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 (χ2 = 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 (χ2 = 23.19, P < .001, OR = 6.04, CI = 2.79–13.11) or having three or more lines and drinking during growth (χ2 = 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 (χ2 = 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.