AUD + Cannabis Use Disorder Flashcards
(70 cards)
A helpful mnemonic to remember the DSM-5 criteria for alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is HAS A PINT. Know it
Hallucinations
Autonomic hyperactivity
Seizures
Anxiety
Psychomotor agitation
Insomnia
Nausea/vomiting
Tremor of the hand
AWS symptoms peak when?
Day 2-3
What is the most serious complication of alcohol withdrawal?
Delirium tremens (DTs)
What is delirium tremens?
Severe confusion, disorientation, +/- hallucinations with clouding of global sensorium (decreased consciousness) + severe autonomic hyperactivity (tachycardia, HTN, hyperthermia, agitation, sweating)
When does delirium tremens usually begin?
How long does it last?
- Usually begins 48-96h after the last drink
- Lasts 1-5 days
What is the pathogenesis of AWS?
With chronic and regular alcohol use, GABA and alcohol depress the CNS, so the body makes up for it by upregulating glutamate. In a withdrawal state (where there is no alcohol), the upregulated glutamate overpowers the GABA alone and causes too much excitation
What are some risk factors for AWS? (5)
- ↑ quantity, frequency, and duration of alcohol use
- Previous alcohol withdrawal
- Family history of alcohol withdrawals
- Concurrent medical conditions
- e.g., electrolyte imbalance 2°dehydration - Consumption of sedatives/hypnotics/anxiolytics
- i.e. concurrent withdrawal
List some complications associated with AWS (8)
- DEATH
- Brain damage
- Prolonged hospitalization
- Delirium tremens
- Seizures
- Arrhythmias
- Aspiration
- Relapse
The most useful screening tool for predicting a patient’s risk of developing severe complications related to alcohol withdrawal is?
PAWSS (Prediction of Alcohol Withdrawal Severity Scale)
What are 3 situations in which PAWSS might be used?
- Can be used before a patient stops or reduces drinking to determine if they are at low or high risk of severe complications of AWS (e.g. seizures, delirium tremens)
- Useful to help determine level of monitoring and support required
- Could be used in emergency room setting
What are the 2 major meds used for AWS?
- BZDs
- Most commonly used - Clonidine
- Often in addition to BZDs, not typically used alone
What is the MOA of clonidine in AWS?
Suppress noradrenergic symptoms (anxiety, hypertension, tachycardia) that do not resolve with benzos
- Used for symptomatic relief
What are other meds to be aware of that might be used in AWS (but pretty rare) (6)
- Carbamazepine
- Gabapentin
- Baclofen
- Beta-blockers
- Haloperidol
- GHB
What is the MOA of benzos?
Bind to benzo binding site on GABA-A receptors to increase GABA binding affinity and increase the inhibitory action of GABA
Common side effects of benzos are? (4)
- Sedation
- Confusion
- Amnesia
- Psychomotor impairment
Rare side effects of benzos are? (4)
- Paradoxical reactions
- Falls
- Respiratory depression
- Pancytopenia
What scale is used in the measurement of the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms?
CIWA (Clinical Institure Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol)
CIWA score ≥__ requires treatment
10
What are the 5 supportive care treatments for AWS?
- Thiamine
- Folate
- Multivitamin
- Electrolyte correction
- Fluids
What is the rationale behind using thiamine in AWS supportive care?
Prevent Wernicke-Korsakoff’s syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, and cardiomyopathy
What is the rationale behind using folate in AWS supportive care?
Prevent and correct anemia
What is the rationale behind using a multivitamin in AWS supportive care?
Prevent and correct micronutrient deficiency
What is the rationale behind electrolyte correction in AWS supportive care?
Prevent electrolyte imbalances and life-threatening complications (ex. arrhythmias, coma)
What is the rationale behind giving fluids in AWS supportive care?
Correct hypovolemia and dehydration from sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, fever