Analysis of QT Dispersion, Corrected QT Dispersion, and P-Wave Dispersion Values in Alcohol Use Disorder Patients With Excessive Alcohol Use.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the changes in QT dispersion (QTd), corrected QTd (QTcd), and P-wave dispersion (Pd) values with long-term alcohol abuse that could lead to severe ventricular arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, and sudden death in alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients with excessive alcohol use. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 48 individuals diagnosed with AUD based on DSM-5 criteria. Patients with a history of psychiatric diseases were not included. The control group comprised 48 individuals with no psychiatric diagnosis who did not abuse alcohol or other substances. Participants with body mass index > 24.9 kg/m² were excluded. Twelve-derivation electrocardiograms (ECG) were obtained from all participants. RESULTS: The mean ± SD age was 44.35 ± 10.24 years in the AUD group and 40.90 ± 13.45 years in the control group. There was no significant difference between the groups based on age (P = .108). There was a significant difference between the groups based on smoking status (P = .000). The mean ± SD period of alcohol use was 20.71 ± 12.04 years, and the alcohol intake was 5.88 ± 1.65 units/d. The AUD group demonstrated elevations in all ECG measures (QTd: 46.56 vs 26.67 ms, QTcd: 54.25 vs 30.88 ms, Pd: 44.69 vs 28.54 ms, all P = .000). CONCLUSIONS: AUD patients with excessive alcohol use had a higher risk of arrhythmia and sudden death compared to the control group. Consideration of ECG and referral to cardiologic examinations would contribute to the follow-up and health of patients with AUD.

[Alcohol-associated mortality in Russia (based on the materials for the period from 2011 till 2016)]. / Alkogol'-assotsiirovannaia smertnost' v Rossii (po materialam 2011-2016 gg.).

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of alcoholic drunkenness documented during forensic medical expertises (investigations) of the corpses carried out in this country throughout the period from 2011 till 2016. The investigations were conducted with the use of medical statistics methods by calculating the fractional difference, dynamics, and rates of detection of the cases of alcoholic intoxication depending on the cause of death. The study has demonstrated the high frequency of the cases of alcoholic drunkenness revealed during forensic medical expertises (investigations) of the corpses that amounted to 30.5% [15, 16]. The total number of the corpses examined in 2016 was 8.6% higher than in 2011. The frequency of the documented cases of alcoholic drunkenness during the same period decreased by 19.7%. The frequency of the documented cases of alcoholic drunkenness in the cases of violent death was 2.8 times that in the cases of death from various diseases (52.8 and 19.0% respectively). The enhanced frequency of alcoholic drunkenness in relation to the number of the conducted forensic medical expertises was documented in the cases of death by drowning and from hypothermia whereas the lowest frequency of alcoholic intoxication was recorded for the corpses of the people who had died from malignant tumours and diseases of the nervous system. Various regions of Russia differed in terms of the frequency of alcoholic drunkenness recorded among the recently deceased people.

Neurologic Manifestations of Chronic Liver Disease and Liver Cirrhosis.

The normal functioning of brain is intimately as well as intricately interrelated with normal functioning of the liver. Liver plays a critical role of not only providing vital nutrients to the brain but also of detoxifying the splanchnic blood. Compromised liver function leads to insufficient detoxification thus allowing neurotoxins (such as ammonia, manganese, and other chemicals) to enter the cerebral circulation. In addition, portosystemic shunts, which are common accompaniments of advanced liver disease, facilitate free passage of neurotoxins into the cerebral circulation. The problem is compounded further by additional variables such as gastrointestinal tract bleeding, malnutrition, and concurrent renal failure, which are often associated with liver cirrhosis. Neurologic damage in chronic liver disease and liver cirrhosis seems to be multifactorial primarily attributable to the following: brain accumulation of ammonia, manganese, and lactate; altered permeability of the blood-brain barrier; recruitment of monocytes after microglial activation; and neuroinflammation, that is, direct effects of circulating systemic proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor, IL-1ß, and IL-6. Radiologist should be aware of the conundrum of neurologic complications that can be encountered in liver disease, which include hepatic encephalopathy, hepatocerebral degeneration, hepatic myelopathy, cirrhosis-related parkinsonism, cerebral infections, hemorrhage, and osmotic demyelination. In addition, neurologic complications can be exclusive to certain disorders, for example, Wilson disease, alcoholism (Wernicke encephalopathy, alcoholic cerebellar degeneration, Marchiafava-Bignami disease, etc). Radiologist should be aware of their varied clinical presentation and radiological appearances as the diagnosis is not always straightforward.

