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Gottlieb M, Chien N, Long B. Managing Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome. Ann Emerg Med 2024; 84:29-39. [PMID: 38530674 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2024.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Gottlieb
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL.
| | - Nicholas Chien
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Brit Long
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, TX
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Ronan MV, Gordon KS, Skanderson M, Krug M, Godwin P, Heppe D, Hoegh M, Boggan JC, Gutierrez J, Kaboli P, Pescetto M, Guidry M, Caldwell P, Mitchell C, Ehlers E, Allaudeen N, Cyr J, Smeraglio A, Yarbrough P, Rose R, Jagannath A, Vargas J, Cornia PB, Shah M, Tuck M, Arundel C, Laudate J, Elzweig J, Rodwin B, Akwe J, Trubitt M, Gunderson CG. Contemporary Management and Outcomes of Veterans Hospitalized With Alcohol Withdrawal: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study. J Addict Med 2024:01271255-990000000-00294. [PMID: 38452185 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000001297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Few studies describe contemporary alcohol withdrawal management in hospitalized settings or review current practices considering the guidelines by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients hospitalized with alcohol withdrawal on medical or surgical wards in 19 Veteran Health Administration (VHA) hospitals between October 1, 2018, and September 30, 2019. Demographic and comorbidity data were obtained from the Veteran Health Administration Corporate Data Warehouse. Inpatient management and hospital outcomes were obtained by chart review. Factors associated with treatment duration and complicated withdrawal were examined. RESULTS Of the 594 patients included in this study, 51% were managed with symptom-triggered therapy alone, 26% with fixed dose plus symptom-triggered therapy, 10% with front loading regimens plus symptom-triggered therapy, and 3% with fixed dose alone. The most common medication given was lorazepam (87%) followed by chlordiazepoxide (33%), diazepam (14%), and phenobarbital (6%). Symptom-triggered therapy alone (relative risk [RR], 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.57-0.80) and front loading with symptom-triggered therapy (RR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.62-0.92) were associated with reduced treatment duration. Lorazepam (RR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.02-1.41) and phenobarbital (RR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.06-1.54) were associated with increased treatment duration. Lorazepam (adjusted odds ratio, 4.30; 95% CI, 1.05-17.63) and phenobarbital (adjusted odds ratio, 6.51; 95% CI, 2.08-20.40) were also associated with complicated withdrawal. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our results support guidelines by the ASAM to manage patients with long-acting benzodiazepines using symptom-triggered therapy. Health care systems that are using shorter acting benzodiazepines and fixed-dose regimens should consider updating alcohol withdrawal management pathways to follow ASAM recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew V Ronan
- From the Medical Service, GIM Section, VA Boston Healthcare System, West Roxbury, MA (MR); Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (MR); VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT (KSG, M Skanderson, BR, CGG); Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT (KSG, BR, CGG); Medical Service, Boise VA Medical Center, Boise, ID (MK); University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA (MK, PBC, M Shah); Medical Service, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL (PG); University of Illinois, College of Medicine, Chicago, IL (PG); VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora, CO (DH, MH); Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO (DH, MH); Medical Service, Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, NC (JCB); Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC (JCB); Section of Hospital Medicine, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Iowa City, IA (JG, PK); Department of Medicine, University of Iowa Health Care, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA (JG, PK); Medical Service, VA Kansas City Health Care, Kansas City, MO (MP); Medical Service, New Orleans VA Medical Center, New Orleans, LA (MG, PC); Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA (MG, PC); Medical Service, Veteran Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE (CM, EE); University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Medicine, Omaha, NE (EE); Medical Service, VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA (NA); Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA (NA); Medical Service, Pittsburgh VA Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA (JC); Pittsburgh University School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA (JC); Medical Service, VA Portland Healthcare System, Portland, OR (AS, AJ); Oregon Health and Science University, School of Medicine, Portland, OR (AS, AJ); Medical Service, Salt Lake City VA Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT (PY, RR); University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT (PY, RR); Medical Service, San Diego VA Medical Center, San Diego, CA (JV); Medical Service, VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA (PBC, M Shah); Medical Service, VA Washington DC Health Care System, Washington, DC (MT, CA); George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC (MT); Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC (CA); Medical Service, White River Junction VA Medical Center, White River Junction, VT (JL, JE); Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH (JL, JE); Medical Service, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, GA (JA, MT); Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA (JA, MT)
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Korkmaz ŞA, Aldemir E, Güleç Öyekçin D. Successful treatment of severe alcohol withdrawal delirium with very high-dose diazepam (260-480 mg) administration. Curr Med Res Opin 2024; 40:517-521. [PMID: 38300249 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2024.2313687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alcohol withdrawal delirium, commonly known as "delirium tremens (DT)", is the most severe clinical condition of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). Symptoms of DT include changes in consciousness and cognitive and perceptual impairments that fluctuate during the day. Treatment includes general support, such as helping the patient to re-orientate, close monitoring of vital signs and adequate hydration, and symptomatic treatment for agitation, autonomic instability, and hallucinations. In symptomatic treatment of DT, benzodiazepines are most commonly preferred due to their GABA-ergic effects. Diazepam, a benzodiazepine, has a faster onset of action than other benzodiazepines when administered intravenously (iv) and effectively controls symptoms. Although low doses of diazepam usually relieve DT symptoms, very high doses may be required in some patients. This case series discusses patients receiving high doses of diazepam to relieve DT symptoms. CASE REPORT Four male patients aged from 43 to 57 years who regularly consumed alcohol with a daily average of 20-100 standard drinks and developed DT afterwards and were followed up in the intensive care unit are presented. In these patients, the symptoms of DT were relieved, and somnolence was achieved with the administration of very high-dose IV diazepam (260-480 mg/day), contrary to routine treatment doses. All patients were successfully treated and discharged without any morbidity. CONCLUSION Severe AWS can potentially result in death otherwise managed quickly and adequately. Diazepam is a suitable agent for severe AWS or DT treatment. Clinicians should keep in mind that high-dose diazepam treatment may be required in the treatment of DT that develops after a long-term and high amount of alcohol consumption. Publications reporting the need for very high doses of diazepam in DT are limited and usually published long ago; in this context, our findings are significant. The evidence is often based on case reports and uncontrolled studies, so controlled trials are needed to determine optimal treatment doses in severe DT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Şükrü Alperen Korkmaz
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey
| | - Ebru Aldemir
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, İzmir Tınaztepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Demet Güleç Öyekçin
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey
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Unlu H, Macaron MM, Ayraler Taner H, Kaba D, Akin Sari B, Schneekloth TD, Leggio L, Abulseoud OA. Sex difference in alcohol withdrawal syndrome: a scoping review of clinical studies. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1266424. [PMID: 37810604 PMCID: PMC10556532 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1266424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background We conducted a review of all studies comparing clinical aspects of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) between men and women. Methods Five databases (PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, Scopus and Clinical Trials) were searched for clinical studies using the keywords "alcohol withdrawal syndrome" or "delirium tremens" limited to "sex" or "gender" or "sex difference" or "gender difference." The search was conducted on May 19, 2023. Two reviewers selected studies including both male and female patients with AWS, and they compared males and females in type of AWS symptoms, clinical course, complications, and treatment outcome. Results Thirty-five observational studies were included with a total of 318,730 participants of which 75,346 had AWS. In twenty of the studies, the number of patients presenting with or developing AWS was separated by sex, resulting in a total of 8,159 (12.5%) female patients and a total of 56,928 (87.5%) male patients. Despite inconsistent results, males were more likely than females to develop complicated AWS [delirium tremens (DT) and AW seizures, collective DT in Males vs. females: 1,792 (85.4%) vs. 307 (14.6%), and collective seizures in males vs. females: 294 (78%) vs. 82 (22%)]. The rates of ICU admissions and hospital length of stay did not show sex differences. Although variable across studies, compared to females, males received benzodiazepine treatment at higher frequency and dose. One study reported that the time from first hospitalization for AWS to death was approximately 1.5 years shorter for males and males had higher mortality rate [19.5% (197/1,016)] compared to females [16% (26/163)]. Conclusion Despite the significant heterogeneity of the studies selected and the lack of a focus on investigating potential sex differences, this review of clinical studies on AWS suggests that men and women exhibit different AWS manifestations. Large-scale studies focusing specifically on investigating sex difference in AWS are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayrunnisa Unlu
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, United States
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Baskent University School of Medicine Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Hande Ayraler Taner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Baskent University School of Medicine Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Duygu Kaba
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Baskent University School of Medicine Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Burcu Akin Sari
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Baskent University School of Medicine Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Terry D. Schneekloth
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Section on Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Osama A. Abulseoud
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, United States
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Marti-Aguado D, Gougol A, Gomez-Medina C, Jamali A, Abo-Zed A, Morales-Arraez D, Jimenez-Sosa A, Burns K, Bawa A, Hernández A, Pujol C, Alvarado-Tapias E, Szafranska J, Chiu WK, Villagrasa A, Ventura-Cots M, Gandicheruvu H, Lluch P, Chen HW, Rachakonda V, Duarte-Rojo A, Bataller R. Prevalence and clinical impact of alcohol withdrawal syndrome in alcohol-associated hepatitis and the potential role of prophylaxis: a multinational, retrospective cohort study. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 61:102046. [PMID: 37415844 PMCID: PMC10319982 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence and impact of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) in patients with alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) are unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence, predictors, management, and clinical impact of AWS in patients hospitalized with AH. Methods A multinational, retrospective cohort study enrolling patients hospitalized with AH at 5 medical centres in Spain and in the USA was performed between January 1st, 2016 to January 31st, 2021. Data were retrospectively retrieved from electronic health records. Diagnosis of AWS was based on clinical criteria and use of sedatives to control AWS symptoms. The primary outcome was mortality. Multivariable models controlling for demographic variables and disease severity were performed to determine predictors of AWS (adjusted odds ratio [OR]) and the impact of AWS condition and management on clinical outcomes (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]). Findings In total, 432 patients were included. The median MELD score at admission was 21.9 (18.3-27.3). The overall prevalence of AWS was 32%. Lower platelet levels (OR = 1.61, 95% CI 1.05-2.48) and previous history of AWS (OR = 2.09, 95% CI 1.31-3.33) were associated with a higher rate of incident AWS, whereas the use of prophylaxis decreased the risk (OR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.36-0.93). The use of intravenous benzodiazepines (HR = 2.18, 95% CI 1.02-4.64) and phenobarbital (HR = 2.99, 95% CI 1.07-8.37) for AWS treatment were independently associated with a higher mortality. The development of AWS increased the rate of infections (OR = 2.24, 95% CI 1.44-3.49), the need for mechanical ventilation (OR = 2.49, 95% CI 1.38-4.49), and ICU admission (OR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.19-3.23). Finally, AWS was associated with higher 28-day (HR = 2.31, 95% CI 1.40-3.82), 90-day (HR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.18-2.69), and 180-day mortality (HR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.06-2.24). Interpretation AWS commonly occurs in patients hospitalized with AH and complicates the hospitalization course. Routine prophylaxis is associated with a lower prevalence of AWS. Prospective studies should determine diagnostic criteria and prophylaxis regimens for AWS management in patients with AH. Funding This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Marti-Aguado
