Characteristics of sauna deaths in Korea in relation to different blood alcohol concentrations

Kyung-Moo Yang,Seong Ho Yoo,Bong-Woo Lee,Jaeseong Oh

doi:10.1007/s12024-018-9993-7

Abstract

Although the benefits of sauna bathing have been demonstrated in epidemiological studies, sauna deaths have been reported. The aim of this study was to determine the demographic and forensic characteristics associated with different blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) in sauna deaths in Korea. In this retrospective analysis, data were collected from a nationwide pool in Korea between January 2008 and December 2015 to determine the role of alcohol intoxication in sauna deaths based on the subjects’ BAC and to evaluate the demographic and forensic characteristics associated with different BACs. One hundred and three deaths were classified into 2 groups: the non-intoxication (NI) group (BAC,<0.08%; n = 27) and the intoxication (I) group (BAC,≥0.08%; n = 76). Demographic and forensic characteristics were compared between the groups using a multinomial logistic regression analysis. The proportions of decedents who were male (odds ratio: 17.4, 95.0% confidence interval: 3.8–79.8) and in a prone position at the scene of death (odds ratio: 11.3, 95.0% confidence interval: 2.1–60.1) were significantly higher (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, retrospectively) in the I group than in the NI group. However, no significant differences were observed with respect to obesity, coronary artery narrowing, and liver pathology. Sauna deaths exhibited different characteristics according to BACs detected at autopsy. The differences in sauna deaths between the I and NI groups may have implications for the targeted prevention of sauna deaths associated with alcohol consumption.

Highlights

Sauna bathing is a cultural tradition in Finland
Our study suggests that sauna deaths have different characteristics in the I and NI groups, according to blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) at autopsy
The results presented support evidence that sauna death is still undoubtedly a diagnosis of exclusion

Summary

Introduction

Sauna bathing is a cultural tradition in Finland. Regular sauna bathing is associated with a reduced risk of sudden cardiac death, fatal coronary heart disease, and all-cause mortality among the general population in Finland [1]. Koreans have believed that a hot sauna relieves fatigue and cures a hangover. Jjimjilbangs are public bathhouses furnished with showers, hot tubs, and a sauna, that have become part of the modern lifestyle in Korea. The sauna practices at jjimjilbangs are different from those in Finland in that many Koreans rest lying down on the sauna floor (which is made of stone or wood), because of the traditional custom of lying down on an ondol (stone floor) without beds. Due to the popularity of Korean jjimjilbangs, there is a risk of sauna deaths.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion