SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Phenobarbital Compared to Benzodiazepines Effect on Length of Stay in the Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

Phenobarbital Compared to Benzodiazepines Effect on Length of Stay in the Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

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This retrospective study from two OhioHealth community teaching hospitals compared phenobarbital (PHB) and benzodiazepines (BZDs) for treating alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). The authors reviewed 164 adults admitted between 9/30/2021 and 9/30/2022 with AWS or alcohol intoxication. Patients directly admitted to the ICU, pregnant patients, prisoners, transfers from other hospitals, those with multiple substance intoxication, or those already taking PHB/BZDs before admission were excluded.<br /><br />The primary outcome was hospital length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes included ICU transfer, ED visits within 30 days of discharge, hospital readmission within 30 days, and all-cause mortality.<br /><br />Most patients were White (81.1%), male (62.2%), and had a mean age of 48.2 years. PHB was used in 106 patients, BZDs in 51, and 7 patients transitioned between the two therapies during admission.<br /><br />Results showed no significant difference in LOS between PHB and BZD groups (3.44 vs 3.29 days, p=0.080). There were also no significant differences in 30-day ED visits, readmissions, or mortality. However, ICU transfer differed significantly, with a higher proportion among the small group that transitioned between BZD and PHB during hospitalization.<br /><br />The authors concluded that phenobarbital appears to be a safe alternative to benzodiazepines for AWS treatment, particularly in patients at higher risk for severe withdrawal. Limitations included the small number of ICU transfers and exclusion of patients who left before medical discharge.

Asset Subtitle

John Weis

Meta Tag

Author List Jay Anderson, John Dillis, John Weis, Mallory Faherty, Vivek v. Jasti

Category Research

Concept Alcohol Withdrawal

Concept Phenobarbital

Concept Benzodiazepines

Concept Length of Stay

Concept Safety

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization OhioHealth Riverside Methodist

Presenting Author John Weis

Track Outcomes Research

Keywords

alcohol withdrawal syndrome

phenobarbital

benzodiazepines

retrospective study

hospital length of stay

ICU transfer

readmission

emergency department visits

community teaching hospitals

safety alternative

Alcohol Withdrawal

Phenobarbital

Benzodiazepines

Length of Stay

Safety