- Center for Liver Diseases, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Digestive Disease Department, Clinic University Hospital, Biomedical Research Institute (INCLIVA), Valencia, Spain
| | - Amir Gougol
- Center for Liver Diseases, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Concepcion Gomez-Medina
- Digestive Disease Department, Clinic University Hospital, Biomedical Research Institute (INCLIVA), Valencia, Spain
| | - Arsia Jamali
- Center for Liver Diseases, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Abdelrhman Abo-Zed
- Center for Liver Diseases, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Dalia Morales-Arraez
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Alejandro Jimenez-Sosa
- Statistical Consultant Research Unit, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Keith Burns
- Center for Liver Diseases, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Aditi Bawa
- Center for Liver Diseases, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Anjara Hernández
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Claudia Pujol
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Institut de Recerca Sant Pau, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Edilmar Alvarado-Tapias
- Center for Liver Diseases, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Institut de Recerca Sant Pau, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Justyna Szafranska
- Department of Pathology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Wai Kan Chiu
- Center for Liver Diseases, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ares Villagrasa
- Liver Unit, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Ventura-Cots
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Liver Unit, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Haritha Gandicheruvu
- Center for Liver Diseases, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Paloma Lluch
- Digestive Disease Department, Clinic University Hospital, Biomedical Research Institute (INCLIVA), Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | - Andres Duarte-Rojo
- Center for Liver Diseases, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ramon Bataller
- Center for Liver Diseases, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
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Yıldırım YE, Umut G, Evren C, Yeral E, Secerli H. Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of delirium tremens in hospitalized patients with alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol 2023; 109:43-48. [PMID: 36709009 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2022.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Delirium Tremens (DT) is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that can be fatal if not recognized early and treated appropriately. In our study, we aimed to determine the role of Neutrophil-Lymphocyte ratio (NLR), a marker of systemic inflammation, in predicting the development of DT. This retrospective study was conducted in an alcohol and drug treatment center between March 2017 and March 2020. A total of 212 patients with a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder who were admitted to a special care unit after alcohol withdrawal were included. Blood tests were collected within 24 hours of the patients' admission. Comparisons were made according to whether the patients developed DT during the hospitalization. DT was diagnosed in 24.1% of the patients. It was determined that higher NLR level (odds ratio [OR]: 4.38, 95%CI: 2.58-7.43) and history of DT (OR: 1.33, 95%CI: 1.23-11.73) are independent risk factors for the development of DT in the logistic regression analysis. The optimal cut-off value of NLR in predicting DT was 2.67 (sensitivity: 82.4%, specificity: 88.8%). The ROC curve of NLR showed a larger area under the curve (AUC) than the curves of other systemic inflammation markers. NLR is a simple, practical and inexpensive marker that can predict the development of DT in patients with alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuf Ezel Yıldırım
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Health Sciences, Medicine Faculty, Bakirkoy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Training and Research Hospital for Psychiatric, Neurological and Neurosurgical Diseases, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Gökhan Umut
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Health Sciences, Medicine Faculty, Bakirkoy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Training and Research Hospital for Psychiatric, Neurological and Neurosurgical Diseases, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cüneyt Evren
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Health Sciences, Medicine Faculty, Bakirkoy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Training and Research Hospital for Psychiatric, Neurological and Neurosurgical Diseases, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Eylül Yeral
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Health Sciences, Medicine Faculty, Bakirkoy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Training and Research Hospital for Psychiatric, Neurological and Neurosurgical Diseases, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hikmet Secerli
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Health Sciences, Medicine Faculty, Bakirkoy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Training and Research Hospital for Psychiatric, Neurological and Neurosurgical Diseases, Istanbul, Turkey
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Yoon JE, Mo H, Kim DW, Im HJ. Quantitative electroencephalographic analysis of delirium tremens development following alcohol-withdrawal seizure based on a small number of male cases. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2804. [PMID: 36306397 PMCID: PMC9759131 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Seizures and delirium tremens (DTs) are recognized as severe alcohol-withdrawal symptoms. Prolonged admission and serious complications associated with alcohol withdrawal are responsible for increased costs and use of medical and social resources. This study investigated the predictive value of quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) for developing alcohol-related DTs after alcohol-withdrawal seizure (AWS). METHODS We compared differences in QEEG in patients after AWS (n = 13). QEEG was performed in the intensive care unit within 48 h of admission, including in age- and sex-matched healthy controls. We also investigated the prognostic value of QEEG for the development of alcohol DTs after AWS in a retrospective, case-control study. The spectral power of each band frequency and the ratio of the theta to alpha band (TAR) in the electroencephalogram were analyzed using iSyncBrain® (iMediSync, Inc., Korea). RESULTS The beta frequency and the alpha frequency band power were significantly higher and lower, respectively, in patients than in age- and sex-matched healthy controls. In AWS patients with DTs, the relative beta-3 power was lower, particularly in the left frontal area, and the TAR was significantly higher in the central channel than in those without DTs. CONCLUSION Quantitative EEG showed neuronal excitability and decreased cognitive activities characteristic of AWS associated with alcohol-withdrawal state, and we demonstrated that quantitative EEG might be a helpful tool for detecting patients at a high risk of developing DTs during an alcohol-dependence period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee-Eun Yoon
- Department of Neurology, Uijeongbu Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Uijeongbu, Republic of Korea
| | - Heejung Mo
- Department of Neurology, Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Hwaseong, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Wook Kim
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Jin Im
- Department of Neurology, Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Hwaseong, Republic of Korea
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Bramness JG, Pandey S, Moe JS, Toft H, Lien L, Bolstad I. History of Delirium Tremens in AUD Patients in Treatment: Relationship to AUD Severity and Other Factors. Subst Abuse Rehabil 2022; 13:65-72. [PMID: 36124240 PMCID: PMC9482447 DOI: 10.2147/sar.s361810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Delirium tremens (DT) occurs after stopping prolonged, high alcohol intake and may be life-threatening if untreated. We need to know about clinical correlates of DT in order to provide the best clinical care. Methods At admission to inpatient treatment a cohort of 114 alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients were interviewed and examined concerning psychiatric diagnosis and symptoms, trauma experiences and alcohol related measures and if they had experienced DT. Results Twenty-four percent of the patients reported a life-time experience of DT. These patients were predominantly males and had lower educational level. More of the patients in the DT than the non-DT group reported at least one suicide attempt, were diagnosed with PTSD, and dropped out of treatment. Also, having parents with alcohol problems was more common among these patients, and they reported a longer duration of problematic drinking and a higher number of drinks needed to feel an effect of drinking. In the multivariable adjusted analysis only a diagnosis of PTSD (OR=5.71; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.34–24.31) and duration of problematic drinking with a 6% increase in risk for every year (OR=1.06; 95% CI: 1.01–1.11) remained significant risk factors for having DT experience. Discussion and conclusion Having experienced DT was more prevalent in the current investigation than in earlier studies. Patients that had experienced DT seemed to have more serious AUD, especially signified by a longer duration of drinking. These patients seemed to have many clinical disadvantages including more drop-out and higher suicide rate. PTSD could be a risk factor for DT but may also follow the DT experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jørgen G Bramness
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway.,Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs, Oslo, Norway.,Institute Clinical of Medicine, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Susmita Pandey
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
| | - Jenny Skumsnes Moe
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway.,Institute Clinical of Medicine, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Helge Toft
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway.,Department of Health Studies, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway
| | - Lars Lien
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway.,Department of Health Studies, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway
| | - Ingeborg Bolstad
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway.,Department of Health Studies, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway
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Nath P, Anand AC. Extrahepatic Manifestations in Alcoholic Liver Disease. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2022; 12:1371-1383. [PMID: 36157144 PMCID: PMC9499846 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2022.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Though liver is the most commonly affected organ in patients with chronic and excessive intake of alcohol, no organ is immune to toxic effects of alcohol and patients with alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) can suffer from a wide list of extrahepatic manifestations involving gastrointestinal tract, central and peripheral nervous systems, cardio vascular system, musculo-skeletal system, disruption of nutritional status, endocrinological abnormalities, hematological abnormalities and immune dysfunction. These extrahepatic organ involvements are usually overlooked by hepatologists and physicians who are mostly focused on managing life threatening complications of ALD. As a result, there is delayed diagnosis, delay in the initiation of appropriate treatment and late referral to other specialists. Some of these manifestations are of utmost clinical importance (e.g. delirium tremans and Wernicke's encephalopathy) because an early diagnosis and treatment can lead to full recovery while delayed or no treatment can result in death. On the other hand, several extrahepatic manifestations are of prognostic significance (such as alcoholic cardiomyopathy and malignancies) in which there is an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Hence, a clear understanding and awareness of the extrahepatic manifestations of ALD is quintessential for proper management of these patients.
