The incidence of alcohol-related problems and the risk of alcohol withdrawal in a general hospital population

Effect of Phenobarbital-Based Alcohol Withdrawal Protocol on Provider Practice and Patient Outcomes-A Quality Improvement Study

Introduction: Alcohol is the most common substance use disorder in the United States. Despite this prevalence, there remains significant heterogeneity in medical management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). While the 2020 American Society of Addition Medicine continues to recommend the use of benzodiazepines as first-line therapy for AWS, there is increasing use of phenobarbital in patients at high risk of severe AWS. Despite phenobarbital's favorable pharmacologic profile, historically, clinical utilization on general medicine services has been low and often restricted. In this project, we have examined practice patterns and associated clinical outcomes in adult patients experiencing AWS on the general medicine service pre and post implementation of a phenobarbital-based protocol for the treatment of severe AWS at our institution. Methods: This quality improvement study evaluated changes in management of AWS on general medicine units associated with implementation of a phenobarbital-based protocol and order set in the electronic medical record (EMR). Our primary outcome measures were receipt of a phenobarbital loading dose, concomitant benzodiazepine administration, and total benzodiazepine dose. Safety outcomes were also explored to assess clinical impacts of this protocol implementation. The project was determined "not research" by our Institutional Review Board. Results: Phenobarbital-protocol implementation was associated with increased frequency of receiving a phenobarbital loading dose (49.5% vs 9.4%; P < .001), decreased use of concomitant benzodiazepine/phenobarbital (4.3% vs 28.9%; P < .001), and decreased total benzodiazepine dose (7.8 vs 15.5 mg; P < .001). Regarding safety, there was no significant pre/post difference in the rate of ICU transfer, but among those transferred there was a trend toward decreased mechanical ventilation rate (100% vs 28.6%; P = .051), and a significantly reduced ICU length of stay (median 11 vs 3 days; P = .04). There were no pre/post differences in seizures, delirium or use of adjunct medications. Conclusions: This quality improvement study demonstrates a marked change in provider prescribing practices for treating AWS after implementation of an institutional phenobarbital-based protocol. We observed no difference in overall clinical outcomes after protocol implementation, although a larger follow-up study is needed to confirm this and to further explore the shorter ICU length of stay for patients with AWS postimplementation.

Gabapentin to treat acute alcohol withdrawal in hospitalized patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Gabapentin is an antiepileptic medication with evidence of benefit in alcohol use disorder patients. The mechanism of action of gabapentin may also benefit patients suffering from acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS).

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to examine if gabapentin can effectively replace/reduce the use of benzodiazepines for the treatment of acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms in hospitalized patients. Time to alcohol withdrawal symptom resolution, amount of benzodiazepines administered, rate of resolution of alcohol withdrawal symptoms, serious withdrawal-related complications, and hospital length of stay (LOS) were examined.

RESULTS

Eight retrospective studies (n = 2030) were included in this meta-analysis. There were no studies that examined study outcomes for patients who received only gabapentin and no benzodiazepines; in all studies, gabapentin-treated patients may have received benzodiazepines prior to gabapentin. There were no significant differences between gabapentin-treated and benzodiazepine-treated groups in time to symptom resolution, amount benzodiazepines administered, withdrawal-related complications, or LOS. There was a significant difference in the rate of symptom resolution favoring gabapentin-treated patients (p = 0.05); however, this analysis included only one study. Subgroup analyses of severe AWS patients revealed a significant decrease in LOS (p = 0.04) and a decrease in amount of benzodiazepines administered (p = 0.02) in gabapentin-treated patients, but these analyses included only one study. Subgroup analysis of patients receiving only gabapentin without benzodiazepines found a significantly decreased LOS in the gabapentin group compared to the benzodiazepine group (p < 0.001), but this analysis included only two studies.

CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence to support the widespread use of gabapentin to treat inpatients suffering AWS. All studies included in this meta-analysis are retrospective with high risk of confounding. Well-designed, randomized, controlled studies of gabapentin to treat patients with AWS are required.

Movement if Life-Optimizing Patient Access to Total Joint Arthroplasty: Alcohol and Substance Abuse Disparities

Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) and substance use disorders (SUDs) place patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty at notable risk for complications. AUD and SUD disproportionately affect vulnerable communities and often coexist. Following is a discussion of the presence of these disorders in vulnerable populations and approaches to screening for them to optimize care and reduce the risks of joint arthroplasty surgery. 25.1% of American adults report binge drinking in the past year, and 5.8% of American adults carry a diagnosis of AUD. Alcohol consumption and AUD disproportionately affect American Indians/Alaskan Natives, and heavy episodic drinking is highest in Latinx and American Indians. AUD is higher in those who are unemployed, have lower education level, and those who are single/divorced. Alcohol use in the preoperative period is associated with difficulty maintaining blood pressure during surgery, infections, wound disruptions, and increased length of stay. In addition, patients with AUD or unhealthy alcohol use have a greater comorbidity burden, including liver disease and dementia, that predisposes them to poor surgical outcomes. Optimization in these vulnerable populations include proper screening, cessation programs, psychosocial interventions, assessment of support systems, and pharmacologic interventions. 38% of adults battle a drug use disorder. Twenty-one million Americans have at least one addiction, but only 10% receive treatment. Rates of opioid use and opioid-related deaths have continued to rise. Recreational drug use is highest in American Indians. Marijuana use is highest in Black and Latinx lesbian, gay, and bisexual women. Overall, substance use is associated with depression and anxiety; discrimination based on race, ethnicity, sex, or sexual preference is also deeply interwoven with depression, anxiety, and substance use. Preoperative use of opioids is the number one predictor of prolonged chronic postoperative opioid use. Optimization in these vulnerable groups begins with appropriate screening, followed by psychosocial interventions, social work and substance abuse counseling, and pharmacologic therapies.

