The Medical journal of Australia
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This paper presents some preliminary findings from an epidemiological study of inpatients in Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in 1977. The sample included 457 patients. ⋯ The drinking habits of 30% of males and 9% of females placed them at risk. Some commonly used laboratory tests are evaluated.
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The history, rationale and implementation of legislation for compulsory blood alcohol tests on adult road crash casualties presenting at Victorian hospitals are reviewed. Drinking drivers admitted to casualty departments can now be identified and prosecuted; doctors can obtain blood alcohol test results on road crash casualties without threat of litigation; drinking drivers with alcohol problems may be directed to appropriate re-education or rehabilitation programmes; the opportunity also exists for treatment of non-driver casualties with alcohol problems. ⋯ Non-drivers had a slightly lower incidence of elevated alcohol concentrations. The implementation of further drink-driving countermeasures, expansion of services for the management of alcohol problems, and development of a national policy directed at prevention of alcohol abuse are recommended.
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Neuronal depigmentation, necrosis, and increased pigment (melanin) and iron depositions in the perivascular spaces have been observed in the substantia nigra in chronic alcoholics. Eosinophilic nuclear inclusions, the significance of which remains unclear, were noted with an increased frequency within the nuclei of the substantia nigra neurons.