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Key Words
- ACE, Angiotensin-Converting-Enzyme
- ALD, Alcohol related Liver Disease
- AUD, Alcohol Use Disorder
- GAVE, Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia
- GERD, Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease
- HCC, Hepatocellular Carcinoma
- HIV, Human Immunodeficiency Virus
- IARC, International Agency for Research on Cancer
- IL, Interleukin
- NERD, Non-Erosive Reflux Disease
- PPI, Proton Pump Inhibitors
- TNF, Tumour Necrosis Factor
- UGI, Upper Gastrointestinal
- WHO, World Health Organization
- alcohol use disorder
- alcohol withdrawal syndrome
- alcoholic cardiomyopathy
- alcoholic liver disease
- alcoholic myopathy
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Affiliation(s)
- Preetam Nath
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751024, India
| | - Anil C. Anand
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751024, India
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Canales FJ, Davis J, Girgla N, Emami M, Cooper T, Carlson RW. Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome in Women vs Men: Analysis of 1496 Cases at a Single Site. Am J Crit Care 2022; 31:212-219. [PMID: 35466349 DOI: 10.4037/ajcc2022616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies of alcohol withdrawal syndrome indicate a higher prevalence in men than in women. However, it is unknown how the condition differs between the sexes. OBJECTIVE To assess alcohol withdrawal syndrome in women versus men at a single site. METHODS All cases of alcohol withdrawal syndrome at a public hospital from 2010 to 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. For all 1496 episodes, age, sex, and admission to a general care unit (ward) versus the medical intensive care unit were ascertained, along with patient survival. A detailed analysis was performed of 437 cases: all 239 patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit, all 99 female patients admitted to the ward, and 99 randomly selected male patients admitted to the ward. Also analyzed were administration of benzodiazepines, disease course, length of stay, and complications. RESULTS Men accounted for 92% of all cases (1378 of 1496; P < .001) and medical intensive care unit admissions (220 of 239; P < .05). Sixteen percent of both men and women were admitted to the medical intensive care unit. Men were older (mean age, 45.6 vs 43.9 years; P < .01), and women required more benzodiazepines. Similar rates of complications occurred in both sexes, although women had a higher rate of pancreatitis and men had higher rates of pneumonia, higher rates of sepsis, and longer stays. CONCLUSIONS Men and women with alcohol withdrawal syndrome have similar complications, courses, and intensive care unit admission rates, although men are more prone to pneumonia and have longer stays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J. Canales
- Francisco J. Canales Jr is a resident physician, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson
| | - Jesse Davis
- Jesse Davis is a resident physician, Department of Medicine, Valleywise Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, and Creighton University Arizona Education Health Alliance, Phoenix
| | - Navkaran Girgla
- Navkaran Girgla is a resident physician, Department of Medicine, Valleywise Medical Center, and Creighton University Arizona Education Health Alliance
| | - Maryam Emami
- Maryam Emami is a staff physician, Thumb Butte Medical Center, Prescott, Arizona
| | - Tracy Cooper
- Tracy Cooper is a staff nurse in the intensive care unit, Valleywise Medical Center
| | - Richard W. Carlson
- Richard W. Carlson is a professor, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Phoenix, and Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Scottsdale, Arizona, and chair emeritus, Department of Medicine, Valleywise Health Medical Center
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Cohen SM, Alexander RS, Holt SR. The Spectrum of Alcohol Use: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Med Clin North Am 2022; 106:43-60. [PMID: 34823734 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2021.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In the United States, alcohol is the most common substance used and the spectrum of unhealthy alcohol use is highly prevalent. Complications of unhealthy alcohol use affect nearly every organ system. One of the most frequent and potentially life-threatening of these complications is alcohol withdrawal syndrome for which benzodiazepines remain first-line therapy. Pharmacologic treatment of alcohol use disorder, the most severe form of unhealthy alcohol use, is underutilized despite the availability of multiple effective medications. Although behavioral therapies are an important component of treatment, they are overemphasized at the expense of pharmacotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn M Cohen
- Program in Addiction Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 367 Cedar Street, Harkness Hal A, Suite 417A, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
| | - Ryan S Alexander
- Program in Addiction Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 367 Cedar Street, Harkness Hal A, Suite 417A, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Preventive Medicine, Griffin Hospital, Derby, CT 06418, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Griffin Hospital, Derby, CT 06418, USA
| | - Stephen R Holt
- Program in Addiction Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 367 Cedar Street, Harkness Hal A, Suite 417A, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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12
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Steel TL, Afshar M, Edwards S, Jolley SE, Timko C, Clark BJ, Douglas IS, Dzierba AL, Gershengorn HB, Gilpin NW, Godwin DW, Hough CL, Maldonado JR, Mehta AB, Nelson LS, Patel MB, Rastegar DA, Stollings JL, Tabakoff B, Tate JA, Wong A, Burnham EL. Research Needs for Inpatient Management of Severe Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome: An Official American Thoracic Society Research Statement. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2021; 204:e61-e87. [PMID: 34609257 PMCID: PMC8528516 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202108-1845st] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome (SAWS) is highly morbid, costly, and common among hospitalized patients, yet minimal evidence exists to guide inpatient management. Research needs in this field are broad, spanning the translational science spectrum. Goals: This research statement aims to describe what is known about SAWS, identify knowledge gaps, and offer recommendations for research in each domain of the Institute of Medicine T0-T4 continuum to advance the care of hospitalized patients who experience SAWS. Methods: Clinicians and researchers with unique and complementary expertise in basic, clinical, and implementation research related to unhealthy alcohol consumption and alcohol withdrawal were invited to participate in a workshop at the American Thoracic Society 2019 International Conference. The committee was subdivided into four groups on the basis of interest and expertise: T0-T1 (basic science research with translation to humans), T2 (research translating to patients), T3 (research translating to clinical practice), and T4 (research translating to communities). A medical librarian conducted a pragmatic literature search to facilitate this work, and committee members reviewed and supplemented the resulting evidence, identifying key knowledge gaps. Results: The committee identified several investigative opportunities to advance the care of patients with SAWS in each domain of the translational science spectrum. Major themes included 1) the need to investigate non-γ-aminobutyric acid pathways for alcohol withdrawal syndrome treatment; 2) harnessing retrospective and electronic health record data to identify risk factors and create objective severity scoring systems, particularly for acutely ill patients with SAWS; 3) the need for more robust comparative-effectiveness data to identify optimal SAWS treatment strategies; and 4) recommendations to accelerate implementation of effective treatments into practice. Conclusions: The dearth of evidence supporting management decisions for hospitalized patients with SAWS, many of whom require critical care, represents both a call to action and an opportunity for the American Thoracic Society and larger scientific communities to improve care for a vulnerable patient population. This report highlights basic, clinical, and implementation research that diverse experts agree will have the greatest impact on improving care for hospitalized patients with SAWS.
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13
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Ahmed N, Kuo YH. Pulmonary Complications of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome in Trauma Patients. A Matched Analysis From a National Trauma Database. Am Surg 2021:31348211041568. [PMID: 34565191 DOI: 10.1177/00031348211041568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is associated with increased occurrence of pneumonia and longer hospital stay. The purpose of the study is to find a national estimate of pulmonary complications in AWS patients using the National Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) database. METHODS We accessed the TQIP database focusing on the calendar years 2013-2016 and included all adult admitted trauma patients. The two groups (AWS and no AWS) were compared on baseline characteristics, injury, comorbidities, and outcomes. We performed univariate analysis followed by propensity matching. RESULTS Out of 534 880 patients who qualified for the study, 6929 (1.29%) patients had developed AWS. The propensity matching balanced the two groups on all the baseline characteristics, injury severity, and comorbidities and created 6929 pairs. One-to-one pair-matched analysis showed a significantly increased occurrence of pneumonia (12% vs 4.3%), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (2.7% vs 1%), and sepsis (2.4% vs 1.1%) in AWS patients when compared with the patients without the AWS. CONCLUSION The study showed approximately a 3-fold increase in ARDS and pneumonia and a more than two-fold increase in sepsis in AWS patients. Early intervention in high-risk AWS patients may reduce the complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasim Ahmed
- Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care, 23498Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune NJ, USA
| | - Yen-Hong Kuo
- Office of Research Administration, 23498Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune NJ, USA
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14
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Use of Electronic Health Record Data to Estimate the Probability of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome in a National Cohort of Hospitalized Veterans. J Addict Med 2020; 15:376-382. [PMID: 33323689 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000000782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Inpatient alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is common and early treatment improves outcomes, but no prior study has used electronic health record (EHR) data, available at admission, to predict the probability of inpatient AWS. This study estimated the probability of inpatient AWS using prior-year EHR data, hypothesizing that documented alcohol use disorder (AUD) and AWS would be strongly associated with inpatient AWS while exploring associations with other patient characteristics. METHODS The study investigated patients hospitalized ≥24 hours on medical services in the Veterans Health Administration during 2013 using EHR data extracted from the Veterans Health Administration Corporate Data Warehouse. ICD-9-CM diagnosis code, demographic, and healthcare utilization data documented in the year before admission defined prior-year AUD, AWS, and other factors associated with inpatient AWS. The primary outcome, inpatient AWS, was defined by inpatient ICD-9-CM codes. RESULTS The unadjusted probability of AWS was 5.0% (95% CI 4.5%-5.4%) among 209,151 medical inpatients overall, 26.4% (95% CI 24.4%-28.4%) among those with prior-year AUD, and 62.5% (95% CI 35.2%-39.7%) among those with prior-year AWS. Of those with AWS, 86% had documented prior-year AUD and/or AWS. Other patient characteristics associated with increased probability of inpatient AWS (P < 0.001) were: male sex, single relationship status, homelessness, seizure, and cirrhosis. CONCLUSIONS Although inpatient providers often use history to predict AWS, this is the first study in hospitalized patients to inform and validate this practice, showing that prior-year diagnosis of AUD and/or AWS in particular, can identify the majority of inpatients who should be monitored for AWS.