Treating the "unhealthy alcohol user" on medical wards: beyond withdrawal.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are common among patients admitted to general hospitals. Unfortunately, AUDs often go undetected and untreated. Psychiatrists are frequently called upon to assist in the management of cases involving alcohol withdrawal. However, there is a dearth of knowledge regarding potential therapeutic approaches to AUDs beyond the acute withdrawal stage. OBJECTIVE: This article presents an overview of the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and treatment of AUDs on medical wards, with a specific focus on the post alcohol-withdrawal phase. METHOD: This article is based on a survey of the published literature on AUDs and their treatment in the medical ward using the PubMed database. RESULTS: Various screening tools are available to facilitate the detection of AUDs. Among non-medically ill patients, brief psychological interventions have proven to be effective in primary care and emergency room settings, while pharmacotherapy has been shown to reduce the risk of relapse. Existing data on the implementation of these interventions in the general hospital setting remain scarce. CONCLUSION: Current evidence suggests the need for additional research in this area with a view toward clarifying AUD treatment guidelines for medically ill inpatients. The hospital stay could provide a valuable opportunity to initiate interventions for AUDs with medically ill patients, leading to significant changes in alcohol use behaviors and better health-related outcomes.

[Severe bilateral keratomalacia]. / Schwere bilaterale Keratomalazie.

In contrast to developing countries, xerophthalmia is rather rare in developed countries. Malnutrition (e.g. in mentally deficient or psychiatric patients), chronic liver diseases (e.g. due to alcoholism), or bowel surgery can be reasons for vitamin A deficiency in developed countries. The prodromal stage of hypovitaminosis A is characterized by nyctalopia, which often manifests subclinically. Longer lasting and severe cases of vitamin A deficiency may be complicated by the occurrence of keratinizing metaplasia in the cornea and conjunctiva, xerosis, keratomalacia or blindness.

Perfil de pacientes que asisten a consulta por primera vez por uso indebido de alcohol (IPAD): Instituto Provincial de Alcoholismo y Drogadicción: Cordoba, Capital, Argentina / Patients' profile that they are present at consultation for the first time for undue use of alcohol (IPAD): Provincial institute of Alcoholism and Drug addiction: Cordoba, The Capital, Argentina

El presente trabajo de investigación se realizó en el Instituto Provincial de Alcoholismo y Drogadicción (IPAD) de la ciudad de Córdoba, año 2005. Se investigó un total de 252 historias clínicas correspondientes al período 1 de julio - 31 de diciembre de 2005, para obtener el perfil de los pacientes que realizan consultas de 1ª vez por uso indebido de alcohol solamente, exceptuando las historias clínicas de pacientes con abuso y/ o dependencia de otras sustancias. La investigación fue retrospectiva, transversal y descriptiva. Se utilizaron variables cualitativas (sexo, ocupación, procedencia, estado civil, familia) y cuantitativas (edad, nivel de instrucción). Resultados que arrojó esta investigación: - La mayor demanda de consultas de 1ª vez de pacientes alcoholistas proviene de la zona este de la ciudad y pacientes domiciliados fuera del ejido municipal, con características de dependencia al alcohol, predominio de sexo masculino, mayores de 52 años y con ciclo escolar primario completo. - Los grupos familiares poseen características de familias rígidas y mayor porcentaje de pacientes casados y sin ocupación.

Transtorno de estresse pós-traumático em dependente do álcool: [relato de caso] / Post-traumatic stress disorder and alcoholism: [case report]

CONTEXTO: Os transtornos comórbidos entre dependentes químicos têm se mostrado a regra e não a exceção. O transtorno de estresse pós-traumático (TEPT) é um transtorno de ansiedade que se desenvolve após evento traumático, com importante sintomatologia. Quase 100 por cento dos dependentes químicos que procuram tratamento relatam história de traumas, e as prevalências de TEPT têm variado entre 30 por cento e 60 por cento. Entre os alcoolistas, as prevalências de TEPT variam de 10 por cento a 40 por cento. Apesar das altas prevalências, tais transtornos carecem de investigação pelos clínicos. OBJETIVOS: Tem-se como objetivo relatar o caso de um alcoolista com transtorno bipolar e sintomas de TEPT há alguns anos, cujo resultado de tratamento deveu-se ao reconhecimento da última comorbidade e abordagem conjunta das patologias. MÉTODOS: Paciente masculino, 40 anos, participou em uma pesquisa do Instituto de Prevenção e Pesquisa em Álcool e outras Dependências (IPPAD), que investiga a exposição a eventos traumáticos e TEPT em dependentes químicos, respondendo a vários instrumentos. Realizou entrevistas com uma das pesquisadoras visando a este relato de caso. Os resultados foram avaliados por entrevistas com o paciente e aplicação da Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS). RESULTADOS: A DTS foi respondida por ocasião da participação na pesquisa e um ano após, para avaliar resultados de tratamento. No primeiro momento, o paciente pontuou um escore total de 75 pontos e, no segundo, de 40 pontos. A melhora deveu-se ao reconhecimento do TEPT e seu tratamento com psicoterapia psicodinâmica, terapia cognitivo-comportamental e abordagem familiar como estratégias terapêuticas utilizadas. Para o tratamento psicofarmacológico foram utilizados carbonato de lítio, sertralina e clonazepan. CONCLUSÕES: A investigação de traumas e TEPT deve ser rotina no atendimento de alcoolistas. O reconhecimento precoce desta comorbidade pode prevenir sua cronicidade, favorecer a aderência...