Pneumonia is a common and early complication of the Severe Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (SAWS)

BACKGROUND

Pneumonia (PNA) may complicate the Severe Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (SAWS), with ICU admission, mechanical ventilation (MV), prolonged length of stay (LOS), and adverse events.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the onset, features and courses of PNA in patients with SAWS to aid management.

METHODS

A 33 month contiguous review of SAWS and PNA was conducted at an urban public hospital.

RESULTS

There were 279 episodes of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS) among 255 patients. Males predominated (91%) with a mean age of 45.8 years (range 23-73), of whom 31% (87/279) developed SAWS with ICU management. Direct ICU admission occurred for 62 patients; 25 were transferred for delirium, seizures, escalating sedation, PNA or other complications. PNA was identified for 34 ICU direct admissions and 13 ward patients. Ten transfers to the ICU also developed PNA for an ICU total of 44/87 (51%), of whom 82% (36/44) required MV. Another 10 ICU patients without PNA received MV for high dose sedation or respiratory failure. Most ICU patients (72/87 (83%)), including all with MV, required IV infusion of sedation. MV prolonged LOS, but LOS for PNA with MV was similar to all MV. ICU transfers had longer LOS with greater use of MV than direct admits (p<0.05). PNA was identified before ICU admission or transfer for 73% (32/44 (p<0.05)), and usually before intubation. Most PNA was Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) with P. Pneumoniae frequently cultured.

CONCLUSIONS

PNA with SAWS is predominately CAP and occurs early. Focused ICU admission with respiratory support are priorities of initial management.

Can the alcohol withdrawal scale be applied to post-operative patients?

BACKGROUNDS

Assessment scales are commonly used to diagnose and treat alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) in acute hospitals, although they have only been validated for use in detoxification facilities. There is a significant overlap between the symptoms and signs of AWS and other clinical presentations, including systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and the physiological response to surgery. This may lead to both over-diagnosis and inappropriate treatment of AWS. This study sought to determine the false-positive rate for the commonly used Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol-Revised (CIWA-Ar) among post-operative patients.

METHODS

This was a prospective study of patients undergoing major abdominal surgery at University Hospital Geelong. Patients were recruited who were NOT at risk of alcohol dependency (using the World Health Organisation Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test). Patients were assessed for AWS using the CIWA-Ar day one post-operatively with a false positive measured as a CIWA-Ar > 7.

RESULTS

A total of 67 patients were included in the study. There were 31 (46%) men and 36 women. Their median age was 52 years (range 27-85). Thirty-six (52%) of patients underwent elective procedures, and 32 were emergencies. Twelve of the 67 patients (18%) had CIWA-Ar scores >seven.

CONCLUSION

In the early post-operative period, the CIWA-Ar tool over-diagnoses AWS in 18% of patients. These false-positives could lead to delayed treatment of serious underlying conditions. We call for caution in the use of alcohol withdrawal scales in the acute hospital setting.

Research Needs for Inpatient Management of Severe Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome: An Official American Thoracic Society Research Statement

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.

Prevalence and Variation of Clinically Recognized Inpatient Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome in the Veterans Health Administration

OBJECTIVES

No prior study has evaluated the prevalence or variability of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) in general hospitals in the United States.

METHODS

This retrospective study used secondary data from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to estimate the documented prevalence of clinically recognized AWS among patients engaged in VHA care who were hospitalized during fiscal year 2013. We describe variation in documented inpatient AWS by geographic region, hospital, admitting specialty, and inpatient diagnoses using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis and/or procedure codes recorded at hospital admission, transfer, or discharge.

RESULTS

Among 469,082 eligible hospitalizations, the national prevalence of documented inpatient AWS was 5.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.2%-6.4%), but there was marked variation by geographic region (4.3%-11.2%), hospital (1.4%-16.1%), admitting specialty (0.7%-19.0%), and comorbid diagnoses (1.3%-38.3%). AWS affected a high proportion of psychiatric admissions (19.0%, 95% CI 17.5%-20.4%) versus Medical (4.4%, 95% CI 4.0%-4.8%) or surgical (0.7%, 95% CI 0.6%-0.8%); though by volume, medical admissions represented the majority of hospitalizations complicated by AWS (n = 13,478 medical versus n = 12,305 psychiatric and n = 595 surgical). Clinically recognized AWS was also common during hospitalizations involving other alcohol-related disorders (38.3%, 95% CI 35.8%-40.8%), other substance use conditions (19.3%, 95% CI 17.7%-20.9%), attempted suicide (15.3%, 95% CI 13.0%-17.6%), and liver injury (13.9%, 95% CI 12.6%-15.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

AWS was commonly recognized and documented during VHA hospitalizations in 2013, but varied considerably across inpatient settings. This clinical variation may, in part, reflect differences in quality of care and warrants further, more rigorous investigation.