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15
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Thiercelin N, Plat A, Garin A, Azuar J. [Alcohol withdrawal delirium: What's new for an old disease?]. Rev Med Interne 2020; 42:330-337. [PMID: 33218791 DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2020.10.383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a frequent work in both community medicine and hospital wards. One of the most severe complications of alcohol withdrawal is Delirium Tremens (DT). The purpose of this development is to update knowledge on this complication in terms of diagnosis, evaluation and therapeutic approaches. It also proposes a reflection on the trajectory of care during and after DT.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Thiercelin
- Centre hospitalier des quatre villes, unité d'addictologie, 141 grande rue, 91570 Sèvres, France.
| | - A Plat
- Clinique des Epinettes, 51, bis rue des Epinettes, 75017 Paris, France
| | - A Garin
- Service de réanimation, centre hospitalier général de Dreux, 44, avenue J.F.-Kennedy, 28100 Dreux, France
| | - J Azuar
- APHP GHU Nord, Site Lariboisière Fernand-Widal, Département de Psychiatrie et de Médecine Addictologique, Paris, France; Inserm UMRS-1144 Optimisation thérapeutique en neuropsychopharmacologie, Université de Paris, Paris, France; FHU NOR-SUD, Paris, France
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16
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Narasimha VL, Shukla L, Mukherjee D, Menon J, Huddar S, Panda UK, Mahadevan J, Kandasamy A, Chand PK, Benegal V, Murthy P. Complicated Alcohol Withdrawal-An Unintended Consequence of COVID-19 Lockdown. Alcohol Alcohol 2020; 55:350-353. [PMID: 32400859 PMCID: PMC7239212 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agaa042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To assess the impact of COVID-19-related lockdown in India on alcohol-dependent persons. METHOD We examined the change in the incidence of severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome presenting to hospitals in the city of Bangalore. RESULTS A changepoint analysis of the time series data (between 01.01.20 to 11.04.20) showed an increase in the average number of cases from 4 to 8 per day (likelihood ratio test: χ2 = 72, df = 2, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION An unintended consequence of the lockdown was serious illness in some patients with alcohol use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkata Lakshmi Narasimha
- Centre for Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Hosur Road, Bengaluru, 560029, India
| | - Lekhansh Shukla
- Centre for Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Hosur Road, Bengaluru, 560029, India
| | - Diptadhi Mukherjee
- Centre for Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Hosur Road, Bengaluru, 560029, India
| | - Jayakrishnan Menon
- Centre for Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Hosur Road, Bengaluru, 560029, India
| | - Sudheendra Huddar
- Centre for Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Hosur Road, Bengaluru, 560029, India
| | - Udit Kumar Panda
- Centre for Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Hosur Road, Bengaluru, 560029, India
| | - Jayant Mahadevan
- Centre for Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Hosur Road, Bengaluru, 560029, India
| | - Arun Kandasamy
- Centre for Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Hosur Road, Bengaluru, 560029, India
| | - Prabhat K Chand
- Centre for Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Hosur Road, Bengaluru, 560029, India
| | - Vivek Benegal
- Centre for Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Hosur Road, Bengaluru, 560029, India
| | - Pratima Murthy
- Centre for Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Hosur Road, Bengaluru, 560029, India
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Burkhardt G, Adorjan K, Kambeitz J, Kambeitz-Ilankovic L, Falkai P, Eyer F, Koller G, Pogarell O, Koutsouleris N, Dwyer DB. A machine learning approach to risk assessment for alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 35:61-70. [PMID: 32418843 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2020.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
At present, risk assessment for alcohol withdrawal syndrome relies on clinical judgment. Our aim was to develop accurate machine learning tools to predict alcohol withdrawal outcomes at the individual subject level using information easily attainable at patients' admission. An observational machine learning analysis using nested cross-validation and out-of-sample validation was applied to alcohol-dependent patients at two major detoxification wards (LMU, n = 389; TU, n = 805). 121 retrospectively derived clinical, blood-derived, and sociodemographic measures were used to predict 1) moderate to severe withdrawal defined by the alcohol withdrawal scale, 2) delirium tremens, and 3) withdrawal seizures. Mild and more severe withdrawal cases could be separated with significant, although highly variable accuracy in both samples (LMU, balanced accuracy [BAC] = 69.4%; TU, BAC = 55.9%). Poor outcome predictions were associated with higher cumulative clomethiazole doses during the withdrawal course. Delirium tremens was predicted in the TU cohort with BAC of 75%. No significant model predicting withdrawal seizures could be found. Our models were unique to each treatment site and thus did not generalize. For both treatment sites and withdrawal outcome different variable sets informed our models' decisions. Besides previously described variables (most notably, thrombocytopenia), we identified new predictors (history of blood pressure abnormalities, urine screening for benzodiazepines and educational attainment). In conclusion, machine learning approaches may facilitate generalizable, individualized predictions for alcohol withdrawal severity. Since predictive patterns highly vary for different outcomes of withdrawal severity and across treatment sites, prediction tools should not be recommended for clinical practice unless adequately validated in specific cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerrit Burkhardt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336 Munich, Germany.
| | - Kristina Adorjan
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336 Munich, Germany; Institute of Psychiatric Phenomics and Genomics (IPPG), University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Joseph Kambeitz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Germany
| | - Lana Kambeitz-Ilankovic
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Falkai
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Eyer
- Department of Clinical Toxicology, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Germany
| | - Gabi Koller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Oliver Pogarell
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Nikolaos Koutsouleris
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Dominic B Dwyer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336 Munich, Germany
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Derivation and validation of a multivariable model, the alcohol withdrawal triage tool (AWTT), for predicting severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 209:107943. [PMID: 32172129 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.107943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol withdrawal and its consequences are a common concern for the large numbers of patients who present to emergency departments (EDs) with alcohol use disorders. While the majority of patients who go on to develop alcohol withdrawal experience only mild symptoms, a small proportion will experience seizures or delirium tremens. The aim of this study was to develop a tool to predict the need for hospital admission in patients at risk for alcohol withdrawal using only objective criteria that are typically available during the course of an ED visit. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study at an academic medical center. Our primary outcome was severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome (SAWS), which we defined as a composite of delirium tremens, seizure, or use of high benzodiazepine doses. All candidate predictors were abstracted from the electronic health record. A logistic regression model was constructed using the derivation dataset to create the alcohol withdrawal triage tool (AWTT). RESULTS Of the 2038 study patients, 408 20.0 %) developed SAWS. We identified eight independent predictors of SAWS. Each of the predictors in the regression model was assigned one point. Summing the points for each predictor generated the AWTT score. An AWTT score of 3 or greater was defined as high risk based on sensitivity of 90 % and specificity of 47 % for predicting SAWS. CONCLUSIONS We were able to identify a set of objective, timely, independent predictors of SAWS. The predictors were used to create a novel clinical prediction rule, the AWTT.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The literature lacks consensus to the factors that increase the risk of a patient developing severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome (SAWS). AIM The study set out to identify the variables that increase the risk of SAWS in patients who have alcohol dependence syndrome. METHODS A case-control study was designed to investigate the variables associated with SAWS in an acute hospital setting. Three hundred eighty-two case and 382 control patients were randomly selected retrospectively from referrals to the acute addiction liaison nursing service during a 12-month period (January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2015). Statistical significance (p < .05) and association with SAWS were calculated using chi-square, Cramer's V test, odds ratio, and Levene's test. RESULTS Twenty-four variables have been identified as associated with SAWS development. Five of the 24 variables had a moderate-to-strong association with SAWS risk: Fast Alcohol Screening Test, Glasgow Modified Alcohol Withdrawal Scale score, AWS admission, hours since the last drink, and systolic blood pressure. The study also identified that comorbidity was associated with not developing SAWS. CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATIONS These findings confirm that noninvasive variables collected in the emergency department are useful in identifying a person's risk of developing SAWS. The results of this study are a useful starting point in the exploration of SAWS and the development of a tool for use in the emergency department that can stratify risk into high and low and is the next stage of this program of work.
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20
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Development of an alcohol withdrawal risk stratification tool based on patients referred to an addiction liaison nursing service in Glasgow. DRUGS AND ALCOHOL TODAY 2019. [DOI: 10.1108/dat-02-2019-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop an alcohol withdrawal syndrome risk stratification tool that could support the safe discharge of low risk patients from the emergency department.
Design/methodology/approach
A retrospective cohort study that included all patients referred to the acute addiction liaison nursing service over one calendar month (n=400, 1–30 April 2016) was undertaken. Bivariate and multivariate modelling identified the significant variables that supported the prediction of severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome (SAWS) in the cohort population.
Findings
The Glasgow Modified Alcohol Withdrawal Scale (GMAWS), hours since last drink, fast alcohol screening test (FAST) and systolic blood pressure correctly identified 89 per cent of patients who developed SAWS and 84 per cent of patients that did not. Increasing each component by a score of one is associated with an increase in the odds of SAWS by a factor of 2.76 (95% CI 2.21, 3.45), 1.31 (95% CI 1.24, 1.37), 1.30 (95% CI 1.08, 1.57) and 1.22 (95% CI 1.10, 1.34), respectively.
Research limitations/implications
The research was conducted in a single healthcare system that had a high prevalence of alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS). Second, the developed risk stratification tool was unable to guarantee no risk and lastly, the FAST score previously aligned to severe ADS may have influenced the patients highest GMAWS score.
Practical implications
The tool could help redesign the care pathway for patients who attend the emergency department at risk of SAWS and link low risk patients with community alcohol services better equipped to deal with their physical and psychological needs short and long term supporting engagement, abstinence and prolongation of life.
Originality/value
The tool could help redesign the care pathway for emergency department patients at low risk of SAWS and link them with community alcohol services better equipped to deal with their physical and psychological needs, short and long term, supporting engagement, abstinence and prolongation of life.
