Health-related quality-of-life outcome in patients with idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus - a 1-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This prospective study explored the factors affecting the health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) outcome in patients with idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) 1 year after the installation of the cerebrospinal fluid shunt. METHODS: The HRQoL outcome was evaluated using a 15D instrument, in which the minimum clinically significant change/difference has been estimated to be ±0.015. The follow-up data (15D, Mini-Mental State Examination, Beck Depression Inventory, iNPH Grading Scale), frontal cortical biopsy, Charlson Age Comorbidity Index and body mass index of 145 patients diagnosed with iNPH by clinical and radiological examination were analyzed. RESULTS: At 1-year follow-up, 63 (43%) patients had experienced a clinically significant improvement in HRQoL. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis indicated that the absence of amyloid-ß and hyperphosphorylated tau pathology in the frontal cortical biopsy (53% vs. 33%; absolute risk difference, 20%; adjusted odds ratio, 2.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-4.84; P < 0.05) and lower body mass index (adjusted odds ratio, 0.90, 95% confidence interval, 0.82-0.98; P < 0.05) predicted favorable HRQoL outcome 1 year after the shunting. CONCLUSIONS: Less than half of the patients with iNPH experienced clinically significant favorable HRQoL outcome, partly explained by the patient's characteristics and comorbidities. The HRQoL approach reveals aspects that are important for the patient's well-being, but may also improve the quality of the outcome assessment of cerebrospinal fluid shunting. Study results may help clinicians to estimate which patients will benefit shunt surgery.

Health-related quality of life in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Factors affecting health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were explored in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). METHODS: Using the 15D instrument HRQoL was evaluated in 132 patients diagnosed with iNPH by clinical and neuroradiological examinations. The severity of iNPH symptoms was measured with the iNPH grading scale (iNPHGS), depressive symptoms with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-21) and cognitive impairment with the Mini-Mental State Examination. RESULTS: The mean (SD) 15D score (on a 0-1 scale) of patients with iNPH was significantly lower than that of an age- and gender-matched sample of the general population [0.718 (0.103) vs. 0.870 (0.106); P < 0.001]. The mean 15D score was lower in iNPH patients with moderate or severe depressive symptoms than in patients without depressive symptoms (P = 0.003). According to stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, a higher total iNPHGS score (b = -0.62, P < 0.001) and a higher BDI-21 total score (ß = -0.201, P = 0.025) predicted a lower 15D score; in combination, these explained 51% of the variance in the 15D score (R(2)  = 0.506, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus impairs patients' HRQoL on multiple dimensions, similarly to other chronic diseases. Potentially treatable depressive symptoms contribute greatly to the HRQoL impairment of iNPH patients, but only if they are moderate or severe. The 15D portrayed HRQoL dimensions affected by iNPH in a similar way to broader assessment batteries and thus is a potentially useful tool for treatment evaluation and cost-utility analysis.

Health-related quality of life in colorectal cancer.

AIM: As a consequence of the improved survival of patients and of cost-effectiveness requirements for new treatments, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) issues have gained increasing attention in colorectal cancer (CRC). This cross-sectional study assesses HRQoL in several health states of CRC and explores factors influencing HRQoL. METHOD: Five hundred and eight Finnish CRC patients (aged 26-96 years; colon cancer 56%; women 47%) assessed their HRQoL using generic 15D and EQ-5D and cancer-specific EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaires. Patients were divided into five groups: primary treatment, rehabilitation, remission, metastatic disease and palliative care. The patients' HRQoL was compared with population reference values. Multivariate modelling was used to find factors associated with HRQoL scores. RESULTS: The HRQoL of CRC patients is fairly good and comparable with that of the standardized general population except for those under palliative care. The mean 15D score of patients in the primary treatment group was 0.889 (95% CI 0.869-0.914), in rehabilitation 0.877 (0.855-0.907), in remission 0.886 (0.875-0.903), in metastatic disease 0.860 (0.844-0.878) and in palliative care 0.758 (0.716-0.808). The respective EQ-5D scores were 0.760 (0.699-0.823), 0.835 (0.777-0.881), 0.850 (0.828-0.882), 0.820 (0.783-0.858) and 0.643 (0.546-0.747). Multivariate analysis showed that fatigue, pain, age and financial difficulties had a marked negative impact on HRQoL. CONCLUSION: The mean HRQoL scores of CRC patients varied considerably depending on the HRQoL instrument used, but remained surprisingly good up to the palliative stage. In addition to age- and cancer-related symptoms, financial difficulties also had a clear negative impact on HRQoL, which needs to be taken into consideration when supporting patient HRQoL.