Should the CIWA-Ar be the standard monitoring strategy for alcohol withdrawal syndrome in the intensive care unit?

BACKGROUND

The Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol-Revised (CIWA-Ar) is commonly used in hospitals to titrate medications for alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS), but may be difficult to apply to intensive care unit (ICU) patients who are too sick or otherwise unable to communicate.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the frequency of CIWA-Ar monitoring among ICU patients with AWS and variation in CIWA-Ar monitoring across patient demographic and clinical characteristics.

METHODS

The study included all adults admitted to an ICU in 2017 after treatment for AWS in the Emergency Department of an academic hospital that standardly uses the CIWA-Ar to assess AWS severity and response to treatment. Demographic and clinical data, including Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) assessments (an alternative measure of agitation/sedation), were obtained via chart review. Associations between patient characteristics and CIWA-Ar monitoring were tested using logistic regression.

RESULTS

After treatment for AWS, only 56% (n = 54/97) of ICU patients were evaluated using the CIWA-Ar; 94% of patients had a documented RASS assessment (n = 91/97). Patients were significantly less likely to receive CIWA-Ar monitoring if they were intubated or identified as Black.

CONCLUSIONS

CIWA-Ar monitoring was used inconsistently in ICU patients with AWS and completed less often in those who were intubated or identified as Black. These hypothesis-generating findings raise questions about the utility of the CIWA-Ar in ICU settings. Future studies should assess alternative measures for titrating AWS medications in the ICU that do not require verbal responses from patients and further explore the association of race with AWS monitoring.

Use of Electronic Health Record Data to Estimate the Probability of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome in a National Cohort of Hospitalized Veterans

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.

Alcohol use disorder and alcohol withdrawal syndrome in Vietnamese hospitalized patients

AIMS

To identify the extent to which patients admitted to a general hospital in Vietnam meet the criteria for risky alcohol drinking, alcohol use disorder (AUD), and alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS), describe problems and behavior of alcohol use such as types and quantity of alcohol drinking in a hospitalized population in Vietnam, and investigate the association among age, disease-related factors, and alcohol consumption with AWS.

METHODS

This study was conducted prospectively in 1340 patients admitted to a general hospital. All patients were screened for risky alcohol drinking. Risky alcohol drinkers were assessed by using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) to identify AUD patients. The diagnosis of AWS was based on criteria defined by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, version 5. The AWS scale was used to quantitate AWS severity level.

RESULTS

Prevalence of risky alcohol drinkers, AUD patients, and AWS patients among hospitalized patients was 15.5%, 13.1%, and 7.3%, respectively. All of the AUD and AWS patients were male. The majority of risky alcohol drinkers, patients with AUD, and patients with AWS were 40-60-year-old men. Almost all patients (98.3%) drank homemade alcohol. Hospitalized patients were more likely to develop AWS if they had liver disease or past experience with AWS.

CONCLUSIONS

AUD and AWS are common in hospitalized patients. Formulating a protocol to identify and care for patients with alcohol-related disorders is urgent.

A Participatory Health Promotion Mobile App Addressing Alcohol Use Problems (The Daybreak Program): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

At-risk patterns of alcohol use are prevalent in many countries with significant costs to individuals, families, and society. Screening and brief interventions, including with Web delivery, are effective but with limited translation into practice to date. Previous observational studies of the Hello Sunday Morning approach have found that their unique Web-based participatory health communication method has resulted in a reduction of at-risk alcohol use between baseline and 3 months. The Hello Sunday Morning blog program asks participants to publicly set a personal goal to stop drinking or reduce their consumption for a set period of time, and to record their reflections and progress on blogs and social networks. Daybreak is Hello Sunday Morning’s evidence-based behavior change program, which is designed to support people looking to change their relationship with alcohol.

Objective

This study aims to systematically evaluate different versions of Hello Sunday Morning’s Daybreak program (with and without coaching support) in reducing at-risk alcohol use.

Methods

We will use a between groups randomized control design. New participants enrolling in the Daybreak program will be eligible to be randomized to receive either (1) the Daybreak program, including peer support plus behavioral experiments (these encourage and guide participants in developing new skills in the areas of mindfulness, connectedness, resilience, situational strategies, and health), or (2) the Daybreak program, including the same peer support plus behavioral experiments, but with online coaching support. We will recruit 467 people per group to detect an effect size of f=0.10. To be eligible, participants must be resident in Australia, aged ≥18 years, score ≥8 on the alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT), and not report prior treatment for cardiovascular disease.

Results

The primary outcome measure will be reduction in the AUDIT-Consumption (AUDIT-C) scores. Secondary outcomes include mental health (Kessler’s K-10), days out of role (Kessler), alcohol consumed (measured with a 7-day drinking diary in standard 10 g drinks), and alcohol-related harms (CORE alcohol and drug survey). We will collect data at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months and analyze them with random effects models, given the correlated data structure.

Conclusions

A randomized trial is required to provide robust evidence of the impact of the online coaching component of the Daybreak program, including over an extended period.