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Gupta NM, Lindenauer PK, Yu PC, Imrey PB, Haessler S, Deshpande A, Higgins TL, Rothberg MB. Association Between Alcohol Use Disorders and Outcomes of Patients Hospitalized With Community-Acquired Pneumonia. JAMA Netw Open 2019; 2:e195172. [PMID: 31173120 PMCID: PMC6563577 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.5172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) are at elevated risk of developing pneumonia, but few studies have assessed the outcomes of pneumonia in patients with AUD. OBJECTIVES To compare the causes, treatment, and outcomes of pneumonia in patients with and without AUD and to understand the associations of comorbid illnesses, alcohol withdrawal, and any residual effects due to alcohol itself with patient outcomes. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A retrospective cohort study was conducted of 137 496 patients 18 years or older with pneumonia who were admitted to 177 US hospitals participating in the Premier Healthcare Database from July 1, 2010, to June 30, 2015. Statistical analysis was conducted from October 27, 2017, to August 20, 2018. EXPOSURE Alcohol use disorders identified from International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Pneumonia cause, antibiotic treatment, inpatient mortality, clinical deterioration, length of stay, and cost. Associations of AUD with these variables were studied using generalized linear mixed models. RESULTS Of 137 496 patients with community-acquired pneumonia (70 358 women and 67 138 men; mean [SD] age, 69.5 [16.2] years), 3.5% had an AUD. Patients with an AUD were younger than those without an AUD (median age, 58.0 vs 73.0 years; P < .001), more often male (77.3% vs 47.8%; P < .001), and more often had principal diagnoses of aspiration pneumonia (10.9% vs 9.8%; P < .001), sepsis (38.6% vs 30.7%; P < .001), or respiratory failure (9.3% vs 5.5%; P < .001). Their cultures more often grew Streptococcus pneumoniae (43.7% vs 25.5%; P < .001) and less frequently grew organisms resistant to guideline-recommended antibiotics (25.0% vs 43.7%; P < .001). Patients with an AUD were treated more often with piperacillin-tazobactam (26.2% vs 22.5%; P < .001) but equally as often with anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus agents (32.9% vs 31.8%; P = .11) compared with patients without AUDs. When adjusted for demographic characteristics and insurance, AUD was associated with higher mortality (odds ratio, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.25-1.56), length of stay (risk-adjusted geometric mean ratio, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.20-1.27), and costs (risk-adjusted geometric mean ratio, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.28-1.38). After additional adjustment for differences in comorbidities and risk factors for resistant organisms, AUD was no longer associated with mortality but remained associated with late mechanical ventilation (odds ratio, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.12-1.46), length of stay (risk-adjusted geometric mean ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.06), and costs (risk-adjusted geometric mean ratio, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.03-1.09). Models segregating patients undergoing alcohol withdrawal showed that poorer outcomes among patients with AUD were confined to the subgroup undergoing alcohol withdrawal. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study suggests that, compared with hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia but without AUD, those with AUD less often harbor resistant organisms. The higher age-adjusted risk of death among patients with AUD appears to be largely attributable to differences in comorbidities, whereas greater use of health care resources may be attributable to alcohol withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niyati M. Gupta
- Center for Value-Based Care Research, Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Peter K. Lindenauer
- Institute for Healthcare Delivery and Population Science, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate, Springfield
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester
| | - Pei-Chun Yu
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Peter B. Imrey
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
- Mellon Center for MS Treatment and Research, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Sarah Haessler
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate, Springfield
| | - Abhishek Deshpande
- Center for Value-Based Care Research, Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | - Michael B. Rothberg
- Center for Value-Based Care Research, Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
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Benson G, Roberts N, McCallum J, McPherson A. Severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome: review of the literature. DRUGS AND ALCOHOL TODAY 2019. [DOI: 10.1108/dat-10-2018-0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify published literature from a general hospital setting that may highlight variables implicated in the development of severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome (SAWS) in patients who have alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS).
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review was carried out using the electronic databases: MEDLINE, Medline in Process, Cinahl, Embase and PsycINFO from 1989 to 2017. The focus of this search was on English language studies of individuals over 16 years admitted to general hospital with ADS, delirium tremens (DTs), alcohol-related seizure (ARS) or alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS).
Findings
Of the 205 studies screened, eight met the criteria for inclusion. Six studies were quantitative retrospective cohort and two were retrospective case-control. Six studies investigated risk factors associated with DTs, one examined SAWS and one alcohol kindling. Descriptive analysis was performed to summarise the empirical evidence from studies were 22 statistically significant risk factors were found; including the reason for admission to hospital, daily alcohol consumption, previous DTs and prior ARS. The last two factors mentioned appeared in two studies.
Research limitations/implications
Further research should consider the quality and completeness of the alcohol history data and competence of staff generating the data in retrospective studies.
Originality/value
The paper suggests that the factors linked to SAWS development from the literature may not fully explain why some individuals who have ADS develop SAWS, and others do not.
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Heilbroner SP, Xanthopoulos EP, Buono D, Huang Y, Carrier D, Shah A, Kim J, Corradetti M, Wright JD, Neugut AI, Hershman DL, Cheng SK. Impact of estrogen monotherapy on survival in women with stage III-IV non-small cell lung cancer. Lung Cancer 2018; 129:8-15. [PMID: 30797496 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2018.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Women with lung cancer have better survival than men. The reasons are unknown, but estrogen is hypothesized to improve survival. Our objective was to examine the association between estrogen monotherapy and cancer-specific and overall survival in elderly women with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MATERIALS AND METHODS We used the SEER-Medicare database to identify women ≥65 years old who were diagnosed with stage III or IV NSCLC. Estrogen monotherapy (EM) was defined as at least one estrogen claim without any progesterone claims 6 months prior to diagnosis. To assess cancer-specific survival and overall survival, we used Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox modeling with propensity score adjustments. As an exploratory analysis, we also examined the effect of combined estrogen and progesterone hormonal therapy on survival using Cox modeling. RESULTS We identified 6958 women in our initial cohort: 283 used EM (4%) and 6675 (96%) did not. The median follow-up time was 46.5 months in the EM patients and 49.5 months in the non-EM patients. In a Kaplan-Meier analysis, median overall survival was 8.2 months in patients who receive EM and 6.2 months in those who did not (p = 0.004). In our 1:4 propensity-matched cohort, median follow-up was 46.5 in the EM group and 50.6 in the non-EM group; median overall survival was 8.0 months in the EM group and 6.4 months in the non-EM group (p = 0.02). In a multivariate Cox regression of the matched cohort, EM was significantly associated with overall survival (HR 0.84; 95% CI 0.73 - 0.97). All results were similar for cancer-specific survival. In our exploratory analysis, combined Estrogen-Progesterone did significantly impact overall survival (HR 0.84; 95% CI 0.71-0.99, p = 0.04) but did not appear to effect cancer-specific survival (HR 0.91; 95% CI 0.77-1.09, p = 0.30). CONCLUSION EM was associated with a significant improvement in cancer-specific survival and overall survival in women with late stage NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel P Heilbroner
- Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, 630 W 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, United States
| | - Eric P Xanthopoulos
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 622 W 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, United States
| | - Donna Buono
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1130 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY, 10032, United States
| | - Yongmei Huang
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1130 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY, 10032, United States
| | - Daniel Carrier
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 622 W 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, United States
| | - Anand Shah
- Food and Drug Administration, 10 Exchange Pl #804, Jersey City, NJ, 07302, United States
| | - Jerry Kim
- Columbia Business School, Uris Hall 719, 3022 Broadway, New York, NY, 10027, United States
| | - Michael Corradetti
- Duke Cancer Center, 3404 Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27609, United States
| | - Jason D Wright
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York Presbyterian Hospital, 161 Fort Washington Avenue, 4th Floor, New York, NY, 10032, United States
| | - Alfred I Neugut
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1130 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY, 10032, United States
| | - Dawn L Hershman
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1130 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY, 10032, United States
| | - Simon K Cheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 622 W 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, United States; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1130 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY, 10032, United States.
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Hilz MJ, Liu M, Roy S, Wang R. Autonomic dysfunction in the neurological intensive care unit. Clin Auton Res 2018; 29:301-311. [PMID: 30022321 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-018-0545-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Autonomic dysfunction is common in neuro-critical care patients and may compromise the function of various organs. Among the many diseases causing or being associated with autonomic dysfunction are traumatic brain injury, cerebrovascular diseases, epilepsy, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), alcohol withdrawal syndrome, botulism and tetanus, among many others. Autonomic dysfunction may afflict various organs and may involve hyper- or hypo-activity of the sympathetic or parasympathetic system. In this short overview, we address only a small number of neuro-intensive care diseases with autonomic dysfunction. In GBS, autonomic dysfunction is frequent and may account for increased mortality rates; rapid changes between sympathetic and parasympathetic hypo- or hyper-activity may cause life-threatening cardiovascular complications. Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity occurs after brain injury, hypoxia and cerebrovascular and other events, causes paroxysmal tachycardia, hypertension, tachypnoea and hyperthermia and is associated with a poorer prognosis and prolonged intensive care treatment. Other, at times life-threatening autonomic complications with exaggerated sympathetic activity and compromised baroreflex sensitivity arise during the alcohol withdrawal syndrome triggered by abrupt cessation of alcohol consumption. Botulism and tetanus are examples of life-threatening autonomic dysfunction caused by bacterial neurotoxins. Common neurological diseases, such as epilepsy, stroke or subarachnoid haemorrhage, are also associated with autonomic dysfunction that can on occasion cause critical deterioration of disease severity and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max J Hilz
- Department of Neurology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany. .,Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Mao Liu
- Department of Neurology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sankanika Roy
- Department of Neurology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ruihao Wang
- Department of Neurology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
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Heavner JJ, Akgün KM, Heavner MS, Eng CC, Drew M, Jackson P, Pritchard D, Honiden S. Implementation of an ICU-Specific Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome Management Protocol Reduces the Need for Mechanical Ventilation. Pharmacotherapy 2018; 38:701-713. [PMID: 29800507 DOI: 10.1002/phar.2127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE Alcohol use disorders are prevalent and put patients at risk for developing alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). Treatment of AWS with a symptom-triggered protocol standardizes management and may avoid AWS-related complications. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether implementation of a specific intensive care unit (ICU) symptom-triggered protocol for the management of AWS was associated with improved clinical outcomes and, in particular, would reduce the risk of patients with AWS requiring mechanical ventilation. DESIGN Retrospective pre- and postprotocol implementation study. SETTING A 36-bed closed medical ICU (MICU) at a large tertiary care teaching hospital in an urban setting. PATIENTS A total of 233 adults admitted to the MICU with any diagnosis of alcohol use disorders based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes and who received at least one dose of any benzodiazepine; of these patients, 139 were in the preprotocol era (August 2009-January 2010 and August 2010-January 2011), and 94 were in the postprotocol era (August 2012-January 2013) after implementation of the Yale Alcohol Withdrawal Protocol (YAWP) in April 2012. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The YAWP pairs a modified Minnesota Detoxification Scale with an order set that includes benzodiazepine dosing regimens and suggests adjuvant therapies. AWS was the primary reason for ICU admission (107/233 patients [45.9%]) and did not significantly vary between study eras (p=0.2). Of the 233 patients included, 81.1% were male and 67.0% were white, which did not significantly differ by study era. Severity of illness at MICU admission did not significantly differ between patients in the preprotocol and postprotocol eras (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation [APACHE] II median scores of 12 [interquartile range (IQR) 9-17] and 12.5 [IQR 7-16], respectively, p=0.4). Median lorazepam-equivalent dose per MICU day, duration of benzodiazepine infusion, and use of adjuvant therapy were not significantly different between eras. MICU intubation was less common in the postprotocol era (36/139 patients [25.9%] preprotocol vs 8/94 patients [8.5%] postprotocol, p=0.0009). ICU-related pneumonia was also decreased in the postprotocol era (30/139 patients [21.6%] preprotocol vs 10/94 patients [10.6%] postprotocol, p=0.03). After adjusting for demographics, adjuvant therapies, and APACHE II scores, protocol implementation was associated with a decreased odds of MICU intubation (odds ratio 0.13, 95% confidence interval 0.04-0.39). CONCLUSION Implementation of YAWP was associated with a decreased risk of MICU intubation in patients at risk for AWS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason J Heavner
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Critical Care, University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center, Glen Burnie, Maryland
| | - Kathleen M Akgün
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, VA Connecticut Healthcare System and Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Mojdeh S Heavner
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Claire C Eng
- Department of Pharmacy, Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital, Katy, Texas
| | - Matthew Drew
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, New Jersey
| | - Peter Jackson
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Oregon Health Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - David Pritchard
- Department of Pharmacy, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Shyoko Honiden
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Ram D, Raman R, Gowdappa B. Lorazepam precipitated alcohol withdrawal delirium - Two case report. Asian J Psychiatr 2017; 30:98-99. [PMID: 28846885 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2017.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dushad Ram
- Department of Psychiatry, JSS Medical College, JSS University, Mysore, Karnataka, 570004, India.
