Addiction-Rx

Mx Alcohol Withdrawal Symptom in Alcohol Liver Disease by Dr Prabhat


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Physicians are likely to encounter alcohol withdrawal syndrome in their patients with Alcohol Use Disorders. Most patients with early stage of liver disease are likely to manifest milder withdrawal symptoms. But patients with significant liver disease are likely to present with moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms. The AWS can range from insomnia, tremor, autonomic hyperactivity to more severe seizures and delirium tremens. The symptoms usually start from 6 to 8 hrs of last drink and pick in 24-72 hours. Oxazepam and Lorazepam are preferable for AWS patients with ALD. For patient with severe ALD like cirrhosis or encephalopathy, benzodiazepine should be used cautiously and only if needed in an in-patient setting. There is a possibility of using non-benzodiazepine agents i.e., baclofen, gabapentin, especially patients with moderate to severe ALD. Supportive care should include fluid and electrolyte balance, treatment of concurrent infections, Thiamine supplementation. Thiamine supplementation is critical to prevent the development of Wernicke's encephalopathy. The clinician should also utilize this to engage the patients in treatment and work on building up the patient's motivation for long-term abstinence.

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Addiction-RxBy Centre for Addiction Medicine & NIMHANS Digital Academy