Biomarkers in Alcohol Misuse: Their Role in the Prevention and Detection of Thiamine Deficiency

In Western countries alcohol misuse is the most frequent cause of thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency (TD) and consequent neuro-impairment.

Studies have demonstrated that between 30 and 80% of alcoholics are thiamine deficient, and this puts them at risk of developing the Wernicke–Korsakoff (WK) syndrome.

The relative roles of alcohol and TD in causing brain damage remain controversial and it is important to try to determine the role played by each factor.

Animal studies support an additive effect of alcohol exposure and TD, and indicate the potential for interaction between alcohol and TD in human alcohol-related brain damage.

Early diagnosis of alcohol-related TD is therefore an important aspect of effective intervention and treatment.

Alcohol biomarkers provide a direct and indirect way of estimating the amount of alcohol being consumed, the duration of ingestion and the harmful effects that long-term alcohol use has on body functions.

Appropriate use of these markers is very helpful when considering a diagnosis of alcohol-related TD.

Research report; Rosanna Mancinelli, and Mauro Ceccanti. Biomarkers in Alcohol Misuse: Their Role in the Prevention and Detection of Thiamine Deficiency. Alcohol and Alcoholism 2009 44(2):177-182;

See also;

• 12-Step Treatment More Effective than Alternative
• AA Offers Recovery Not Religion
• AA and Treatment Work Better Together

I’ll Quit Tomorrow: A Practical Guide to Alcoholism Treatment

Detoxification from alcohol abuse.

The alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is a common management problem in hospital practice for neurologists, psychiatrists and general physicians alike.

Although some patients have mild symptoms and may even be managed in the outpatient setting, others have more severe symptoms or a history of adverse outcomes that requires close inpatient supervision and benzodiazepine therapy.

Many patients with AWS have multiple management issues;

• withdrawal symptoms,
• delirium tremens (DT’s),
• the Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome,
• seizures,
• depression,
• polysubstance abuse,
• electrolyte disturbances and
• liver disease,

These require a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach. Although AWS may be complex, careful evaluation and available treatments should ensure safe detoxification for most patients.

The alcohol withdrawal syndrome; Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry 2008;79:854-862, A McKeon, M A Frye, Norman Delanty.

See also;

• 12-Step Treatment More Effective than Alternative
• Brief-TSF can assist people cease alcohol consumption.
• Alcohol Related Brain Injury

Slaying the Dragon: The History of Addiction Treatment and Recovery in America by William L. White Read more about this title…

Older Adults Often Exceed Alcohol Consumption Limits

Guidelines for “safe” alcohol use among older adults recommend daily limits no more than 2 drinks for men and 1 drink for women, weekly limits no more than 14 drinks for men and 7 drinks for women or a combination no more than 1 drink per day, 7 drinks per week, or 3 drinks per drinking session, regardless of sex.

The proportion of older adults who actually exceed each of these limits (i.e., engage in risky drinking) and experience associated alcohol-related problems is unknown.

To explore these issues, researchers surveyed 1291 non-abstinent, community-dwelling older adults at baseline and 10 years later.

The prevalence of risky drinking differed across guidelines, ranging from 23 percent to 50 percent among women and from 29 percent to 45 percent among men.

Both men and women who exceeded consumption limits were more likely to have alcohol-related problems (e.g., difficulties with relationships and functioning) both at study entry and follow-up. These problems were more prevalent in men.

In this community-based sample, risky drinking (defined by specific consumption levels) was prevalent among older adults, and guideline cut-offs were associated with alcohol-related problems.

Research Reference: Moos RH, Brennan PL, Schutte KK, et al. High-risk alcohol consumption and late-life alcohol use problems. Am J Public Health. 2004; 94(11):1985-1991. From Join Together

• See also;
• Elderly substance abuse

Injury Risk Highest Among Binge Drinkers

Binge drinkers have a higher risk of alcohol-related injury than chronic, heavy drinkers, the Health Behavior News Service reported Feb. 22.

Binge-drinking women who otherwise drink in moderation had seven times the risk of injury as nondrinkers, while binge-drinking men increased their injury risk sixfold.

“It’s not only the amount of alcohol consumed that shapes the risk for injury, but also the usual consumption pattern,” said study author Gerhard Gmel of the Swiss Institute for the Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Problems. “At highest risk are those who usually consume moderately but sometimes binge drink. This is true for both sexes.”

The study was based on records from 8,736 people admitted to hospital emergency departments; researchers examined the relationship of injuries to average weekly alcohol consumption, binge-drinking episodes, and the amount of alcohol consumed prior to admission.

Gmel warned against prevention that focuses only on chronic drinkers, saying that many binge drinkers will be missed.

The research appears in the March 2006 issue of the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. From; Join Together Online

• See also;
• Abstinence Solves Thinking Problems
• Adolescents have deficits in frontal brain activation
• Brain Damage & Cirrhosis