Effect of intravenous fluid therapy for acute alcohol intoxication on length of time from arrival at the emergency department until awakening: A prospective observational cohort study

Aim To evaluate the association of intravenous fluid (IVF) therapy on the length of time from arrival at the emergency department (ED) until awakening in cases of acute alcohol intoxication. Methods This single‐center, prospective, observational study was conducted in the ED of the Self‐Defense Forces Central Hospital during October 1, 2018 to July 31, 2019. Patients with 1,000 mL bolus of lactated Ringer's solution and those without bolus were compared. The primary outcome was the length of time until awakening. Secondary outcomes were the length of stay in the ED and occurrence of conditions requiring extra care. Predictors of the occurrence of any event requiring extra care were identified. Results We included 201 patients, of whom 109 received IVF and 92 did not. No significant difference existed in the baseline characteristics between the groups. The median length of time until awakening did not significantly differ between the groups (P = 0.77). Multivariable regression analysis adjusted by age, sex, hemoglobin, blood alcohol concentration, and initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score demonstrated that the regression coefficient of IVF for length of time until awakening was −9.55 (95% confidence interval [CI], −36.2 to 17.2). Hemoglobin (regression coefficient, 10.1; 95% CI, 0.38–19.9) and initial GCS score (regression coefficient, −7.51; 95% CI, −10.8 to −4.21) were significantly associated with length of time. Conclusion IVF therapy was not associated with the length of time until awakening in patients with acute alcohol intoxication in the ED. Routine IVF administration was unnecessary.