| | - Rajesh Raman
- Department of Psychiatry, JSS Medical College, JSS University, Mysore, Karnataka, 570004, India
| | - Basawanna Gowdappa
- Department of Psychiatry, JSS Medical College, JSS University, Mysore, Karnataka, 570004, India
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Moore DT, Fuehrlein BS, Rosenheck RA. Delirium tremens and alcohol withdrawal nationally in the Veterans Health Administration. Am J Addict 2017; 26:722-730. [PMID: 28836711 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.12603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Revised: 07/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Alcohol withdrawal-especially delirium tremens (DT)-is a potentially life-threatening condition. While short-term treatment regimens and factors that predispose to more severe symptomatology have been extensively studied, little attention has been paid to the clinical epidemiology and long-term care of the chronic medical, addictive, psychiatric, and psychosocial problems faced by these patients. METHODS National Veterans Health Administration data from fiscal year 2012 were examined to identify veterans diagnosed with DT; with withdrawal but not DT (WNDT); and with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) but neither DT nor WNDT. They were compared on sociodemographic characteristics, psychiatric and medical co-morbidities, and health service and psychotropic medication use, first with bivariate analyses and then multiple logistic regression. RESULTS Among the 345,297 veterans diagnosed with AUD, 2,341 (0.7%) were diagnosed with DT and 6,738 (2.0%) with WNDT. Veterans diagnosed with either WNDT or DT were more likely to have been homeless, had more comorbid medical and psychiatric disorders, were more likely to be diagnosed with drug use disorders, utilized more health services, received more psychotropic medications, and were more likely to receive naltrexone. They were more likely to receive specialized legal, housing, vocational, and psychosocial rehabilitation services, as well as intensive case management. CONCLUSIONS Adults with WNDT and DT suffer from multiple chronic conditions and long-term service models are needed to coordinate the work of multiple specialists and to assure continuity of care. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE This national study identifies sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, and service utilization patterns associated with WNDT and DT.(Am J Addict 2017;26:722-730).
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Affiliation(s)
- David Thomas Moore
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, 06511.,VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, 06516
| | - Brian Scott Fuehrlein
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, 06511.,VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, 06516
| | - Robert Alan Rosenheck
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, 06511.,Veterans Affairs New England Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, West Haven, Connecticut, 06516.,Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, 06510
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Sarkar S, Choudhury S, Ezhumalai G, Konthoujam J. Risk factors for the development of delirium in alcohol dependence syndrome: Clinical and neurobiological implications. Indian J Psychiatry 2017; 59:300-305. [PMID: 29085088 PMCID: PMC5659079 DOI: 10.4103/psychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_67_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alcohol withdrawal delirium (AWD) or delirium tremens (DT) is associated with severe complications and high mortality. Prospectively identifying patients with increased risk of developing DT would have important preventive and therapeutic implications. Thus, the present study aimed to identify clinical risk factors predicting the development of DT. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was a cross-sectional quasi-experimental one with equivalent control group, conducted at a tertiary hospital from August 2014 to May 2015. Forty adult male inpatients, diagnosed with DT, were compared with forty age- and sex-matched inpatients in alcohol withdrawal state without delirium. Assessments were done using confusion assessment method, Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment of Alcohol Scale, and Mini-Mental Status Examination. For group comparisons, Pearson's Chi-square test and independent sample t-test were used; logistic regression was applied to identify predictors followed by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS Heavy drinking (P = 0.005; odds ratio [OR]: 1.17, confidence interval [CI]: 1.05-1.31), continuous pattern of drinking (P = 0.027; OR: 4.67, CI: 1.19-18.33), past history of delirium (P = 0.009; OR: 552.8, CI: 4.88-625.7), alcohol-induced psychosis (P = 0.002; OR: 74.6, CI: 4.68-1190), and presence of cognitive deficits (P = 0.044; OR: 12.5, CI: 1.07-147.3) emerged as strong predictors of AWD. CONCLUSION The risk factors found can be easily evaluated in a clinical setting for physicians to readily identify patients at risk for developing DT and plan intensive therapies for them. At a neurobiological level, patients with preexisting brain neurotransmitter disturbances are at greater risk for developing DT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukanto Sarkar
- Department of Psychiatry, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry, India
| | - Sunayana Choudhury
- Department of Psychiatry, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry, India
| | - Gem Ezhumalai
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry, India
| | - Janet Konthoujam
- Department of Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal, India
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Occurrence, Predictors, and Prognosis of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome and Delirium Tremens Following Traumatic Injury. Crit Care Med 2017; 45:867-874. [DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0000000000002371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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30
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Impact of an Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment Pathway on Hospital Length of Stay: A Retrospective Observational Study Comparing Pre and Post Pathway Implementation. J Psychiatr Pract 2017; 23:233-241. [PMID: 28492463 DOI: 10.1097/pra.0000000000000229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if the implementation of a hospital-specific alcohol withdrawal treatment pathway used in a medical-surgical patient population decreased hospital length of stay (LOS) compared with the standard of care. METHODS This retrospective observational study, conducted in a large academic tertiary care hospital, involved 582 subjects who met criteria for study inclusion, with 275 subjects in the 2010 cohort and 307 in the 2012 cohort. The Alcohol Withdrawal Project Team was formed with the goal of creating a standardized approach to the recognition and treatment of alcohol withdrawal at Duke University Hospital. The group created a computerized physician order entry alcohol withdrawal treatment pathway with 4 possible treatment paths chosen on the basis of current withdrawal symptoms, vital signs, and alcohol withdrawal history. The 4 treatment paths are 1 prophylaxis; 2 mild-to-moderate withdrawal; 3 moderate-to-severe withdrawal, and 4 severe withdrawal/alcohol withdrawal delirium. Each treatment path corresponds to a different lorazepam dose and dose schedule and symptom assessment. This pathway was implemented in the hospital at the end of 2011. RESULTS Using a Cox proportional hazards model and adjusting for covariates, there was a 1 day [95% confidence interval (CI), 1-2 d] reduction in median hospital LOS between the 2010 and 2012 cohorts, 5 versus 4 days, respectively. The average ratio in hospital LOS between the 2 cohorts was 1.25 (95% CI, 1.25-1.67). The CI was estimated by bootstrapping and indicated a significantly longer LOS in the 2010 cohort compared with the 2012 cohort. Nonsignificant changes were found in the proportion of subjects admitted to the intensive care unit (24% in 2010 vs. 29.3% in 2012), LOS in the intensive care unit (7.1±8 d in 2010 vs. 5.6±6.9 d in 2012), and proportion of patients discharged with a diagnosis of delirium tremens (17.8% in 2010 vs. 15.3% in 2012). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the successful implementation of an alcohol withdrawal treatment pathway in a medical-surgical population hospitalized in a large tertiary care facility with significant impact on hospital LOS.
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Long D, Long B, Koyfman A. The emergency medicine management of severe alcohol withdrawal. Am J Emerg Med 2017; 35:1005-1011. [PMID: 28188055 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alcohol use is widespread, and withdrawal symptoms are common after decreased alcohol intake. Severe alcohol withdrawal may manifest with delirium tremens, and new therapies may assist in management of this life-threatening condition. OBJECTIVE To provide an evidence-based review of the emergency medicine management of alcohol withdrawal and delirium tremens. DISCUSSION The underlying pathophysiology of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is central nervous system hyperexcitation. Stages of withdrawal include initial withdrawal symptoms, hallucinations, seizures, and delirium tremens. Management focuses on early diagnosis, resuscitation, and providing medications with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor activity. Benzodiazepines with symptom-triggered therapy have been the predominant medication class utilized and should remain the first treatment option with rapid escalation of dosing. Treatment resistant withdrawal warrants the use of phenobarbital or propofol, both demonstrating efficacy in management. Propofol can be used as an induction agent to decrease the effects of withdrawal. Dexmedetomidine does not address the underlying pathophysiology but may reduce the need for intubation. Ketamine requires further study. Overall, benzodiazepines remain the cornerstone of treatment. Outpatient management of patients with minimal symptoms is possible. CONCLUSIONS Alcohol withdrawal syndrome can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Physicians must rapidly diagnose these conditions while evaluating for other diseases. Benzodiazepines are the predominant medication class utilized, with adjunctive treatments including propofol or phenobarbital in patients with withdrawal resistant to benzodiazepines. Dexmedetomidine and ketamine require further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drew Long
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 1161 21st Ave S # T1217, Nashville, TN 37232, United States.
| | - Brit Long
- San Antonio Military Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Fort Sam Houston, 3841 Roger Brooke Dr, TX 78234, United States.
| | - Alex Koyfman
- The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, United States.
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Alkoholentzugsdelir und akute Komplikationen. Notf Rett Med 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10049-015-0108-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Nojkov B, Cappell MS. Distinctive aspects of peptic ulcer disease, Dieulafoy's lesion, and Mallory-Weiss syndrome in patients with advanced alcoholic liver disease or cirrhosis. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:446-466. [PMID: 26755890 PMCID: PMC4698507 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i1.446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Revised: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To systematically review the data on distinctive aspects of peptic ulcer disease (PUD), Dieulafoy’s lesion (DL), and Mallory-Weiss syndrome (MWS) in patients with advanced alcoholic liver disease (aALD), including alcoholic hepatitis or alcoholic cirrhosis.
METHODS: Computerized literature search performed via PubMed using the following medical subject heading terms and keywords: “alcoholic liver disease”, “alcoholic hepatitis”,“ alcoholic cirrhosis”, “cirrhosis”, “liver disease”, “upper gastrointestinal bleeding”, “non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding”, “PUD”, ‘‘DL’’, ‘‘Mallory-Weiss tear”, and “MWS’’.
RESULTS: While the majority of acute gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding with aALD is related to portal hypertension, about 30%-40% of acute GI bleeding in patients with aALD is unrelated to portal hypertension. Such bleeding constitutes an important complication of aALD because of its frequency, severity, and associated mortality. Patients with cirrhosis have a markedly increased risk of PUD, which further increases with the progression of cirrhosis. Patients with cirrhosis or aALD and peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) have worse clinical outcomes than other patients with PUB, including uncontrolled bleeding, rebleeding, and mortality. Alcohol consumption, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, and portal hypertension may have a pathogenic role in the development of PUD in patients with aALD. Limited data suggest that Helicobacter pylori does not play a significant role in the pathogenesis of PUD in most cirrhotic patients. The frequency of bleeding from DL appears to be increased in patients with aALD. DL may be associated with an especially high mortality in these patients. MWS is strongly associated with heavy alcohol consumption from binge drinking or chronic alcoholism, and is associated with aALD. Patients with aALD have more severe MWS bleeding and are more likely to rebleed when compared to non-cirrhotics. Pre-endoscopic management of acute GI bleeding in patients with aALD unrelated to portal hypertension is similar to the management of aALD patients with GI bleeding from portal hypertension, because clinical distinction before endoscopy is difficult. Most patients require intensive care unit admission and attention to avoid over-transfusion, to correct electrolyte abnormalities and coagulopathies, and to administer antibiotic prophylaxis. Alcoholics should receive thiamine and be closely monitored for symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Prompt endoscopy, after initial resuscitation, is essential to diagnose and appropriately treat these patients. Generally, the same endoscopic hemostatic techniques are used in patients bleeding from PUD, DL, or MWS in patients with aALD as in the general population.
CONCLUSION: Nonvariceal upper GI bleeding in patients with aALD has clinically important differences from that in the general population without aALD, including: more frequent and more severe bleeding from PUD, DL, or MWS.
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Shu JE, Lin A, Chang G. Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment in the Medically Hospitalized Patient: A Pilot Study Assessing Predictors for Medical or Psychiatric Complications. PSYCHOSOMATICS 2015; 56:547-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.psym.2014.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Revised: 11/28/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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35
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Monte-Secades R, Rabuñal-Rey R, Guerrero-Sande H. Síndrome de abstinencia alcohólica en pacientes hospitalizados. Rev Clin Esp 2015; 215:107-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rce.2014.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2014] [Revised: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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36
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Inpatient alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Rev Clin Esp 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rceng.2014.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Moore PW, Hieger MA, Donovan JW. The Toxicologist and Delirium: Flumazenil as a Diagnostic and Therapeutic Tool for Delirium During the Course of Alcohol Withdrawal. J Med Toxicol 2014; 10:436-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s13181-014-0434-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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Goodson CM, Clark BJ, Douglas IS. Predictors of Severe Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2014; 38:2664-77. [DOI: 10.1111/acer.12529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carrie M. Goodson
- University of Colorado School of Medicine; Denver Colorado
- Denver Health Medical Center, Department of Medicine; Denver Colorado
| | | | - Ivor S. Douglas
- University of Colorado School of Medicine; Denver Colorado
- Denver Health Medical Center, Department of Medicine; Denver Colorado
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Milroy CM. Sudden Death and Chronic Alcoholism. Acad Forensic Pathol 2014. [DOI: 10.23907/2014.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol is a common factor in many deaths. Chronic alcoholics may die suddenly from trauma, intoxication, and from preexisting disease. In many cases, there is no obvious cause of death in chronic alcoholics following initial postmortem examination. Determining the cause of death in chronic alcoholics can be challenging. Such deaths in chronic alcoholics may be due to a number of mechanisms, including alcoholic ketoacidosis and disorders of cardiac rhythm. Alcoholic ketoacidosis has been recognized as a cause of death since the 1990s. It can be diagnosed by postmortem analysis of ketone bodies, including acetone and β-hydroxybutyrate. It has been recognized clinically that patients with alcoholic liver disease have prolongation of the QT interval and a risk of sudden death. This paper reviews sudden natural deaths in chronic alcoholics, discussing pathological processes and mechanisms of death, especially where the cause of death is not obvious on initial autopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M. Milroy
- Eastern Ontario Regional Forensic Pathology Unit, The Ottawa Hospital and University of Ottawa in Ottawa, Canada
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Maldonado JR, Sher Y, Ashouri JF, Hills-Evans K, Swendsen H, Lolak S, Miller AC. The "Prediction of Alcohol Withdrawal Severity Scale" (PAWSS): systematic literature review and pilot study of a new scale for the prediction of complicated alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Alcohol 2014; 48:375-90. [PMID: 24657098 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2014.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2013] [Revised: 01/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To date, no screening tools for alcohol withdrawal syndromes (AWS) have been validated in the medically ill. Although several tools quantify the severity of AWS (e.g., Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol [CIWA]), none identify subjects at risk of AWS, thus missing the opportunity for timely prophylaxis. Moreover, there are no validated tools for the prediction of complicated (i.e., moderate to severe) AWS in the medically ill. OBJECTIVES Our goals were (1) to conduct a systematic review of the published literature on AWS to identify clinical factors associated with the development of AWS, (2) to use the identified factors to develop a tool for the prediction of alcohol withdrawal among patients at risk, and (3) to conduct a pilot study to assess the validity of the tool. METHODS For the creation of the Prediction of Alcohol Withdrawal Severity Scale (PAWSS), we conducted a systematic literature search using PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) guidelines for clinical factors associated with the development of AWS, using PubMed, PsychInfo, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Databases. Eligibility criteria included: (i) manuscripts dealing with human subjects, age 18 years or older, (ii) manuscripts directly addressing descriptions of AWS or its predisposing factors, including case reports, naturalistic case descriptions, and all types of clinical trials (e.g., randomized, single-blind, or open label studies), (iii) manuscripts describing characteristics of alcohol use disorder (AUD), and (iv) manuscripts dealing with animal data (which were considered only if they directly dealt with variables described in humans). Obtained data were used to develop the Prediction of Alcohol Withdrawal Severity Scale, in order to assist in the identification of patients at risk for complicated AWS. A pilot study was conducted to assess the new tool's psychometric qualities on patients admitted to a general inpatient medicine unit over a 2-week period, who agreed to participate in the study. Blind to PAWSS results, a separate group of researchers retrospectively examined the medical records for evidence of AWS. RESULTS The search produced 2802 articles describing factors potentially associated with increased risk for AWS, increased severity of withdrawal symptoms, and potential characteristics differentiating subjects with various forms of AWS. Of these, 446 articles met inclusion criteria and underwent further scrutiny, yielding a total of 233 unique articles describing factors predictive of AWS. A total of 10 items were identified as correlated with complicated AWS (i.e., withdrawal hallucinosis, withdrawal-related seizures, and delirium tremens) and used to construct the PAWSS. During the pilot study, a total of 68 subjects underwent evaluation with PAWSS. In this pilot sample the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of PAWSS were 100%, using the threshold score of 4. DISCUSSION The results of the literature search identified 10 items which may be correlated with risk for complicated AWS. These items were assembled into a tool to assist in the identification of patients at risk: PAWSS. The results of this pilot study suggest that PAWSS may be useful in identifying risk of complicated AWS in medically ill, hospitalized individuals. PAWSS is the first validated tool for the prediction of severe AWS in the medically ill and its use may aid in the early identification of patients at risk for complicated AWS, allowing for prophylaxis against AWS before severe alcohol withdrawal syndromes develop.
