HIDDEN ALCOHOL-ABUSE AMONG WOMEN

Seven years ago the authors examined 64 consecutive female out-patient s with macrocytosis (erythrocyte mean cell volume greater than or equa l to 100 fl). The cause remained undetermined in 23 (35.9%). Their pat ient histories were evaluated in 1992, and the new highly specific alc ohol marker, serum carbohydrate-deficient transferrin, from the frozen sera taken during the initial study was examined. It was elevated in 6 of the 23 women. Furthermore, four of these six had visited the heal th centre after 1985 and they all had clinical records indicative of a lcohol problems. Because early intervention has proved to be effective . information about the risks of alcohol abuse (intervention) should b e given to women with suspect alcohol-induced symptoms or signs.