SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Veterans Hospitalized With Alcohol Withdrawal

Pdf Summary

This retrospective cohort study examined 594 hospitalized veterans with alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) across 19 VA medical centers to describe clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and factors linked to complicated withdrawal and longer treatment duration.<br /><br />Most patients were male, White, unemployed, and domiciled. The most commonly used withdrawal scale was CIWA, and symptom-triggered treatment (STT) was the most frequent management approach. Lorazepam was the most commonly used medication, followed by chlordiazepoxide and diazepam.<br /><br />Complicated withdrawal, defined as seizure or delirium, was more likely in Black patients and in patients with a prior history of alcohol withdrawal delirium or seizure. Thrombocytopenia and higher serum alcohol level were also associated with complicated withdrawal.<br /><br />Longer treatment duration was associated with use of lorazepam, phenobarbital, and gabapentin. Shorter treatment duration was associated with symptom-triggered treatment alone and front-loading combined with STT.<br /><br />Overall, the findings suggest that current practice across VA hospitals is broadly consistent with ASAM guideline preferences, especially the use of symptom-triggered treatment and long-acting benzodiazepines. The study also highlights important risk factors for severe AWS that may help guide clinical care and identify patients at higher risk for complications.

Asset Subtitle

Craig Gunderson

Meta Tag

Author List Andrea Smeraglio, Cherinne Arundel, Craig Gunderson, Daniel Heppe, Erik Ehlers, Jaclyn Vargas, James D. Laudate, Jessica Cyr, Jeydith Gutierrez, Joel C. Boggan, Kirsha Gordon, Matthew Ronan, Meghna Shah, Meredith Trubitt, Micah Pescetto, Michael Krug

Category Research

Concept Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

Concept Complicated Alcohol Withdrawal

Concept Seizure

Concept Delirium

Concept Symptom-Triggered Treatment

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Va

Presenting Author Craig Gunderson

Track Outcomes Research

Keywords

alcohol withdrawal syndrome

veterans

retrospective cohort study

CIWA

symptom-triggered treatment

lorazepam

chlordiazepoxide

diazepam

complicated withdrawal

delirium tremens

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

Complicated Alcohol Withdrawal

Seizure

Delirium

Symptom-Triggered Treatment