BACKGROUND: Psychiatric comorbidity is common among addicted patients. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a highly symptomatic anxiety disorder of acute onset after a major distressing life-event. OBJECTIVES: In clinical practice, patients suffering from drug addiction invariably report the occurrence of psychologically stressful episodes, with frequencies of PTSD ranging from 30 percent to 60 percent. Among patients suffering from alcohol dependence, the prevalence of PTSD is estimated to range between 10 percent and 40 percent. METHODS: We report the case of a 40-year old alcoholic man presenting with comorbid bipolar disorder and long-lasting symptoms of PTSD. The subject was an outpatient at the Institute for Prevention and Research on Alcohol and Other Addictions (Instituto de Prevenção e Pesquisa em Álcool e Outras Dependências - IPPAD), being assessed for the occurrence of PTSD with the aid of several psychometric instruments. RESULTS: Data derived from clinical sessions and research interviews include the Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS), which was administered at baseline and after one year of follow-up, yielding scores of 75 and 40 respectively. Global response to treatment was achieved after the recognition and appropriate treatment of the latter condition, along with the combined approach to other comorbid disorders. DISCUSSION: The investigation of traumatic events should be encouraged in the clinical management of alcoholic patients.

Gender differences in the performance of a computerized version of the alcohol use disorders identification test in subcritically injured patients who are admitted to the emergency department.

OBJECTIVE: The Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) has been recommended as a screening tool to detect patients who are appropriate candidates for brief, preventive alcohol interventions. Lower AUDIT cutoff scores have been proposed for women; however, the appropriate value remains unknown. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the optimal AUDIT cutpoint for detecting alcohol problems in subcritically injured male and female patients who are treated in the emergency department (ED). An additional purpose of the study was to determine whether computerized screening for alcohol problems is feasible in this setting. METHODS: The study was performed in the ED of a large, urban university teaching hospital. During an 8-month period, 1205 male and 722 female injured patients were screened using an interactive computerized lifestyle assessment that included the AUDIT as an embedded component. World Health Organization criteria were used to define alcohol dependence and harmful drinking. World Health Organization criteria for excessive consumption were used to define high-risk drinking. The ability of the AUDIT to classify appropriately male and female patients as having one of these three conditions was the primary outcome measure. RESULTS: Criteria for any alcohol use disorder were present in 17.5% of men and 6.8% of women. The overall accuracy of the AUDIT was good to excellent. At a specificity >0.80, sensitivity was 0.75 for men using a cutoff of 8 points and 0.84 for women using a cutoff of 5 points. Eighty-five percent of patients completed computerized screening without the need for additional help. CONCLUSIONS: Different AUDIT scoring thresholds for men and women are required to achieve comparable sensitivity and specificity when using the AUDIT to screen injured patients in the ED. Computerized AUDIT administration is feasible and may help to overcome time limitations that may compromise screening in this busy clinical environment.

Hospital morbidity of alcohol use disorders in the center of France.

BACKGROUND: The Auvergne region of central France has the third highest mortality rate in the country for alcohol-related disorders and the highest level of alcohol consumption among young people. METHODS: An exhaustive cross-sectional study of regional hospital morbidity related to alcohol was undertaken on a single day in May 1998, including 9,552 hospital beds. All inpatients age 16 and older in the Departments of Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Psychiatry, and Medium-Stay Services were studied. The aim was to define alcohol-related behavior patterns (by using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [DSM-IV] criteria of abuse and dependence and the CAGE questionnaire) and to measure the proportion of nonsomatic alcohol-related care dispensed in hospital. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of alcohol use disorders in all wards was 20%. Half of these patients were alcohol dependent, a quarter were diagnosed as alcohol abusers, and a quarter had an alcohol-related problem that was not identified during the stay. Alcohol use disorders were more common in male inpatients (34% vs. 8% in female inpatients) and in certain age groups. One male subject in two and one female subject in five between 34 and 45 years had an alcohol-related problem. Almost 25% of male inpatients studied between the ages of 16 and 20 years had an alcohol-related problem, but only half had been diagnosed previously. Hospital care for alcohol-related health problems was seriously inadequate. On average, 38% of patients diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder received relevant nonsomatic alcohol care, of which 13% were alcohol abusers and 50% were alcohol-dependent patients. SIGNIFICANCE: This exhaustive study demonstrates the degree of alcohol-related morbidity among hospitalized patients, which is particularly high in men, in the Auvergne region of France. The study emphasizes the lack of diagnosis, particularly for the young, and the apparent deficiencies in the hospital management of these patients.