Health-related quality of life of children with specific language impairment aged 8-11.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate, in a clinical sample of children with a diagnosis of specific language impairment (SLI), the health-related quality of life (HRQoL). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifty-five children, aged 8-11 years, filled out a generic HRQoL questionnaire, 17D, and another questionnaire about school and rehabilitation. The HRQoL comparison group was a sample of 244 typically developing schoolchildren. RESULTS: Response rate was 86%. Of the respondents, 80% were male. The total 17D score of the subjects did not differ from that of controls. The 17D profiles of the groups differed on several dimensions, but significant differences emerged only on the dimensions concerning speech, where the study group was worse off, and sleep, where the controls reported more problems. Respondents with low verbal IQ reported more distress. The vast majority of respondents were in special education or received extra educational support and one-third were still having speech therapy. CONCLUSION: In this clinical sample, despite the persisting need for extra support, the overall well-being of children with SLI was at age level. Still, some differences existed, and HRQoL measurement may prove a good tool for professionals to find those children with SLI at risk for diminished well-being and for later problems.

5-Year health-related quality of life outcome in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.

BACKGROUND: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is severely impaired in persons with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). The HRQoL improves in a number of patients after the placement of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt, but long-term follow-up of HRQoL is rare. METHODS: Extended follow-up (60 months) of a prospective cohort study involving 189 patients with iNPH who underwent shunt surgery. Preoperative variables were used to predict favorable HRQoL outcome (improvement or non-deterioration) measured by the 15D instrument 5 years after shunting. RESULTS: Out of the 189 initially enrolled study participants, 88 had completed 5-year HRQoL follow-up (46%), 64 had died (34%), and 37 (20%) failed to complete the HRQoL follow-up but were alive at the end of the study. After initial post-operative HRQoL improvement, HRQoL deteriorated so that 37/88 participants (42%) had a favorable HRQoL outcome 5 years after shunting. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis indicated that younger age (adjusted OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.77-0.95; p < 0.005), lower body mass index (adjusted OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.77-0.98; p < 0.05) and better Mini-Mental State Examination performance (adjusted OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.01-1.32; p < 0.05) before surgery predicted favorable 5-year outcome. CONCLUSIONS: This extended follow-up showed that the self-evaluated HRQoL outcome is associated with iNPH patients' pre-operative cognitive status, overweight and age. The post-operative deterioration may reflect the natural progression of iNPH, but also derive from aging and comorbidities. It indicates a need for long-term follow-up.

Long-term quality of life after surgery of head and neck cancer with microvascular reconstruction: a prospective study with 4.9-years follow-up.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of head and neck cancer patients with microvascular surgery. Surgical treatment causes great changes in patient HRQoL. Studies focusing on long-term HRQoL after microvascular reconstruction for head and neck cancer patients are scarce. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of 93 patients with head and neck cancer and microvascular reconstruction in Helsinki University Hospital Finland. HRQoL was measured using the 15D instrument at baseline and after a mean 4.9-years follow up. Results were compared with those of an age-standardized general population. RESULTS: Of the 93 patients, 61 (66%) were alive after follow-up; of these, 42 (69%) answered the follow-up questionnaire. The median time between surgery and HRQoL assessment was 4.9 years (range 3.7-7.8 years). The mean 15D score of all patients (n = 42) at the 4.9-years follow up was statistically significantly (p = 0.010) and clinically importantly lower than at baseline. The dimensions of "speech" and "usual activities" were significantly impaired at the end of follow up. There was a significant difference at the 4.9-years follow-up in the mean 15D score between patients and the general population (p = 0.014). After follow up, patients were significantly (p < 0.05) worse off on the dimensions of "speech," "eating," and "usual activities." CONCLUSIONS: Long-term HRQoL was significantly reduced in the whole patient cohort. Speech and usual activities were the most affected dimensions in head and neck cancer patients with microvascular reconstruction at the end of the 4.9-years follow up.

