Self-administered ethanol enema causing accidental death.

Bryan S Judge,Landen Rentmeester,Stephen D Cohle,Jeffrey S Jones,Thomas Peterson

doi:10.1155/2014/191237

Abstract

Excessive ethanol consumption is a leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Much of the harm from ethanol comes from those who engage in excessive or hazardous drinking. Rectal absorption of ethanol bypasses the first pass metabolic effect, allowing for a higher concentration of blood ethanol to occur for a given volume of solution and, consequently, greater potential for central nervous system depression. However, accidental death is extremely rare with rectal administration. This case report describes an individual with klismaphilia whose death resulted from acute ethanol intoxication by rectal absorption of a wine enema.

Highlights

One-third of US adults consume enough alcoholic beverages to cause or place them at risk of adverse consequences
The only reported fatality was similar to our case: acute ethanol intoxication by rectal absorption of a wine enema [13]
Despite the plethora of alcoholic beverages available to the public, one common factor is the fact that they are all manufactured for oral consumption

Summary

Introduction

One-third of US adults consume enough alcoholic beverages to cause or place them at risk of adverse consequences. Most binge drinkers are not ethanol dependent, and they often engage in this health risk behavior without realizing the problems associated with drinking excessively [1] Reckless behaviors such as combining ethanol with prescription drugs or ingesting ethanol through the rectum increase the effects of ethanol and can pose even greater risks than binge drinking. It is unclear when ethanol enemas first appeared or how frequently they are being used. Some participants may be under the impression that this practice prevents vomiting and hangovers; others are unable to ingest ethanol orally because of painful gastrointestinal ailments [2] Another group using ethanol enemas practice klismaphilia, receiving sexual arousal from introducing liquids into the rectum and colon via the anus. Hemandas and colleagues note that the incidence of complications due to enema overuse and abuse may increase due to increasing popularity of various erotic practices and sexual exploration [4]

Case Presentation

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion