Association of Harris lines and shorter stature with ethanol consumption during growth.

Ethanol consumption may impair bone growth. Transverse radiopaque lines (Harris lines) have been interpreted as manifestations of bone growth arrest due to nutritional stress. It is possible that ethanol consumption during growth leads to Harris lines formation and to a shorter stature. Plain X-ray film of the right tibia was performed to 175 individuals, who were inquired about ethanol consumption, periods of perceived hunger, and protracted illness during growth period (from birth to 18 years of age). Stature was also recorded. Men who drank during growth showed a shorter stature than those who did not (t=3.65, P<.001). Differences were not statistically significant among women (t=0.95). Neither periods of perceived hunger nor illness were associated to differences in stature. Ethanol consumption during growth showed a significant association with the presence of Harris lines (chi(2)=15, P<.001, Odds Ratio [OR]=3.39, confidence interval [CI]=1.81-6.33), an association which was more marked between having two or more Harris lines and drinking during growth (chi(2)=23.19, P<.001, OR=6.04, CI=2.79-13.11) or having three or more lines and drinking during growth (chi(2)=15.93, P<.001, OR=7.41, CI=2.47-22.21). Periods of perceived hunger during growth were also related to the presence of two or more Harris lines (chi(2)=4.66, P=.031, OR=2.055, CI=1.065-3.965), but no association was observed between illness and Harris lines, two or more Harris lines, and three or more Harris lines. Multivariate analysis showed that only ethanol consumption during growth period was associated with Harris lines.

Rib fractures in chronic alcoholic men: Relationship with feeding habits, social problems, malnutrition, bone alterations, and liver dysfunction.

Rib fractures are common in alcoholics. This high prevalence might be due to ethanol-associated malnutrition, bone disease, liver dysfunction, or the peculiar lifestyle of the alcoholic with frequent trauma and altercations. In this study we try to discern the role of these factors on rib fracture (assessed on a plain thoracic X-ray film) in 81 consecutive alcoholic patients, 25 of them cirrhotics. Serum albumin, prothrombin aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type 1 collagen, osteocalcin, insulin growth factor 1, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, estradiol, free testosterone, and corticosterone were measured, and the patients also underwent assessment of bone mineral density by a HOLOGIC QDR-2000 bone densitometer (Waltham, MA, USA). Body mass index, triceps skinfold, and brachial perimeter were also determined, and the patients and their families were asked about tobacco consumption, social and familial links, consumption of ethanol by other members of the family, kind of job, and feeding habits. Forty-two male nondrinker sanitary workers of similar age served as controls. Forty of the 81 patients showed rib fractures. There was a statistically significant association between rib fractures and disruption of social and familial links, irregular feeding habits (in bars or pubs, not at home), ethanol consumption by close relatives, and intensity of tobacco consumption, but not between rib fractures and liver function tests, nutritional parameters, or bone mineral density, besides a nearly significant trend (p = .053) with the presence of osteopenia at the femoral neck. Patients with major withdrawal symptoms at admission also presented more frequent rib fractures. We conclude that rib fractures in alcoholics are related to the peculiar lifestyle of these patients rather than to bone alterations, liver dysfunction, or nutritional status.