Zeitschrift für Suchtforschung und -therapie

Abstrakt

Plasma Cortisol, Testosterone, Estradiol and Progesterone Levels in Children with Acute Alcohol Intoxication

Mailis Tonisson, Vallo Tillmann, Anne Kuudeberg and Marika Vali

Aim: To study the relationships among plasma testosterone, estradiol, progesterone and cortisol levels with plasma glucose, lactate, sodium, and potassium concentrations in children hospitalised with acute alcohol intoxication (AI).

Methods: Data was analysed from 264 children aged 8-17 years who were hospitalised at Estonia's two children's hospital over a three-year period. In each case, the on-call paediatrician completed a special form about the clinical symptoms of AI. A blood sample was taken and serum was analysed for testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, cortisol, glucose, lactate, sodium, and potassium levels.

Results: The most common finding was an increased level of cortisol in 77.7 percent of patients (N=205). Cortisol levels correlated positively with glucose levels (r=0.29; p<0.05) and progesterone levels (r=0.62; p<0.05) in girls. Three children had serum lactate level above critical 5 mmol/L.