scholarly journals 341. Evaluation of Antimicrobial Use and Prescribing Patterns During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Patients Receiving Tocilizumab

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S274-S275
Author(s):  
Barbara Barsoum ◽  
Kai-Ming Chang ◽  
Nicole Mulvey ◽  
Henry Donaghy ◽  
Thien-Ly Doan
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Group ◽  
Secondary Infection ◽  
Hospital Length ◽  
Prescribing Patterns ◽  
Hospital Length Of Stay ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Antimicrobial Use ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Secondary Infections ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infected patients experience systemic inflammation and respiratory distress, which appears to be associated with increased cytokine release. During the peak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), tocilizumab was used to treat critically ill patients with potential cytokine storm. However, tocilizumab has an increased risk of developing serious infections. Methods This retrospective observational chart review was approved by Institutional Review Board and evaluated patients admitted from March to November 2020, who were SARS-CoV-2 positive and received tocilizumab for the treatment group and no tocilizumab for the control group. The primary endpoint is usage of antimicrobials. The secondary endpoints are development and outcomes of secondary infections and hospital length of stay and mortality. Chi-square test was used for categorical data and Mann-Whitney test was used for continuous data. Results A total of 160 patients were included in analysis, with 80 in each arm. 60% of patients in the treatment group required antibiotics compared to 35% in the control group (p = 0.0015), with the highest usage of anti-MRSA coverage, beta-lactams, cephalosporins, and carbapenems in both groups. Antifungal therapy was required in 21.3% of patients in the tocilizumab group compared to 6.3% in the control group (p = 0.0059), with echinocandins being the most used class in both groups. The median days of antimicrobial use in the tocilizumab group was 14 (IQR 7, 24.5) compared to 9 (IQR 6.5, 19) in the control group (p = 0.3346). In the treatment group, 60% of patients developed a secondary infection compared to 35% of patients in the control group (p < 0.0017). Secondary infection treatment failure was observed in 75% of tocilizumab patients compared to 60.7% of control patients (p = 0.1910). In hospital mortality was 50% in patients who received tocilizumab compared to 27.5% in the control group (p < 0.0039). Conclusion Patients on tocilizumab received more antimicrobials, but with a similar spectrum of antimicrobial coverage. Patients who received tocilizumab had higher odds of developing secondary infections and expiring during their hospital stay. There were similar durations of antimicrobial therapy and treatment outcomes. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals Relationship of Hydroxychloroquine and Ophthalmic Complications in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Taiwan

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (15) ◽  
pp. 8154
Author(s):  
Hung-Chih Chen ◽  
Hung-Yu Lin ◽  
Michael Chia-Yen Chou ◽  
Yu-Hsun Wang ◽  
Pui-Ying Leong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Conditional Logistic Regression ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Case Group ◽  
Research Database ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Increased Risk

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) via the national health insurance research database (NHIRD) of Taiwan. All patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (n = 47,353) in the NHIRD (2000–2012) were enrolled in the study. The case group consists of participants with diabetic ophthalmic complications; 1:1 matching by age (±1 year old), sex, and diagnosis year of diabetes was used to provide an index date for the control group that corresponded to the case group (n = 5550). Chi-square test for categorical variables and Student’s t-test for continuous variables were used. Conditional logistic regression was performed to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of DR. The total number of HCQ user was 99 patients (1.8%) in the case group and 93 patients (1.7%) in the control group. Patients with hypertension (aOR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.11–1.31) and hyperlipidemia (aOR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.52–1.79) significantly increased the risk of diabetic ophthalmic complications (p < 0.001). Conversely, the use of HCQ and the presence of rheumatoid diseases did not show any significance in increased risk of DR. HCQ prescription can improve systemic glycemic profile, but it does not decrease the risk of diabetic ophthalmic complications.

scholarly journals Older trauma patients are at high risk of delirium, especially those with underlying dementia or baseline frailty

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e000639
Author(s):  
Danielle Ní Chróinín ◽  
Nevenka Francis ◽  
Pearl Wong ◽  
Yewon David Kim ◽  
Susan Nham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Patients ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Hospital Length ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Hospital Length Of Stay ◽  
Trauma Patients ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
History Of

BackgroundGiven the increasing numbers of older patients presenting with trauma, and the potential influence of delirium on outcomes, we sought to investigate the proportion of such patients who were diagnosed with delirium during their stay—and patient factors associated therewith—and the potential associations between delirium and hospital length of stay (LOS). We hypothesized that delirium would be common, associated with certain patient characteristics, and associated with long hospital LOS (highest quartile).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective observational cohort study of all trauma patients aged ≥65 years presenting in September to October 2019, interrogating medical records and the institutional trauma database. The primary outcome measure was occurrence of delirium.ResultsAmong 99 eligible patients, delirium was common, documented in 23% (23 of 99). On multivariable analysis, adjusting for age, frailty and history of dementia, frailty (OR 4.09, 95% CI 1.08 to 15.53, p=0.04) and dementia (OR 5.23, 95% CI 1.38 to 19.90, p=0.02) were independently associated with likelihood of delirium. Standardized assessment tools were underused, with only 34% (34 of 99) screened within 4 hours of arrival. On univariate logistic regression analysis, having an episode of delirium was associated with long LOS (highest quartile), OR of 5.29 (95% CI 1.92 to 14.56, p<0.001). In the final multivariable model, adjusting for any (non-delirium) in-hospital complication, delirium was independently associated with long LOS (≥16 days; OR 4.81, p=0.005).DiscussionIn this study, delirium was common. History of dementia and baseline frailty were associated with increased risk. Delirium was independently associated with long LOS. However, many patients did not undergo standardized screening at admission. Early identification and targeted management of older patients at risk of delirium may reduce incidence and improve care of this vulnerable cohort. These data are hypothesis generating, but support the need for initiatives which improve delirium care, acknowledging the complex interplay between frailty and other geriatric syndromes in the older trauma patients.Level of evidenceIII.