Trial Registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618000010291; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=373110 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6zKRmp0aC)

Registered Report Identifier

RR1-10.2196/9982

A feasible model for early intervention for high-risk substance use in the emergency department setting

Objective In response to escalating alcohol and other drug (AOD)-related emergency department (ED) presentations, a tertiary Melbourne hospital embedded experienced AOD clinical nurse consultants in the ED on weekends to trial a model for screening, assessment and brief intervention (BI). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relative contributions of AOD to ED presentations and to pilot a BI model. Methods Using a customised AOD screening tool and a framework for proactive case finding, screened participants were offered a comprehensive AOD assessment and BI in the ED. Immediate effects of the intervention were evaluated via the engagement of eligible individuals and a self-administered 'intention to change' survey. Results Over the 32-month pilot, 1100 patients completed a comprehensive AOD assessment, and 95% of these patients received a BI. The most commonly misused substances were, in order, alcohol, tobacco, amphetamine-type stimulants, gamma-hydroxybutyrate and cannabis. Thirty-two per cent of patients were found to be at risk of dependence from alcohol and 25% were found to be at risk of dependence from other substances. Forty per cent of the people assessed reported no previous AOD support or intervention. On leaving the ED, 78% of participants reported an intention to contact community support services and 65% stated they would change the way they used AOD in the future. Conclusion This study of a pilot program quantifies the relative contribution of AOD to ED presentations and demonstrates that hospital EDs can implement a feasible, proactive BI model with high participation rates for people presenting with AOD-related health consequences. What is known about the topic? Clinician-led BI for high-risk consumption of alcohol has been demonstrated to be effective in primary care and ED settings. However, hospital EDs are increasingly receiving people with high-risk AOD-related harms. The relative contribution of other drugs in relation to ED presentations has not been widely documented. In addition, the optimal model and effects of AOD screening and BI programs in the Australian ED setting are unknown. What does this paper add? This paper describes a 'real-life' pilot project embedding AOD-specific staff in a metropolitan Melbourne ED at peak times to screen and provide BI to patients presenting with AOD-related risk and/or harms. The study quantifies the relative contribution of other drugs in addition to alcohol to ED presentations and reports on this model's much higher levels of patient engagement in receiving BI than has been reported previously. What are the implications for practitioners? This study demonstrates the relative contribution of drugs, in addition to alcohol, to ED presentations at peak weekend times. Although BI has been well proven, the pilot project evaluated herein has demonstrated that by embedding AOD-specific staff in the ED, much higher rates of patient engagement, screening and BI can be achieved.

Postoperative delirium in patients with history of alcohol abuse

INTRODUCTION

Postoperative delirium (POD) is an acute confusional state characterized by changes in consciousness and cognition, which may be fluctuating, developing in a small period of time. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between alcohol abuse and the development of POD.

METHODS

We prospectively evaluated consecutively all postoperative patients admitted in the Post-anesthesia Care Unit over a 1-month period for delirium, using the Portuguese versions of the the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale. Before surgery, alcohol consumption was inquired and alcohol abuse was assessed by the CAGE (Cutting Down, Annoyance, Guilt and Eye-opener) questionnaire; a score ≥2 defined alcohol abuse. Fischer exact test or chi-square was applied for comparisons. Risk factors were analyzed in a multivariate analysis using a logistic regression with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).

RESULTS

Two hundred twenty-one patients were enrolled. Delirium was seen in 11% patients. The incidence of alcohol abuse was 10%. Patients with alcohol abuse were more frequently men (P<.001) and had a higher ASA physical status III/IV (P=.021). POD was more frequent in patients with alcohol abuse (30% vs. 9%; P=.002). Age (OR: 5.9; 95%CI: 2.2-15.9; P<.001 for patients ≥65years), ASA physical statusIII/IV (OR: 4.2; 95%CI: 1.7-10.7; P=.002) and alcohol abuse (OR: 4.2; 95%CI: 1.4-12.9; P=.013) were found to be independent predictors for POD.

CONCLUSIONS

Older patients, higher ASA physical status and alcohol abuse were more frequent in patients with POD. Alcohol abuse was considered an independent risk factor for POD.

Role of physicians in the management of substance use disorders

Alcohol, tobacco and other drugs are responsible for significant contribution to the global burden of disease and injury. There are several contributions that the physician can make to reduce the burden that substance use contributes to the community, not only clinically but also through leadership and contribution to community dialogue and public policy.

Hospital Admissions Before an Alcohol-Related Death Among Middle-Aged Employed Men and Women: A Cohort Study Using Routine Data

BACKGROUND

Due to lack of appropriate longitudinal data, relatively little is known about how and when persons who ultimately die due to alcohol-related causes interact with hospitals during the years before death. Using routinely collected nationwide data, we aimed to establish the timing and causes of all hospitalizations during a 10-year period before an alcohol-related death.

METHODS

We traced back the timing and causes of all hospitalizations occurring during a 10-year period before death among men and women (n = 2,981) who were aged 35 and in employment at study entry, and who died from alcohol-related causes at ages 45 to 54 in 1997 to 2007. The study data consisted of 80% of all persons living in Finland who died during the study period. Those who died at ages 45 to 54 without alcohol involvement were used as a reference group.

RESULTS

Persons who ultimately died from alcohol-related causes had on average 7 (mean 7.4, SD 9.9) hospital admissions, and they spent on average 56 days (mean 56.2, SD 105.1) in hospital during the study period. By the fifth year before death (from the year -10 to year -5), about three-fifths of these persons had been hospitalized due to any cause at least once, but less than one-third had a hospital admission with an alcohol-related diagnosis. Those who died without alcohol involvement had an average 9 hospital admissions (mean 9.3, SD 11.2), and they spent on average 81 days (mean 81.2, SD 163.9) in hospital during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of employed middle-aged persons who ultimately died due to alcohol-related causes interacted with hospitals frequently and already several years before death. Additional research is warranted to evaluate whether enhanced patient management at hospitals targeted to this population could potentially reduce alcohol-related harms.

Development of Screening Questionnaire for Detection of Alcohol Dependence

INTRODUCTION

Alcohol dependence (AD) is a major reason for morbidity and visits to emergency medical settings. However, the detection of AD is often difficult or overlooked. This study aimed to develop a brief screening questionnaire in Hindi language for detection of AD in an emergency medical setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors in consultation devised a set of questions related to AD in the Hindi language requiring binary yes/no type of response. These questions were guided by clinical experience, nosological criteria and previously published screening questionnaires. After initial piloting, these questions were administered by the treating doctors to 100 consenting adult patients presenting with possible AD in the emergency medical services of a tertiary care hospital in North India. A diagnosis of AD was arrived at by administering Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview separately. Identification of the most discriminant combinations of items for the detection of AD were based on the chi-square test and binary logistic regression analyses. The final version of the questionnaire was then externally validated on another cohort of patients.

RESULTS

Based on the analyses, we retained 5 items in the final version of the questionnaire. Sensitivity and specificity values for cut-off scores were calculated. Subsequent external validation revealed satisfactory psychometric properties of the questionnaire.

CONCLUSION

The questionnaire represents a simple and brief clinician-administered instrument for screening of AD in an emergency medical setting.

Identification and treatment of alcohol use disorders in the perioperative period

Patients with alcohol use disorders who undergo surgery face added risks and longer recovery time. Identification of such patients may reduce these risks, allow physicians to increase awareness of surgical requirements, and minimize postoperative complications. This article defines the alcohol problems encountered, describes preoperative screening tests and treatments, and discusses postoperative assessment and management of complications such as alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

An examination of barriers to nurse practitioner endorsement in senior rural drug and alcohol nurses in New South Wales

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS

To examine barriers senior rural nurses in New South Wales drug and alcohol clinical settings perceive when considering endorsement to Nurse Practitioner (NP).

DESIGN AND METHODS

A survey was designed to record views of senior alcohol and drug nurses in rural New South Wales about becoming a NP. Participants were identified by Area Health Service Directors of Drug and Alcohol Services for each Area Health Service in NSW excluding metropolitan Sydney. Forty eight surveys were distributed, with 17 (35%) completed surveys included in the results.

RESULTS

Of the 17 participants, 12 (70.6%) expressed interest in becoming a NP. The majority (12, 70.6%) were unaware or unsure of endorsement processes. Lack of clarity about the NP role and processes and benefits to becoming a NP was found to be of most concern to all participants. Only 6 participants (35%) indicated they would consider seeking endorsement to NP.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Despite agreeing that NP positions in alcohol and drug settings would improve patient access to treatment and care, senior nurses working in these settings in regional areas are unfamiliar with pathways to becoming endorsed. Barriers, such as a lack of internal support from management and colleagues, as well as the fact that respondents reported no foreseeable financial gain in endorsement, also need to be addressed, before more nurses will consider endorsement. Further evaluation of the views of senior nurses in metropolitan alcohol and other drug settings in the process to NP endorsement is needed before clients will benefit from the expertise and enhanced care that NP's may provide.

Intraoperative alcohol withdrawal syndrome: a coincidence or precipitation?

As the prevalence of alcohol dependence is approximately half in surgical patients with an alcohol use disorder, anesthetist often encounters such patients in the perioperative settings. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is one of the most feared complications of alcohol dependence and can be fatal if not managed actively. A 61-year-old man, alcoholic with 50 h of abstinence before surgery, received spinal anesthesia for surgery for femoral neck fracture. To facilitate positioning for spinal anesthesia, fascia iliaca compartmental block with 0.25% bupivacaine (30 mL) was administered 30 min prior to spinal block. Later, in the intraoperative period the patient developed AWS; however, the features were similar to that of local anesthetic toxicity. The case was successfully managed with intravenous midazolam, esmolol, and propofol infusion. Due to similarity of clinical features of AWS and mild local anesthetic toxicity, an anesthetist should be in a position to differentiate the condition promptly and manage it aggressively.

Magnesium for alcohol withdrawal

BACKGROUND

Patients have been given magnesium to treat or prevent alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). Evidence to support this practice is limited, and is often based on the controversial link between hypomagnesaemia and AWS.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of magnesium for the prevention or treatment of AWS in hospitalised adults.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Drugs and Alcohol Group Register of Controlled Trials (August 2012), PubMed (from 1966 to August 2012 ), EMBASE (from 1988 to August 2012), CINAHL (from 1982 to March 2010), Web of Science (1965 to August 2012). We also carried out Internet searches.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised or quasi-randomised trials of magnesium for hospitalised adults with, or at risk for, acute alcohol withdrawal.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently extracted data with a standardised data extraction form, contacting the correspondence investigator if the necessary information was not available in the reports. Dichotomous outcomes were analysed by calculating the risk ratio (RR) for each trial, with the uncertainty in each result expressed with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Continuous outcomes were to be analysed by calculating the standardised mean difference (SMD) with 95% CI. For outcomes assessed by scales we compared and pooled the mean score differences from the end of treatment to baseline (post minus pre) in the experimental and control groups.

MAIN RESULTS

Four trials involving 317 people met the inclusion criteria. Three trials studied oral magnesium, with doses ranging from 12.5 mmol/day to 20 mmol/day. One trial studied parenteral magnesium (16.24 mEq q6h for 24 hours). Each trial demonstrated a high risk of bias in at least one domain. There was significant clinical and methodological variation between trials.We found no study that measured all of the identified primary outcomes and met the objectives of this review. Only one trial measured clinical symptoms of seizure, delirium tremens or components of the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol (CIWA) score. A single outcome (handgrip strength) in three trials (113 people), was amenable to meta-analysis. There was no significant increase in handgrip strength in the magnesium group (SMD 0.04; 95% CI -0.22 to 0.30). No clinically important changes in adverse events were reported.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence to determine whether magnesium is beneficial or harmful for the treatment or prevention of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

Clinical practice guidelines for the management of pain, agitation, and delirium in adult patients in the intensive care unit

OBJECTIVE

To revise the "Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Sustained Use of Sedatives and Analgesics in the Critically Ill Adult" published in Critical Care Medicine in 2002.

METHODS

The American College of Critical Care Medicine assembled a 20-person, multidisciplinary, multi-institutional task force with expertise in guideline development, pain, agitation and sedation, delirium management, and associated outcomes in adult critically ill patients. The task force, divided into four subcommittees, collaborated over 6 yr in person, via teleconferences, and via electronic communication. Subcommittees were responsible for developing relevant clinical questions, using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation method (http://www.gradeworkinggroup.org) to review, evaluate, and summarize the literature, and to develop clinical statements (descriptive) and recommendations (actionable). With the help of a professional librarian and Refworks database software, they developed a Web-based electronic database of over 19,000 references extracted from eight clinical search engines, related to pain and analgesia, agitation and sedation, delirium, and related clinical outcomes in adult ICU patients. The group also used psychometric analyses to evaluate and compare pain, agitation/sedation, and delirium assessment tools. All task force members were allowed to review the literature supporting each statement and recommendation and provided feedback to the subcommittees. Group consensus was achieved for all statements and recommendations using the nominal group technique and the modified Delphi method, with anonymous voting by all task force members using E-Survey (http://www.esurvey.com). All voting was completed in December 2010. Relevant studies published after this date and prior to publication of these guidelines were referenced in the text. The quality of evidence for each statement and recommendation was ranked as high (A), moderate (B), or low/very low (C). The strength of recommendations was ranked as strong (1) or weak (2), and either in favor of (+) or against (-) an intervention. A strong recommendation (either for or against) indicated that the intervention's desirable effects either clearly outweighed its undesirable effects (risks, burdens, and costs) or it did not. For all strong recommendations, the phrase "We recommend …" is used throughout. A weak recommendation, either for or against an intervention, indicated that the trade-off between desirable and undesirable effects was less clear. For all weak recommendations, the phrase "We suggest …" is used throughout. In the absence of sufficient evidence, or when group consensus could not be achieved, no recommendation (0) was made. Consensus based on expert opinion was not used as a substitute for a lack of evidence. A consistent method for addressing potential conflict of interest was followed if task force members were coauthors of related research. The development of this guideline was independent of any industry funding.

CONCLUSION

These guidelines provide a roadmap for developing integrated, evidence-based, and patient-centered protocols for preventing and treating pain, agitation, and delirium in critically ill patients.

Alteration of glutamate/GABA balance during acute alcohol withdrawal in emergency department: a prospective analysis

AIMS

Animal studies suggest that in alcohol withdrawal the balance of neurotransmitters gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate is altered. To test this in humans, we aimed to measure plasma levels of glutamate, GABA and glutamate/GABA ratio in alcoholic patients presenting with complicated AWS with the same values in non-alcohol abuser/dependent controls and to determine prognostic factors for severe withdrawal.

METHODS

88 patients admitted to the emergency room for acute alcohol intoxication (DSM-IV) were prospectively included. Measurements of GABA and glutamate were performed on admission (Time 1, T1) and after 12 ± 2 h (T2). The experimental group (EG) was composed of 23 patients who presented at T2 with a severe AWS. The control group (CG) consisted of healthy subjects paired with the EG (gender and age). Logistic regression was performed in order to compare associated clinical and biological variables that could predict severe withdrawal.

RESULTS

The concentration of GABA in the EG at T1 was significantly lower than that in the CG. The concentration of glutamate in the EG at T1 was significantly higher than that in the CG. The glutamate/GABA ratio in the EG at T1 was significantly higher than the ratio in the CG. With a multivariate logistic regression model, glutamate level at admission remained the only criterion identified as a predictor of AWS at 12 h.

CONCLUSION

Decreased synthesis of GABA and increased synthesis of glutamate might be related to withdrawal symptoms experienced on brutal cessation of chronic alcohol intake.

Temporal and spatial patterns in the rate of alcohol withdrawal syndrome in a defined community

There is a paucity of data about the epidemiology of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) and, particularly, with regard to temporal trends and sociodemographic factors. This study included 7,195 episodes of AWS in a defined community (Galicia, Spain) over a 11-year period. We looked for geographical correlations between AWS rate and sociodemographic factors (education and socioeconomic levels and rates of occupational activity and unemployment) within respective districts. We also investigated the inter- and intra-annual time trends for AWS. The median age of the participants was 49 years (interquartile range, 41-60 years), and 85% were men. The annual frequency of AWS episodes remained stable during the study period, with a consistent peak in episodes during the summer months and lowest frequency of episodes in winter months (P<.001). The age- and sex-adjusted geographical distribution of the AWS rate was uneven; districts with high rate tended to cluster. The mean education level was negatively correlated with AWS rate within a given district after adjusting for socioeconomic level, occupational activity rate, and unemployment rate (P<.001). In conclusion, we identified characteristic temporospatial patterns of AWS rate in this defined community. The rate of AWS tended to be higher in the summer months and lower in the winter months. The rate of AWS was higher in districts with low education levels.

A case of alcohol withdrawal requiring 1,600 mg of lorazepam in 24 hours

Alcohol withdrawal continues to present significant morbidity and mortality in hospitalized medical/surgical patients. The authors present a case of a patient with delirium tremens requiring up to 1,600 mg/day of lorazepam and discuss alternative treatments for alcohol withdrawal.

The influence of alcohol and tobacco use in orthopaedic inpatients on complications of surgery

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS

Tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. There is limited research on the correlation between tobacco and risky levels of alcohol use and the possible complications associated with a hospital admission. The underestimation of problem drinking, in particular, has obvious repercussions for the management of patients in hospital. If alcohol-related problems go undetected or unrecorded, treatment may be inadequate or inappropriate. The aims of the project were to assess the prevalence of high-risk alcohol and tobacco use in orthopaedic in-patients and to examine any relationship between alcohol and tobacco use and the number and type of complications, management and length of stay.

DESIGN AND METHOD

One hundred and fifty-three consecutive orthopaedic admissions to the Orthopaedic Ward at Lismore Base Hospital were screened using the Drinkcheck questionnaire, which is based on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), but which also screens for tobacco use. Nursing staff on the ward completed a Complications Evaluation Questionnaire (CEQ). The risk status of the subjects was compared to the number and type of complications, to assess any effects of alcohol and tobacco on post-surgical complications.

RESULTS

Significant correlations were found between tobacco use, hazardous and harmful alcohol use and numerous medical complications and behavioural problems. Behavioural problems associated with risky alcohol use included verbal abuse, agitation and sleep disturbances, particularly in men; problems associated with tobacco use included agitation and non-compliance.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Orthopaedic patients who smoke and/or drink heavily prior to surgery may have more non-medical complications than non-smokers and light or non-drinkers. All surgery patients should thus be screened for alcohol and tobacco use and alcohol withdrawal, which may cause other symptoms such as behavioural problems, non-compliance and verbal abuse post-surgery.

From data to evidence, to action: findings from a systematic review of hospital screening studies for high risk alcohol consumption

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systematic review of hospital alcohol screening studies to identify effective and efficient evidence-based strategies.

METHOD

Sixty-five studies (N=100,980) of alcohol problem prevalence amongst hospital patients were reviewed.

RESULTS

Prevalence of positive alcohol screens varied according to hospital location, screening tool and patient characteristics. BAC measures (26%) were nearly twice as likely (OR=1.92, p<.001) to reveal positive screens in the ED than self-reports (16%). No difference was found in prevalence of self-report positive screens between ED (16%) and ward settings (17%). Males were two to four times more likely than females to screen positive (BAC: OR=2.37, p<.001, ED self-report: OR=3.07, p<.001, ward self-report: OR=4.30, p<.001). ED patients aged 20-40 years and ward patients aged 30-50 years had the highest prevalence of positive screens.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence of risky or problematic drinking among hospital patients is high and warrants systematic screening and intervention. Many hospitals lack sufficient resources to undertake widespread screening programs. For optimum return on resources, it is recommended to screen males in the ED using BAC measures. Established protocols applying priority criteria and staff training can increase screening accuracy and effectiveness.

Clinical use of a shortened alcohol withdrawal scale in a general hospital

BACKGROUND

Multi-item scales for monitoring alcohol withdrawal reactions have been used since the 1970s, and since 1985 we have used a modified version of the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment (CIWA) in our general hospitals. This study was conducted to determine whether a shorter version of the scale would prove easier to use without loss of accuracy.

METHODS

A simultaneous 'crossover' clinical audit using two hospitals. The shortened scale was developed from the existing one, and had 10 items as opposed to the previous 18. The patients were followed throughout their course and the incidences of complication, the frequency of sedation, the delay in initiating monitoring and the ease of use were recorded.

RESULTS

There were 106 patients managed with the old scale and 96 with the new. The rate of complication was not different, being 16% in patients managed using the old scale and 14.5% using the new scale; the rates of sedation were 49 and 48%, respectively. Patients managed with the new scale had a shorter course with a median duration of 27.6 h compared with 40 h. The time from admission to first recording of a score was 5.4 h for the new scale and 4.8 h for the old, which is not a significant difference. Both scores were used according to instructions, but staff reported that the shortened scale was easier to use.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that a shortened form of the CIWA alcohol withdrawal scale works as well as the original and is simple to use.

[The alcoholic patient in the daily routine]

Chronic alcohol abuse is of significant clinical and economic relevance. A major part of internal medical pathology is associated with chronic alcoholism. 50% of all accidents with subsequent traumatic injuries are related to alcohol intake. Patients who are chronic alcohol abusers have prolonged hospital stays and substantial increases in postoperative morbidity. A sophisticated diagnosis of alcoholism within standard clinical routine is often difficult, and in most cases the treatment of alcohol-related diseases and complications is protracted and requires increased energy expenditure by the treating physicians. In surgical patients, chronic alcohol abuse is associated with a 3- to 4-fold risk of infections, sepsis, cardiac and bleeding complications. Therefore, the patients themselves, along with the general practitioner and an in-hospital interdisciplinary team should cooperate in medical and operative treatment in order to attain better clinical outcome. Each patient history should include a detailed assessment of the quantity of daily alcohol intake. Alcoholic diagnostic regimens including questionnaires (i.e. CAGE, AUDIT) in combination with specific laboratory markers (CDT, GGT, MCV), if implemented, could prove valuable, especially in cases where major surgical procedures are considered. Strict abstinence by alcoholic patients with organ pathology in medical and elective surgical settings as well as the prophylactic treatment of pre-operative alcohol withdrawal appear to be useful strategies to reduce the risk of complications. Short-term interventions are associated with reduced alcohol intake and decreased incidence of re-trauma. Considering the clinical relevance of alcohol abuse, sufficient screening, interventions, and open approaches to address alcohol problems should be important components of the daily clinical routine in outpatient clinics, emergency rooms, in GPs' offices and in general hospitals.

Alcohol withdrawal after open aortic surgery

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that unexpected alcohol withdrawal-like syndrome (AWLS) is more common following aortic, but not other, vascular or nonvascular procedures. All patients undergoing open aortic surgery at our institution in 1997 who survived at least 48 hr were identified, as were those undergoing carotid endarterectomy, infrainguinal bypass, and total colectomy. AWLS was defined as prolonged confusion or agitation and response to conventional treatment for withdrawal, providing that all other sources had been ruled out or a significant history was present. Our results show that, for unknown reasons, AWLS is more common after aortic surgery than after other vascular and high-stress, nonaortic intraabdominal procedures at our institution, and is associated with increased length of stay and morbidity. Because prophylaxis may improve outcome, better efforts to identify patients at risk are required.

Alcohol withdrawal in the surgical patient: prevention and treatment

In the literature on AWS, there is repeated emphasis on performing a thorough preanesthesia assessment in patients with suspected chronic alcohol use. Because these patients are difficult to diagnose and to treat in surgical settings if complications arise, a multimodal approach is highly recommended (86). Ideally, AWS should be prevented by adequate prophylaxis. If AWS develops after surgery or trauma, immediate therapy is required. The symptoms of AWS can be controlled using the combination of a benzodiazepine (in Europe, also chlormethiazole) with haloperidol or clonidine. The drug regimens must be individualized and symptom-oriented to treat hallucinations and autonomic signs. Dosages are generally larger than those in detoxification units. Other approaches to modulate the neuroendocrine-immune axis in patients with an increased risk of postoperative infectious complications look promising but await controlled trials.

Alcohol problems in a general hospital

Alcohol is a ubiquitous drug which is responsible for a substantial amount of ill health and approximately 20% of patients in a general hospital will have alcohol-related problems, although only 4% will be admitted with alcohol-caused conditions. Eight per cent of patients, however, can be expected to have sufficient neuroadaptation to be at risk of withdrawal. This level of prevalence of alcoholism in general hospital patients requires that hospitals must become expert at providing good quality care for alcohol-related problems in all areas including obstetrics, but particularly in the management of intoxication, withdrawal and the various alcohol-related diseases. This paper provides some suggested benchmarks for acceptable standards of care for alcohol problems in the acute hospital.

A review of systematic and quantifiable methods of estimating the needs of a community for alcohol treatment services

The purpose of this paper was to review a variety of systematic and quantifiable methodologies for planning and evaluating the provision of alcohol treatment services for communities. These methods include: (a) developing and evaluating indicators of alcohol-related harm in and across defined geographic areas, to assess the relative need for services; (b) demand-oriented techniques that involve the prediction of future demand for services based on the previous utilisation of treatment facilities; (c) comprehensive systems approaches to planning services; and (d) the estimation of the prevalence of individuals who need or would benefit from an intervention for their alcohol problem. In practice, service planners may incorporate a combination of approaches that could be compared and contrasted to assess the convergent validity of results. These methodologies can also be used to provide information for planning and evaluating prevention/health promotion and early intervention initiatives.