[40] Alcoholism and Alcoholic Hepatitis Flashcards
What are the categories of complications of alcohol abuse?
Hepatic GIT CNS Heart Blood
What are the hepatic complications of alcohol abuse?
Fatty liver, leading to hepatitis and cirrhosis
What signs on LFTs indicate alcoholism?
AST:ALT >2
Increased GGT
What are the gastrointestinal complications of alcohol abuse?
Gastritis and erosions Peptic ulcer disease Varices Pancreatitis Carcinoma
What are the CNS complications of alcohol abuse?
Poor memory/cognition Peripheral polyneuropathy Wernicke's encephalopathy Korsakoff's Fits and falls
What are the symptoms of Wernicke’s encephalopathy?
Confusion
Opthalmoplegia
Ataxia
How does opthalmoplegia manifest in Wernicke’s encephalopathy?
Nystagmus
LR palsy
What does Korsakoff’s cause?
Amnesia leading to confabulation
What are the cardiovascular complications of alcohol abuse?
Arrhythmias
Dilated cariomyopathy
Hypertension
What effect can chronic alcoholism have on the blood?
Increased MCV
Folate deficiency leading to anaemia
When does alcohol withdrawal kick in?
10-72 hrs after last drink
When should alcohol withdrawal be considered in a patient?
In a new ward patient with acute confusion
What are the signs of alcohol withdrawal?
Increased HR Decreased BP Confusion Fits Hallucination Tremor
What kind of hallucinations are common in alcohol withdrawal?
Formication (sensation of insects crawling over skin)
How is alcohol withdrawal managed acutely?
Tapering regime of chlordiazepoxide PO/lorazepam IM
Thiamine