Effectiveness of superficial venous surgery in terms of quality-adjusted life years and costs.

AIMS: To assess the impact of superficial venous surgery (SVS) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and to explore the cost-utility of venous surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 143 patients (110 female and 33 male) enrolled for SVS between 2003 and 2005 in Helsinki University Central Hospital filled in the 15D survey before and six months after operation. Direct hospital costs were obtained from a patient administration database and were examined from the perspective of secondary care provider. RESULTS: After SVS, the HRQoL score improved in 71% of the patients, and the mean score increased from 0.919 (on a 0-1 scale) preoperatively to 0.933 postoperatively at 6 months (p < 0.001). Patients with a clinically important result from SVS (> or = 0.03 increase in the HRQoL score) had significantly worse HRQoL at baseline. At 6 months postoperatively, the mean (SD) hospital costs were 1637 euros (693) and the mean quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gain 0.504 (1.674), respectively. Thus, the mean cost per QALY gained during a 6-month period was 3248 euros for SVS. CONCLUSIONS: Superficial venous surgery improves HRQoL, and is a cost-effective treatment of symptomatic superficial venous insufficiency.

Health-related quality of life after oncological resection and reconstruction of the chest wall.

OBJECTIVES: There is limited information of the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after surgical treatment of chest wall tumors. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess long-term HRQoL after chest wall reconstruction following oncological resection. METHODS: Seventy-eight patients having undergone chest wall tumor resection and reconstruction during 1997-2015 were invited to complete the 15D and QLQ-C30 HRQoL instruments. RESULTS: Altogether, 55 patients (17 men and 38 women), with a mean (SD) age of 68 (14) years, completed the questionnaires (response rate 71%). Patients had been operated due to soft tissue sarcoma (n = 16), advanced breast cancer (n = 15), osteo- or chondrosarcoma (n = 14), or other tumor (n = 10). Median time after primary surgery was 66 (IQR 38, 141) months. The resection was full thickness in 29/55 cases and partial thickness in 26/55 cases. Chest wall reconstruction was required for 47/55 cases (85%). Reconstruction was performed using soft-tissue flap in eight cases, skeletal stabilizations with mesh or mesh-cement-mesh (sandwich method) in 15 cases, and skeletal stabilizations and soft-tissue flap in 24 cases. Patients' mean 15D score (0.878, SD 0.111) was comparable to that of the age- and gender-standardized general population (0.891, SD 0.041). Limitations in breathing and usual activities were noted. The QLQ-C30 cancer-specific HRQoL was 72 points (maximum 100). Scores in the QLQ-C30 Functional scales ranged from 78 (Physical) to 91 (Social). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term HRQoL in patients after chest wall reconstruction following oncological resection is fair and comparable to that of the general population. Limitations in breathing and usual activities can occur.

Validation of the Finnish version of the BODY-Q patient-reported outcome instrument among patients who underwent abdominoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Massive weight loss can notably affect patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and body image. Yet, no body contouring specific instruments to assess HRQoL and body image after massive weight loss have been validated in Finnish. The BODY-Q includes 26 independently functioning scales and a single checklist that measure appearance, HRQoL, and experience of care. The aim of the present study was to translate and validate a Finnish version of the BODY-Q among patients who underwent abdominoplasty. METHODS: The BODY-Q was translated into Finnish using recommended guidelines. Eighty-two patients who underwent abdominoplasty due to massive weight loss were identified from hospital records using procedure codes. A postal survey including the BODY-Q, the 15D, and general health and pain instruments was used. Criterion validity, Cronbach's alpha, and floor and ceiling effects were analyzed. RESULTS: The BODY-Q translated well into Finnish. Fifty-three patients returned the questionnaires (response rate 65%) and were included. All but the Scars subscale correlated significantly with the 15D mean score, thus indicating strong criterion validity against a generic HRQoL tool. The Excess Skin and the Physical Function scales reached the ceiling effect (>15% of maximum points) in our postoperative sample. No floor effects were observed. Internal consistency of the BODY-Q scales was high (Cronbach's alpha range, 0.81-0.95). CONCLUSIONS: The Finnish version of the BODY-Q instrument is equivalent in terms of content, accuracy, and comprehensiveness to the original English version. The findings of the present study indicate that the BODY-Q has psychometric properties suitable for assessing outcomes and treatment effectiveness of abdominoplasty.

Effect of nasal continuous positive airway pressure therapy on health-related quality of life in sleep apnoea patients treated in the routine clinical setting of a university hospital.

The effectiveness and cost-utility of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) treatment was evaluated in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS), using a 15D health-related quality of life (HRQoL) instrument in a routine clinical setting. In total, 78 OSAS patients (43 receiving nCPAP; 35 receiving lifestyle guidance) were included in the study. nCPAP treatment had a minor effect on the total HRQoL score; only the dimension of sleep improved in both groups. The mean +/- SD number of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained was 0.016 +/- 2.34 in the nCPAP group and 0.386 +/- 1.16 in the lifestyle guidance group. The mean cost per QALY gained was euro73 375 for the nCPAP group and euro845 for the lifestyle guidance group. The effect of nCPAP treatment on the HRQoL in a population of unselected OSAS patients was surprisingly small and the cost per QALY gained was high.

Health-related quality of life of adults with childhood diagnosis of specific language impairment.

OBJECTIVE: The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of adults with childhood diagnosis of specific language impairment (SLI) was evaluated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-two patients with a childhood diagnosis of SLI were asked to fill out the 15D-HRQoL questionnaire. The patients were selected from a hospital setting from psychological examination reports showing a below-average verbal intelligence quotient (VIQ) and a normal performance intelligence quotient (PIQ). The 15D was completed adequately by 33 patients (response rate 63.5%). The results were compared with those of age- and gender-matched controls. RESULTS: The total 15D score of the study group was lower than that of population controls, but the difference was not statistically significant. The study group performed significantly worse on the dimensions of speech, usual activities, mental function and distress. Gender or PIQ in childhood was not correlated with the 15D scores or dimension scores in adulthood. Childhood VIQ was associated with the dimensions of mental function (p < 0.01) and usual activities (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results support earlier findings that SLI affects the entire life span. Identification of prognostic factors and a prolonged follow-up of SLI patients could improve the QoL of these patients.

Specific language impairment in childhood is associated with impaired mental and social well-being in adulthood.

To study the possible influence of childhood language impairment on adult life and well-being, 35 persons with a mean age of 34 years filled out two questionnaires. Compared with the general population, subjects more often lived with parents, and were pensioned. Only a few reported having literacy problems, but over 40% had difficulty in finding words and remembering instructions. Childhood performance IQ was associated with education and word-finding difficulties, and verbal IQ with difficulties in remembering instructions. Health-related quality of life was related to literacy skills, finding words, and remembering instructions. In conclusion, adults with childhood language impairment differ markedly from the general population. Problems in expressing themselves and receiving information affect their well-being the most. Childhood performance seems to have some prognostic value for language-based problems in adulthood.

