Alcohol Flashcards
Describe the alcohol withdrawal state
Tremor, weakness, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, seizures, confusion, agitation, death
Delirium tremens
Describe delirium tremens
Profound confusion, tremor, agitation, hallucinations, delusions, sleeplessness, autonomic over-activity
Mortality 5%
Death; CV collapse, infection, hyperthermia, seizures or self-injury
Usually 48-72 hours after alcohol stopped
What are some screening tools for alcohol problems?
- CAGE
- AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test)
- FAST
- PAT (Paddington Alcohol Test)
What is the CAGE screening tool?
Used in assessment of alcohol problems
Have you tried to CUT down
Have you felt ANNOYED by people criticising your drinking
Have you felt GUILTY about drinking
Have you felt the need to have an EYE-OPENER
2 or more = worried about alcohol problem
How do we manage alcohol withdrawal?
Benzos
Chlorodiazepoxide
What are anti-craving medications used in alcoholism?
Acamprosate
Naltrexone
Nalmefene
What are aversion/deterrent medications?
Disulfiram
Severe effects if taken with alcohol will have severe side effects and patient will feel awful
Can lead to serious consequences including death, patients need to be educated on this and it will not be given to everyone
Which is more specific to the liver ALT or AST?
ALT more specific
AST will be higher if actively drinking alcohol, but can also be raised by bone diseases among other things
What is GAHS?
Glasgow Alcoholic Hepatitis Score
What are the effects of long-term alcohol use on the CV system?
Dilated cardiomyopathy
High BP
Vascular disease
Thrombosis
Arrythmia
Heart failure
What are craniofacial deformities associated with fetal alcohol syndrome?
Small head, flat face, epicanthal folds, smooth philtrum, thin upper lip, small eye openings, short nose, low nasal bridge
