Intravenous saline has no effect on blood ethanol clearance

For patients presenting to emergency departments with ethanol intoxication, intravenous (i.v.) fluids are initiated for varied reasons, This investiga tion determined the effect of i.v. fluid therapy on the rate of blood ethan ol clearance in such patients. Volunteers received a predetermined dose of ethanol on two separate occasions. On the second occasion, volunteers rapid ly received a liter of i.v, saline directly following ethanol ingestion. At intervals on both occasions, blood ethanol levels were estimated using a b reath analyzer. Using linear regression analysis, no difference was found i n rates of alcohol clearance with or without i.v, fluid intervention. The c ommon rate of clearance between both groups was 15 mg/dL/h (95% CI 12 to 18 ). We conclude that i.v. fluid therapy does not accelerate ethanol clearanc e in intoxicated patients. While such therapy may be justified for other re asons, practitioners are cautioned against initiating fluids in such patien ts solely to expedite ethanol elimination. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc.