Improving thiamine prescribing in alcohol use disorder using electronic decision support in a large urban academic medical center: A pre-post intervention study

INTRODUCTION

Thiamine is the only therapy for prevention and treatment of Wernicke Encephalopathy among patients with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Despite this fact, up to 75 % of inpatients with AUD are not prescribed thiamine during hospitalization. Even fewer patients are prescribed high-dose thiamine which many experts recommend should be standard of care. Previous attempts to improve thiamine prescribing for inpatients have had limited success.

METHODS

We conducted an evaluation of thiamine prescribing in the year before and year after an intervention to increase high-dose thiamine prescribing. Pre-post study analysis occurred on two distinct study cohorts: those with alcohol-related diagnoses and those with elevated alcohol levels. The intervention was new electronic health record-based decision support which encouraged high-dose thiamine when any thiamine order was sought. No educational support was provided. The primary outcome was prescription of high-dose thiamine before versus after intervention. Of those with alcohol-related diagnoses, the monthly percentage of thiamine treatment courses including high-dose thiamine were graphed on a control chart.

RESULTS

We examined 5307 admissions with alcohol-related diagnoses (2285 pre- and 3022 post-intervention) and 698 admissions with elevated alcohol levels (319 pre- and 379 post-intervention). Among admissions with alcohol-related diagnoses, the intervention was associated with a higher proportion of admissions receiving high-dose thiamine prescriptions in the first 24 h (4.7 % vs. 1.1 %, adjusted odds ratio 4.50, CI 2.93 to 6.89, p < 0.001). A similar difference in high-dose thiamine was seen post-intervention among admissions with elevated alcohol levels (14.3 % vs. 2.5 %, adjusted odds ratio 6.43, CI 3.05 to 13.53, p < 0.001). The control chart among those with an alcohol-related diagnosis demonstrated special cause variation: the median percentage of thiamine treatment courses including high-dose thiamine improved from 8.2 % to 13.0 %.

CONCLUSIONS

Electronic decision support without educational interventions increased the use of high-dose thiamine among patients with alcohol-related diagnoses and with elevated alcohol levels during hospitalization. This increase occurred immediately in the month after the intervention and was sustained in the year-long study period after.

Young Nonalcoholic Wernicke Encephalopathy Patient Achieves Remission Following Prolonged Thiamine Treatment and Cognitive Rehabilitation

Wernicke encephalopathy (WE), a neurological emergency commonly associated with alcohol use disorder, results from a severe deficiency of vitamin B1. If left untreated, patients either succumb to the illness or develop chronic Korsakoff's syndrome (KS). Recently, an increasing number of nonalcoholic WE case studies have been published, highlighting a lack of understanding of malnutrition-related disorders among high-functioning patients. We present the case of a 26 year old female who developed life-threatening WE after COVID-19-complicated obesity surgery. She experienced the full triad of WE symptoms, including eye-movement disorders, delirium, and ataxia, and suffered for over 70 days before receiving her initial WE diagnosis. Late treatment resulted in progression of WE symptoms. Despite the severity, the patient achieved remission of some of the symptoms in the post-acute phase due to prolonged parenteral thiamine injections and intensive specialized rehabilitation designed for young traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. The rehabilitation resulted in gradual remission of amnesia symptomatology, mainly increasing her autonomy. The late recognition of this case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and prompt, targeted intervention in the management of nonalcoholic WE, as well as underscores the potential for positive outcomes after delayed treatment through intensive cognitive rehabilitation in specialized treatment centers.

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome and other diseases associated with thyamine deficiency

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is the best known consequence of thiamine deficiency, frequently associated with patients with chronic and excessive alcohol consumption, but it can be produced by any cause that produces thiamine deficiency. The disease is underdiagnosed so it is essential to have a high clinical suspicion, mainly in patients who do not have alcohol consumption as a risk factor. For this, the diagnosis continues to be eminently clinical, with the difficulty of high clinical variability. Complementary tests are used to support the diagnosis and rule out other causes that can produce similar symptoms, with magnetic resonance imaging being the most cost-effective imaging test. Treatment is based on the administration of thiamine, which should be started early, and parenterally at the appropriate doses, in all patients with compatible symptoms, without waiting to confirm the diagnosis.

Addiction psychiatry and COVID-19: impact on patients and service provision

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has undoubtedly had a major impact on the provision of physical healthcare in Ireland and worldwide. The mental health impact of this pandemic cannot be underestimated, particularly relating to patients suffering from addiction. Heightened public stress and anxiety levels, increasing isolation and the physical consequences of addiction play a large role in the proliferation and ongoing relapse of substance misuse and behavioural addiction. Service provision is an ongoing challenge not only due to the increasing need for services given the increased mental health burden of COVID-19 but also the restrictions in place in clinical areas to achieve social distancing. The necessary adaptations to service provision provide opportunities for the analysis of current processes used in our addiction unit and the introduction of new processes to our service. The current crisis tests the sustainability of the service to provide the high standard of care required for these patients.