Treatment of compound tibia fracture with microvascular latissimus dorsi flap and the Ilizarov technique: A cross-sectional study of long-term outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Extensive compound tibial fractures present reconstructive challenges. The present study aimed to assess the outcomes of microvascular latissimus dorsi (LD) flap combined with the Ilizarov technique for extensive compound tibial fractures with bone loss and bone healing complications. METHODS: Patient records were reviewed retrospectively. The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), the Disabilities of the Arm, Hand and Shoulder (DASH), and the 15D health-related quality of life (HRQoL) instrument were applied. RESULTS: Between 1989 and 2014, 16 patients underwent reconstruction with a microvascular LD flap and bone transport (11/16) or late bone lengthening (5/16). The mean clinical follow-up time was 6.6 (standard deviation (SD): 6.5) years. Three patients had minor complications requiring reoperation. Partial necrosis of one flap required late flap reconstruction in one case. Late bone grafting was used to enhance union in eight of 16 cases. The mean new bone gain was 3.8 cm (SD: 2.5). Overall, 11 patients completed the questionnaires in a mean of 22.3 years (SD: 2.4) after surgery. The main findings revealed a relatively good function of the reconstructed limb and good shoulder function. The mean HRQoL was comparable to that of an age-standardized sample of the general population. CONCLUSION: Segmental tibia transport and lengthening to correct limb length discrepancy do not compromise the microvascular muscle flap. Combined microvascular LD flap reconstruction and the Ilizarov technique can be used in treating acute compound tibial defects, pseudoarthrosis, and osteitis, all associated with significant amputation risk. Fair long-term functional outcomes and HRQoL are achieved when these combined techniques are used.

Effects of Triton WR 1339 and orotic acid on biliary and serum dolichols in rats.

Two lysosomal storage diseases, aspartylglucosaminuria and mannosidosis, are associated with highly elevated serum dolichol concentrations. To elucidate possible mechanisms leading to elevated serum dolichols, we studied the effects of Triton WR 1339 (known to increase serum cholesterol) and orotic acid (known to decrease serum cholesterol) on blood and biliary dolichol and beta-hexosaminidase levels in rats. In Triton WR 1339-treated rats, serum dolichol was markedly increased compared with saline-treated controls 1 (400 +/- 70 ng/mL, n = 7 v 85 +/- 11 ng/mL, n = 8, P < .001), 4 (789 +/- 70 ng/mL, n = 10 v 110 +/- 10 ng/mL, n = 7, P < .0001), and 8 (549 +/- 43 ng/mL, n = 8 v 87 +/- 8 ng/mL, n = 7, P < .001) days after administration of the drug. By contrast, serum dolichol was decreased (64 +/- 5 ng/mL, n = 8 v 119 +/- 7 ng/mL, n = 8, P < .0001) after a 7-day orotic acid feeding compared with controls. Serum beta-hexosaminidase was unaffected by both treatments. Orotic acid also increased biliary dolichol (280 +/- 47 ng/100 g body weight [BW]/h, n = 7 v 83 +/- 15 ng/100 g BW/h, n = 7, P < .01) and beta-hexosaminidase (21 +/- 3 mU/100 g BW/h, n = 7 v 8.3 +/- 2 mU/100 g BW/h, n = 9, P < .01) excretion compared with controls. Thus, both Triton WR 1339 and orotic acid have an effect on dolichol metabolism, and it is conceivable--based on our results--that serum dolichol concentrations are regulated, at least in part, by a mechanism similar to that for serum cholesterol levels.

Colloidal bismuth subcitrate and omeprazole inhibit alcohol dehydrogenase mediated acetaldehyde production by Helicobacter pylori.

We have recently shown that Helicobacter pylori possesses marked alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity and is capable--when incubated with an ethanol containing solution in vitro--of producing large amounts of acetaldehyde. In the present study we report that some drugs commonly used for the eradication of H. pylori and for the treatment of gastroduodenal diseases are potent ADH inhibitors and, consequently, effectively prevent bacterial oxidation of ethanol to acetaldehyde. Colloidal bismuth subcitrate (CBS), already at a concentration of 0.01 mM, inhibited H. pylori ADH by 93% at 0.5 M ethanol and decreased oxidation of 22 mM ethanol to acetaldehyde to 82% of control. At concentrations above 5 mM, CBS almost totally inhibited acetaldehyde formation. Omeprazole, a drug also known to suppress growth of H. pylori, also inhibited H. pylori ADH and suppressed bacterial acetaldehyde formation significantly to 69% of control at a drug concentration of 0.1 mM. By contrast, the H2-receptor antagonists ranitidine and famotidine showed only modest effect on bacterial ADH and acetaldehyde production. We suggest that inhibition of bacterial ADH and a consequent suppression of acetaldehyde production from endogenous or exogenous ethanol may be a novel mechanism by which CBS and omeprazole exert their effect both on the growth of H. pylori as well as on H. pylori associated gastric injury.

