuwaijri, Faris T Arnous, Abdullah A Alamro, Rayan A Almarshedi
  Journal of Oral Health and Community Dentistry.2019; 13(3): 63.     CrossRef

Background
: Although caffeine is commonly consumed substance and not seriously harmful as compared to alcohol and nicotine, Korea is planning to mark on the products which contain caffeine above a definite level with "containing large amounts caffeine". At this point in time, the study concerning caffeine related symptoms is in need.

Methods : After surveying university students by using self-administered questionnaires based on DSM-IV substance related disorder, healthy 810 subjects were assessed for socio-demographic characteristics and features of caffeine intake and its dependence, withdrawal, and intoxication.

Results : The mean amount of caffeine consumption in 810 subjects was 120.49 mg (median=93.0) per day. The major features of caffeine dependence were as follows: tolerance (61.1%), withdrawal (46.3%), using more or longer than intended (46.0%), and unsuccessful attempt to cut down or control use (12.6%). The prevalence was increased by daily caffeine consumption. Among 711 subjects who had experienced no caffeine consumption over 24 hours {amount of daily caffeine consumption was 116.0 mg (median=86.5)}, 6.19% showed significant distress in usual activity, and 22.1% used caffeine contents to avoid withdrawal symptoms. The prevalence of caffeine withdrawal based on DSM-IV research criteria was 2.67% and the frequency for symptoms were as follows: fatigue (37.7%), drowsiness (17.6%), headache (14.5%), an anxiety (8.3%). In addition, the prevalence of caffeine intoxication was 2.1% and the frequency for symptoms were as follows: insomnia (41.9%), diuresis (35.8%), tachycardia (26.7%), and gastrointestinal disturbance (23.3%).

Conclusion : The unwanted symptoms related to caffeine withdrawal or intoxication were common in students using caffeine. Therefore, major features of caffeine-related symptoms should be considered in primary care practice.