Incidence of Adverse Reactions to Parenteral Thiamine in the Treatment of Wernicke's Encephalopathy, and Recommendations

AIM

To offer an estimate of the incidence of anaphylactic reactions to parenteral products containing thiamine used in the treatment of Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) and make recommendations.

METHOD

Review of previously released data on some older products and parenteral thiamine use in some other countries; analysis of sales and adverse incident data on anaphylaxis for a contemporary parenteral product used in the UK, Pabrinex.

RESULTS

It was difficult to estimate the incidence of related anaphylactic reactions to Pabrinex in the UK because the number of doses given is unknown. Sales data are only an approximation to doses given because for products with a limited shelf life not all product sold is administered. However, available data indicate that there have been 10 anaphylactic reactions to Pabrinex from between 5,431,235-6,651,947 patient-days (14,880-16,080 years) of treatment.

CONCLUSION

It is reasonable to assume that the risk of anaphylaxis is low, and lower than for many other drugs. The risk-benefit ratio for administration is favourable given the potential severity of brain damage in Wernicke-Korsakoff (WK) syndrome. There is a need for international agreement on the reporting of anaphylaxis and on the optimum thiamine therapy for the treatment of WK syndrome. We make recommendations on how this might be achieved.

A prospective evaluation of thiamine and magnesium status in relation to clinicopathological characteristics and 1-year mortality in patients with alcohol withdrawal syndrome

Background

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is routinely treated with B-vitamins. However, the relationship between thiamine status and outcome is rarely examined. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between thiamine and magnesium status in patients with AWS.

Methods

Patients (n = 127) presenting to the Emergency Department with AWS were recruited to a prospective observational study. Blood samples were drawn to measure whole blood thiamine diphosphate (TDP) and serum magnesium concentrations. Routine biochemistry and haematology assays were also conducted. The Glasgow Modified Alcohol Withdrawal Score (GMAWS) measured severity of AWS. Seizure history and current medications were also recorded.

Results

The majority of patients (99%) had whole blood TDP concentration within/above the reference interval (275–675 ng/gHb) and had been prescribed thiamine (70%). In contrast, the majority of patients (60%) had low serum magnesium concentrations (< 0.75 mmol/L) and had not been prescribed magnesium (93%). The majority of patients (66%) had plasma lactate concentrations above 2.0 mmol/L. At 1 year, 13 patients with AWS had died giving a mortality rate of 11%. Male gender (p < 0.05), BMI < 20 kg/m² (p < 0.01), GMAWS max ≥ 4 (p < 0.05), elevated plasma lactate (p < 0.01), low albumin (p < 0.05) and elevated serum CRP (p < 0.05) were associated with greater 1-year mortality. Also, low serum magnesium at time of recruitment to study and low serum magnesium at next admission were associated with higher 1-year mortality rates, (84% and 100% respectively; both p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The prevalence of low circulating thiamine concentrations were rare and it was regularly prescribed in patients with AWS. In contrast, low serum magnesium concentrations were common and not prescribed. Low serum magnesium was associated more severe AWS and increased 1-year mortality.

Update on the management of alcohol use disorders

Alcohol use disorders (AUD) are common, particularly in patients attending mental health services. Clinicians are often hesitant to explore with patients their relationship with alcohol and the role that it has in their presenting complaint, despite being ideally placed to optimise on a ‘teachable moment’ and initiate treatment, where necessary. This article provides an overview of AUD and their identification and management options.

Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment of Wernicke Encephalopathy: Report of 2 Cases

BACKGROUND

Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) is a medical emergency caused by thiamine deficiency, characterized by cerebellar ataxia, ophthalmoplegia, and cognitive disturbances that may progress to Korsakoff amnesia. We describe 2 patients with WE who needed high-dose and long-term treatment with thiamine to obtain neurological improvement and recovery.

CASE DESCRIPTION

The first patient was a woman diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. After a gastrointestinal infection, she developed depression, memory loss, disorientation, behavioral changes, and ataxic paraplegia. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed bilateral alterations in thalamic, frontal, and periaqueductal regions, suggestive of WE. The second patient was a man who lost 10 kg after surgical gastrectomy; he developed diplopia, ophthalmoplegia, cerebellar ataxia, lower limb paresthesias, and amnesia. A brain MRI demonstrated contrast enhancement of mammillary bodies, compatible with WE.