Alcohol dehydrogenase mediated acetaldehyde production by Helicobacter pylori--a possible mechanism behind gastric injury.

Two standard Helicobacter pylori strains showed significant cytosolic alcohol dehydrogenase activity and produced considerable amounts of acetaldehyde when incubated with an ethanol containing solution in vitro. The alcohol dehydrogenase activity of the Helicobacter pylori strains was almost as high as that found in Klebsiella pneumoniae and far greater than that in Escherichia coli or Campylobacter jejuni. The amount of acetaldehyde produced by cytosol prepared from Helicobacter pylori exceeded that by any of the other bacteria studied. The bacterial production of acetaldehyde--a highly toxic and reactive substance--could be an important factor in the pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori associated gastric injury and increased risk of gastric cancer.

Biliary excretion of dolichols and beta-hexosaminidase--effect of ethanol and glucagon.

Alcohol has been reported to increase the urinary excretion of dolichols, and urinary dolichols are suggested to be derived from the lysosomes of the renal cells. In the present study we examined the effects of alcohol and glucagon on the biliary excretion of dolichols in rats. Chronic ethanol treatment decreased both biliary dolichol and beta-hexosaminidase excretion. The absolute amount of dolichol excreted into the bile correlated highly significantly with the absolute amount of biliary beta-hexosaminidase. Our results indicate that biliary dolichols are--at least in part--derived from hepatic lysosomes. Decreased biliary dolichol output during chronic alcohol administration suggests that urinary and biliary dolichol excretions are regulated independently of each other.

Biopsychosocial rehabilitation for repetitive-strain injuries among working-age adults.

The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of biopsychosocial rehabilitation for upper-limb repetitive-strain injuries among working-age adults. Studies were identified from electronic bibliographic databases, reference checks, and consultations with experts in rehabilitation. Four blinded reviewers selected randomized controlled and controlled trials. Two experts evaluated the clinical relevance of the findings. Two other reviewers extracted the data and assessed the main results and the methodological quality of the studies. Finally, a qualitative analysis was performed. Only 2 studies satisfied the criteria. They were both considered to be low-quality trials. The clinical relevance of the included studies was also unsatisfactory. The level of scientific evidence was limited, showing that hypnosis as a supplement to comprehensive treatment can decrease the pain intensity of acute repetitive-strain injury in short follow-ups. There appears to be little scientific evidence for the effectiveness of biopsychosocial rehabilitation with respect to repetitive-strain injuries.

Effects of moderate drinking and alcohol abstinence on urinary dolichol levels.

Urinary dolichols were studied during a period of 10 days of moderate drinking (60 g of alcohol daily), preceded and followed by a period of abstinence, in 10 healthy volunteers. No significant changes were observed in dolichol levels during this time. Thus, moderate alcohol consumption does not affect urinary dolichols. Furthermore, to establish the time of abstinence needed for elevated urinary dolichol levels to return to normal, 17 alcoholic patients entering a detoxification unit and with initially increased urinary dolichols, were followed for seven days. Mean urinary dolichol level, which was clearly elevated in the beginning of detoxification, returned to normal by the 5th day of the treatment. Half-life decay for increased urinary dolichols was found to be about 3 days.

Effect of heavy weekend drinking on urinary dolichol levels.

The effect of acute heavy alcohol consumption on urinary dolichol levels was studied in 10 healthy volunteers during 2 separate weekends (48 hr). During one of the weekends the subjects received alcohol 5.5 g of per kg body weight in 4 different sessions. The other weekend was otherwise identical, but no alcohol was served. During the weekend when the subjects consumed alcohol, urinary dolichol levels began to rise significantly on the second day of the experiment reaching more than double of the baseline values 42 hours after the beginning of the experiment. During the control weekend, no such increase in urinary dolichol levels was observed. Thus, heavy drinking lasting more than one day is capable of increasing urinary dolichol levels.