Harris lines and ethanol consumption during growth period

Harris lines represent episodes of growth arrest followed by recovery, thus reflecting episodes of mismatched imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. Consumption of ethanol during the growth period — formerly extended in our wine-producing rural areas- may lead to such a situation, due at least in part to the energy-wasteful MEOS-linked ethanol metabolism. Based on these facts, in the present study we have analysed the relationship between ethanol intake during growth period and the presence of Harris lines in the right tibia in 100 consecutive adult patients admitted to our hospitalization unit. Early ethanol consumption was strongly related with the presence of two or more, and three or more Harris lines, so that ethanol consumption should be considered in the differential diagnosis of Harris lines, and conversely, the presence of Harris lines point to ethanol consumption during growth period. This association was independent from coexisting starvation and/or illness.