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Affiliation(s)
- José R Maldonado
- Psychiatry, Internal Medicine, Surgery, & Emergency Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Yelizaveta Sher
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Judith F Ashouri
- Internal Medicine (Rheumatology), University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Heavenly Swendsen
- Psychosomatic Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sermsak Lolak
- Psychiatry, George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
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Stephens JR, Liles EA, Dancel R, Gilchrist M, Kirsch J, DeWalt DA. Who needs inpatient detox? Development and implementation of a hospitalist protocol for the evaluation of patients for alcohol detoxification. J Gen Intern Med 2014; 29:587-93. [PMID: 24395104 PMCID: PMC3965748 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-013-2751-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2013] [Revised: 09/04/2013] [Accepted: 12/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinicians caring for patients seeking alcohol detoxification face many challenges, including lack of evidence-based guidelines for treatment and high recidivism rates. OBJECTIVES To develop a standardized protocol for determining which alcohol dependent patients seeking detoxification need inpatient versus outpatient treatment, and to study the protocol's implementation. DESIGN Review of best evidence by ad hoc task force and subsequent creation of standardized protocol. Prospective observational evaluation of initial protocol implementation. PARTICIPANTS Patients presenting for alcohol detoxification. INTERVENTION Development and implementation of a protocol for evaluation and treatment of patients requesting alcohol detoxification. MAIN MEASURES Number of admissions per month with primary alcohol related diagnosis (DRG), 30-day readmission rate, and length of stay, all measured before and after protocol implementation. RESULTS We identified one randomized clinical trial and three cohort studies to inform the choice of inpatient versus outpatient detoxification, along with one prior protocol in this population, and combined that data with clinical experience to create an institutional protocol. After implementation, the average number of alcohol related admissions was 15.9 per month, compared with 18.9 per month before implementation (p = 0.037). There was no difference in readmission rate or length of stay. CONCLUSIONS Creation and utilization of a protocol led to standardization of care for patients requesting detoxification from alcohol. Initial evaluation of protocol implementation showed a decrease in number of admissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Stephens
- Division of General Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, 5034 Old Clinic Building, CB#7110, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7110, USA,
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Abstract
Background Substance dependence poses a critical health problem. Sadly, its neurobiological mechanisms are still unclear, and this lack of real understanding is reflected in insufficient treatment options. It has been hypothesized that alcohol effects are due to an imbalance between neuroexcitatory and neuroinhibitory amino acids. However, glutamate and GABA interact with other neurotransmitters, which form a complicated network whose functioning evades intuition and should be investigated systemically with methods of biomedical systems analysis. Methods and Results We present a heuristic model of neurotransmitters that combines a neurochemical interaction matrix at the biochemical level with a mobile describing the balances between pairs of neurotransmitters at the physiological and behavioral level. We investigate the effects of alcohol on the integrated neurotransmitter systems at both levels. The model simulation results are consistent with clinical and experimental observations. The model demonstrates that the drug diazepam for symptoms of alcohol withdrawal effectively reduces the imbalances between neurotransmitters. Moreover, the acetylcholine signal is suggested as a novel target for treatment of symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal. Conclusions Efficient means of integrating clinical symptoms across multiple levels are still scarce and difficult to establish. We present a heuristic model of systemic neurotransmitter functionality that permits the assessment of genetic, biochemical, and pharmacological perturbations. The model can serve as a tool to represent clinical and biological observations and explore various scenarios associated with alcohol dependence and its treatments. It also is very well suited for educational purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Qi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University Medical School, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Integrative BioSystems Institute, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Felix Tretter
- Isar-Amper-Klinikum gemeinnützige GmbH, Klinikum München-Ost, Haar, Landkreis München, Germany
| | - Eberhard O. Voit
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University Medical School, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Integrative BioSystems Institute, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Harshe D, Shetty A, Rai SK, Mate OS, Karira A, Ramakrishnan A, Cholera R, Kale S. Biochemical Predictors of Delirium Tremens in Patients in Alcohol Withdrawal. Alcohol Alcohol 2014; 49:227. [DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agt137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Abstract
This chapter provides an overview of current knowledge on the molecular and clinical aspects of chronic alcohol effects on the central nervous system. This drug is almost ubiquitous, widely enjoyed socially, but produces a diverse spectrum of neurologic disease when abused. Acutely, alcohol interacts predominantly with γ-aminobutyric acid-A (GABA-A) and N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, but triggers diverse signaling events within well-defined neural pathways. These events result in adaptive changes in gene expression that ultimately produce two major states: addiction and toxicity. Epigenetic modifications of chromatin could lead to long-lived or even transgenerational changes in gene expression, thus producing aspects of the heritability of alcohol use disorders (AUD) and long-term behaviors such as recidivism. The diverse clinical syndromes produced by chronic alcohol actions in the central nervous system reflect the molecular pathology and predominantly involve aspects of tolerance/withdrawal, selective vulnerability (manifest as central pontine myelinolysis, Marchiafava-Bignami disease), and additional environmental factors (e.g., thiamine deficiency in Wernicke-Korsakoff's syndrome). Additionally, deleterious aspects of chronic alcohol on signaling, synaptic transmission, and cell toxicity lead to primary alcoholic dementia. Genetically determined aspects of myelin structure and alcohol actions on myelin gene expression may be a prominent molecular mechanism resulting in a predisposition to, or causation of, AUD and multiple other neurologic complications of chronic alcohol. The dramatic progress made in understanding molecular actions of alcohol holds great promise for our eventual treatment or prevention of AUD and neurologic complications resulting from chronic alcohol abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- B N Costin
- Virginia Commonwealth University Alcohol Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - M F Miles
- Virginia Commonwealth University Alcohol Research Center, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Study of Biological Complexity and Department of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
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Mainerova B, Prasko J, Latalova K, Axmann K, Cerna M, Horacek R, Bradacova R. Alcohol withdrawal delirium - diagnosis, course and treatment. Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub 2013; 159:44-52. [PMID: 24399242 DOI: 10.5507/bp.2013.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Accepted: 11/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Delirium tremens represents the most severe complication of alcohol withdrawal syndrome and, in its complications, significantly increases the morbidity and mortality of patients. Alcohol withdrawal delirium is characterized by features of alcohol withdrawal itself (tremor, sweating, hypertension, tachycardia etc.) together with general delirious symptoms such as clouded consciousness, disorientation, disturbed circadian rhythms, thought processe and sensory disturbances, all of them fluctuating in time. The treatment combines a supportive and symptomatic approach. Benzodiazepines in supramaximal doses are usually used as drugs of choice but in some countries such as the Czech Republic or Germany, clomethiazole is frequently used as well. METHOD A computer search of the all the literature published between 1966 and December 2012 was accomplished on MEDLINE and Web of Science with the key words "delirium tremens", "alcohol withdrawal", "treatment" and "pharmacotherapy". There were no language or time limits applied. CONCLUSIONS When not early recognized and treated adequately, delirium tremens may result in death due to malignant arrhythmia, respiratory arrest, sepsis, severe electrolyte disturbance or prolonged seizures and subsequent trauma. Owing to these possible fatalities and other severe unexpected complications, delirium tremens should be managed at an ICU or wards ensuring vital signs monitoring. In symptomatic treatment, high doses of benzodiazepines, especially lorazepam, diazepam and oxazepam are considered the gold standard drugs. Supportive therapy is also of great importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Mainerova
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc and University Hospital Olomouc, Czech Republic
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Ignjatovic-Ristic D, Rancic N, Novokmet S, Jankovic S, Stefanovic S. Risk factors for lethal outcome in patients with delirium tremens - psychiatrist's perspective: a nested case-control study. Ann Gen Psychiatry 2013; 12:39. [PMID: 24294907 PMCID: PMC4175103 DOI: 10.1186/1744-859x-12-39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim was to identify potential risk factors for lethal outcome in patients with delirium tremens (DT) treated in the psychiatric setting. METHODS In a nested case-control study, a total of 190 medical records of patients with DT hospitalized at the Psychiatric Clinic in Serbia between 2002 and 2011 were reviewed and analyzed. The characteristics of patients who died (cases) were compared with those who survived (controls). For each case, two controls (matched for age, gender, and year of hospitalization) were randomly chosen. RESULTS Significant differences between cases and controls were found for serum potassium levels (p < 0.001), the number of hospitalizations (p < 0.001), and duration of hospitalization (p < 0.001). A significant association with lethal outcome was found for serum potassium levels even in the normal range (adjusted odds ratio 40.52; 95% CI 1.20, >1,000.00; p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS Even though the number and duration of psychiatric hospitalizations were identified as factors determining survival after admission for DT, only serum potassium levels were found to be significant. Patients with an increase in potassium (or absence of hypokalemia) may require more intensive treatment. Monitoring of serum levels of potassium is important not only as an indicator for replacement but also as an indicator of maladaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragana Ignjatovic-Ristic
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty Military Medical Academy, University of Defence, Crnotravska 17, Belgrade 11000, Serbia.
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Abstract
Alcohol withdrawal is commonly encountered in general hospital settings. It forms a major part of referrals received by a consultation-liaison psychiatrist. This article aims to review the evidence base for appropriate clinical management of the alcohol withdrawal syndrome. We searched Pubmed for articles published in English on pharmacological management of alcohol withdrawal in humans with no limit on the date of publication. Articles not relevant to clinical management were excluded based on the titles and abstract available. Full-text articles were obtained from this list and the cross-references. There were four meta-analyses, 9 systematic reviews, 26 review articles and other type of publications like textbooks. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a clinical diagnosis. It may vary in severity. Complicated alcohol withdrawal presents with hallucinations, seizures or delirium tremens. Benzodiazepines have the best evidence base in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal, followed by anticonvulsants. Clinical institutes withdrawal assessment-alcohol revised is useful with pitfalls in patients with medical comorbidities. Evidence favors an approach of symptom-monitored loading for severe withdrawals where an initial dose is guided by risk factors for complicated withdrawals and further dosing may be guided by withdrawal severity. Supportive care and use of vitamins is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivanand Kattimani
- Department of Psychiatry, Regional Deaddiction Center, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Balaji Bharadwaj
- Department of Psychiatry, Regional Deaddiction Center, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
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Grover S, Sharma A, Kate N, Mattoo SK, Basu D, Chakrabarti S, Malhotra S, Avasthi A. Symptom profile and outcome of delirium associated with alcohol withdrawal syndrome: a study from India. Am J Addict 2013; 22:503-9. [PMID: 23952898 DOI: 10.1111/j.1521-0391.2013.12063.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2012] [Revised: 07/01/2012] [Accepted: 07/23/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To study the profile of delirium associated with alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) in a developing country in terms of symptomatology, associated risk factors/physical complications, and outcome. METHODOLOGY Using a prospective design, 112 patients in whom delirium could be attributed to AWS as either the sole or a contributory cause were assessed by Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98 and the associated etiological factors were assessed by using delirium etiology checklist. FINDINGS In all patients, delirium was acute in onset and all patients had disturbance of sleep-wake cycle and inattention. Other common symptoms were: disorientation (99.1%), fluctuation in symptoms (97.3%), motor agitation (94.6%), and short-term memory disturbance (92.9%). In terms of delirium etiology checklist etiological categories, besides alcohol withdrawal, the most common factors were metabolic/endocrine abnormalities (76%), followed by organ insufficiency and infection (37% and 35%, respectively). Most patients (67%) improved or recovered completely from delirium during the short stay of 4 days. During the short stay of mean duration of 4 days 13.4% of the patients died during the hospital stay. CONCLUSION Delirium associated with alcohol withdrawal is characterized by an acute onset of symptoms with high prevalence of disturbance of sleep-wake cycle, inattention, disorientation, fluctuation in symptoms, motor agitation, and disturbance in short-term memory. There are certain differences in the symptom profile of delirium associated with alcohol withdrawal and that associated with medical-surgical causes. About one-sixth of the patients developing delirium due to alcohol withdrawal die during the short hospital stay of 4 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Grover
- Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India.
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Stehman CR, Mycyk MB. A rational approach to the treatment of alcohol withdrawal in the ED. Am J Emerg Med 2013; 31:734-42. [PMID: 23399338 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2012.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2012] [Revised: 12/17/2012] [Accepted: 12/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 7% of the US population abuses or is dependent on alcohol. Patients with alcohol disorders often seek medical attention in Emergency Departments (EDs) for complications directly related to alcohol use or due to other medical issues associated with alcohol use. Because of increasing lengths of stay in EDs, alcohol-dependent patients are at high risk of developing alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) during their ED visit. This article reviews the physiology of alcohol withdrawal as well as the symptoms of this potentially deadly illness for the practicing emergency physician (EP). We provide evidence-based guidelines for the appropriate ED treatment of moderate to severe AWS, including pharmacologic interventions, adjunctive therapies, and disposition of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine R Stehman
- Division of Trauma, Burn and Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Thiercelin N, Andrianirina B, Plat A. Delirium tremens : étude rétrospective de 39 observations. Rev Med Interne 2013; 34:73-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2012.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2012] [Revised: 05/25/2012] [Accepted: 08/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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