scholarly journals The ANGPTL8 rs2278426 (C/T) Polymorphism Is Associated with Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes in a Han Chinese Population in Hebei Province

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Guangsen Hou ◽  
Yong Tang ◽  
Luping Ren ◽  
Yunpeng Guan ◽  
Xiaoyu Hou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Chinese Population ◽  
Han Chinese ◽  
Hebei Province ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Han Chinese Population ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Bonferroni Test

Background. Our aim was to investigate the association between the genetics of the angiopoietin protein-like 8 (ANGPTL8) rs2278426 (C/T) polymorphism with prediabetes (pre-DM) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in a Han Chinese population in Hebei Province, China. Methods. We enrolled 1,460 participants into this case-control study: healthy controls, n = 524; pre-DM, n = 460; and T2DM: n = 460. Ligase assays on blood samples from all participants were used to identify polymorphisms. Differences in genotype and allele distributions were compared by the chi-square test and one-way analysis of variance, and a post hoc pairwise analysis was performed using the Bonferroni test. The logistic regression technique was adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index. Results. The frequency of the TT (10.9%) genotype was significantly higher in pre-DM patients than in controls (odds ratio [OR] = 1.696, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.026–2.802, P = 0.039 ). In the T2DM group, the CT (48%) and TT (15%) genotypes were significantly higher compared with those in the control group (CT : OR = 1.384, 95% CI = 1.013–1.890, P = 0.041 ; TT : OR = 2.530, 95% CI = 1.476–4.334, P = 0.001 ). The frequency of the T allele was significantly higher in the pre-DM (32.8%) and T2DM (39%) groups compared with the control group (26.9%) and was significantly associated with an increased risk of pre-DM (OR = 1.253, 95% CI = 1.017–1.544, P = 0.034 ) and T2DM (OR = 1.518, 95% CI = 1.214–1.897, P = 0.001 ). Furthermore, insulin levels in the pre-DM and T2DM groups were significantly decreased in those with the TT genotype compared with the CC and CT genotypes. Conclusion. ANGPTL8 rs2278426 may be involved in the mechanism of insulin secretion and could lead to an increased risk of pre-DM and T2DM.

Controlled Study of Decision-Making Algorithms for Kidney Replacement Therapy Initiation in Acute Kidney Injury

2021 ◽  
pp. CJN.02060221
Author(s):  
Yvelynne Kelly ◽  
Kavita Mistry ◽  
Salman Ahmed ◽  
Shimon Shaykevich ◽  
Sonali Desai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Kidney Injury ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Hospital Length ◽  
Hospital Length Of Stay ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Inpatient Mortality ◽  
Icu Length Of Stay ◽  
Kidney Replacement Therapy

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring kidney replacement therapy (KRT) is associated with high mortality and utilization. We evaluated the use of an AKI-Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plan (SCAMP) on patient outcomes including mortality, hospital and ICU length of stay. Methods: We conducted a 12-month controlled study in the ICUs of a large academic tertiary medical center. We alternated use of the AKI-SCAMP with use of a "sham" control form in 4-6-week blocks. The primary outcome was risk of inpatient mortality. Pre-specified secondary outcomes included 30-day mortality, 60-day mortality and hospital and ICU length of stay. Generalized estimating equations were used to estimate the impact of the AKI-SCAMP on mortality and length of stay. Results: There were 122 patients in the AKI-SCAMP group and 102 patients in the control group. There was no significant difference in inpatient mortality associated with AKI-SCAMP use (41% vs 47% control). AKI-SCAMP use was associated with significantly reduced ICU length of stay (mean 8 (95% CI 8-9) vs 12 (95% CI 10-13) days; p = <0.0001) and hospital length of stay (mean 25 (95% CI 22-29) vs 30 (95% CI 27-34) days; p = 0.02). Patients in the AKI-SCAMP group less likely to receive KRT in the context of physician-perceived treatment futility than those in the control group (2% vs 7%, p=0.003). Conclusions: Use of the AKI-SCAMP tool for AKI-KRT was not significantly associated with inpatient mortality but was associated with reduced ICU and hospital length of stay and use of KRT in cases of physician-perceived treatment futility.