OUTCOME

The patients were treated with intramuscular (IM) thiamine (1200 mg/d for 2 months and 900 mg/d for a month, respectively) with gradual cognitive and behavioral improvement and brain MRI normalization, while ataxia and oculomotion improved in following months. In both patients, thiamine was gradually reduced to IM 200 mg/d and continued for a year, without clinical relapses.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no consensus about dosage, frequency, route, and duration of thiamine administration in WE treatment. Based on our cases, we recommend treating patients with WE with higher doses of IM thiamine for a longer time than suggested (900-1200 mg/d for 1-2 months, in our cases) and to gradually reduce dosage after clinical and radiological improvement, maintaining IM 200 mg/d dosage for at least 1 year.

Acute alcohol toxicity and withdrawal in the emergency room and medical admissions unit

Alcohol-related hospital attendances and admissions continue to escalate despite a fall in alcohol consumption levels in the UK population overall. People with alcohol-related problems pose a significant and often disproportionate burden on acute medical services as their management is often complex and challenging. This article focuses on the management of alcohol intoxication, with particular emphasis on aggressive and possibly violent behaviour; alcohol withdrawal; fitting; and the prevention and treatment of Wernicke's encephalopathy.

Wernicke's Encephalopathy: Increasing Clinician Awareness of This Serious, Enigmatic, Yet Treatable Disease

OBJECTIVE

Undiagnosed and/or undertreated Wernicke's encephalopathy can result in permanent brain damage, long-term institutionalization, and death. The purpose of this article is to heighten clinical awareness of Wernicke's encephalopathy and shed light on its diagnosis and treatment, which are often inconsistent due to unclear diagnostic criteria and limited practice guidelines. An update on the management of Wernicke's encephalopathy is presented and several case reports and a quality improvement project from our hospital are described.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and PsycINFO were searched for English-language articles published between January 1991 and January 2014 using combinations of the following keywords: Wernicke's encephalopathy, diagnosis, treatment/guideline(s), and thiamine.

STUDY SELECTION

The automated search identified over 500 articles. A manual review of the related citations and reference lists from articles of interest was also conducted. The articles reviewed were chosen on the basis of author consensus and because they represented expert opinion or the highest quality of evidence available.

RESULTS

Diagnostic criteria are reviewed in this article and should be used to diagnose Wernicke's encephalopathy with high sensitivity and specificity. The European Federation of Neurologic Societies and the Royal College of Physicians issued national guidelines for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of Wernicke's encephalopathy. No benchmark national guidelines for treating Wernicke's encephalopathy exist in the United States.

CONCLUSIONS

Whenever Wernicke's encephalopathy is suspected, treatment should be initiated immediately with intravenous thiamine because oral thiamine is inadequate for preventing permanent brain damage. An adequate dose of intravenous thiamine administrated in a timely manner is a safe and life-saving treatment for Wernicke's encephalopathy that could preserve brain cells and function.

Thiamine prescribing practices within university-affiliated hospitals: a multicenter retrospective review

BACKGROUND

Patients with suspected thiamine deficiency should receive treatment with parenteral thiamine to achieve the high serum thiamine levels necessary to reverse the effects of deficiency and to circumvent problems with absorption common in the medically ill.

OBJECTIVE

To quantify rates of parenteral administration of thiamine across university-affiliated hospitals and to identify factors associated with higher rates of parenteral prescribing.

DESIGN

Multicenter, retrospective observational study of thiamine prescriptions.

METHODS

Prescriptions for thiamine were captured from computerized pharmacy information systems across participating centers, providing information concerning dose, route, frequency, and duration of thiamine prescribed from January 2010 to December 2011.

SETTING

Fourteen university-affiliated tertiary care hospitals geographically distributed across Canada, including 48,806 prescriptions for thiamine provided to 32,213 hospitalized patients.

RESULTS

Parenteral thiamine accounted for a statistically significant majority of thiamine prescriptions (57.6%, P < 0.001); however, oral thiamine constituted a significant majority of the total doses prescribed (68.4%, z = 168.9; P < 0.001). Protocols prioritizing parenteral administration were associated with higher rates of parenteral prescribing (61.3% with protocol, 45.8% without protocol; P < 0.001). Patients admitted under psychiatry services were significantly more likely to be prescribed oral thiamine (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Although parenteral thiamine accounted for a statistically significant majority of prescriptions, oral thiamine was commonly prescribed within academic hospitals. Additional strategies are needed to promote parenteral thiamine prescribing to patients with suspected thiamine deficiency.