International journal of environmental research and public health
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Int J Environ Res Public Health · Sep 2009
Alcohol consumption and development of acute respiratory distress syndrome: a population-based study.
This retrospective population-based study evaluated the effects of alcohol consumption on the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Alcohol consumption was quantified based on patient and/or family provided information at the time of hospital admission. ARDS was defined according to American-European consensus conference (AECC). ⋯ A history of significant alcohol consumption (more than two drinks per day) was reported in 97 (7%) of patients. When adjusted for underlying ARDS risk factors (aspiration, chemotherapy, high-risk surgery, pancreatitis, sepsis, shock), smoking, cirrhosis and gender, history of significant alcohol consumption was associated with increased risk of ARDS development (odds ratio 2.9, 95% CI 1.3-6.2). This population-based study confirmed that excessive alcohol consumption is associated with higher risk of ARDS.