Incidence and predictors of epilepsy in children with congenital heart disease

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Carlos Castillo-Pinto ◽  
Jessica L. Carpenter ◽  
Mary T. Donofrio ◽  
Anqing Zhang ◽  
Gil Wernovsky ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hospital Length ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Hospital Length Of Stay ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Ventricular Assist ◽  
Acute Seizures ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
Arterial Ischaemic Stroke

Abstract Objective: Children with CHD may be at increased risk for epilepsy. While the incidence of perioperative seizures after surgical repair of CHD has been well-described, the incidence of epilepsy is less well-defined. We aim to determine the incidence and predictors of epilepsy in patients with CHD. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of patients with CHD who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass at <2 years of age between January, 2012 and December, 2013 and had at least 2 years of follow-up. Clinical variables were extracted from a cardiac surgery database and hospital records. Seizures were defined as acute if they occurred within 7 days after an inciting event. Epilepsy was defined based on the International League Against Epilepsy criteria. Results: Two-hundred and twenty-one patients were identified, 157 of whom were included in our analysis. Five patients (3.2%) developed epilepsy. Acute seizures occurred in 12 (7.7%) patients, only one of whom developed epilepsy. Predictors of epilepsy included an earlier gestational age, a lower birth weight, a greater number of cardiac surgeries, a need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or a left ventricular assist device, arterial ischaemic stroke, and a longer hospital length of stay. Conclusions: Epilepsy in children with CHD is rare. The mechanism of epileptogenesis in these patients may be the result of a complex interaction of patient-specific factors, some of which may be present even before surgery. Larger long-term follow-up studies are needed to identify risk factors associated with epilepsy in these patients.

scholarly journals 27. Co-infections and antimicrobial use in patients hospitalized with COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S19-S20
Author(s):  
Prithiv Prasad ◽  
Ioannis Zacharioudakis ◽  
Jordan Poles ◽  
Yanina Dubrovskaya ◽  
Dinuli Delpachitra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Teaching Hospitals ◽  
Antimicrobial Use ◽  
Fungal Culture ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
True Incidence ◽  
Secondary Infections ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Duration Of Hospitalization

Abstract Background In-hospital antimicrobial use among COVID-19 patients is widespread due to perceived bacterial and fungal co-infections. We aim to describe the incidence of these co-infections and antimicrobial use in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 to elucidate data for guiding effective antimicrobial use in this population. Methods This retrospective study included all patients admitted with COVID-19 from January 1, 2020, to February 1, 2021 at any of the three teaching hospitals of the NYU Langone Health system. Variables of interest were extracted from the health system’s de-identified clinical database. The nadir of hospital admissions between the first and second peaks of hospital admissions in the dataset was used to delineate the First Wave and Late Pandemic periods of observation. A cut-off of 48 hours after admission was used to differentiate Co-infections and Secondary infections respectively among isolates of clinically relevant bacterial or fungal pathogens in blood or sputum samples. Population statistics are presented as median with interquartile range (IQR) or total numbers with percentages. Results 663 of 7,213 (9.2%) inpatients were found to have a positive bacterial or fungal culture of the respiratory tract or blood during the entire course of their initial admission at our hospitals for COVID-19. Positive respiratory cultures were found in 437 (6.1%) patients, with 94 (1.3%) being collected within 48 hours of admission. Blood culture positivity occurred in 333 patients (4.6%), with 115 (1.6%) identified within 48 hours of admission. Infection-free survival decreased with duration of hospitalization, with rate of secondary infections steadily rising after the second week of hospitalization as seen in Figure 1. 70.2% of inpatients received antimicrobials for a median duration of 6 antimicrobial days (IQR 3.0 – 12.0) per patient. A higher proportion of patients received antimicrobials in the first wave than in the late pandemic period (82.6% vs. 51.8%). Table 1. Table 2 Figure 1 Infection free survival represented as duration of admission in days on the X-axis, and proportion of admitted patients remaining infection-free in the Y-axis. The blue line represents blood cultures and the orange line represents sputum cultures. Conclusion There was a very low incidence of co-infection with SARS-CoV-2 infection at admission. A longer duration of hospitalization was associated with an increased risk of secondary infections. Antimicrobial use far exceeded the true incidence and detection of co-infections in these patients. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Pugun Tanoh Leaves Ethanol Extract (Curanga fel-terrae (Lour.) Merr) as an Anti-inflammation in Patients after Tooth Extraction at Dental and Mouth Hospital of Dentistry Faculty, Universitas Sumatera Utara

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (D) ◽  
pp. 209-212
Author(s):  
Hendry Rusdy ◽  
Marianne Marianne ◽  
Baginda Mangatur Gurning
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Group ◽  
Mefenamic Acid ◽  
Tooth Extraction ◽  
Ethanol Extract ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Analog Scale ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Anti Inflammation

BACKGROUND: Pugun Tanoh (Curanga fel-terrae (Lour.) Merr) is one of the medicinal plants. C. fel-terrae often used by the Karo tribe of Tiga Lingga Village, Kabupaten Dairi, Provinsi Sumatera Utara to treat diarrhea, asthma, cough, scabies, inflammation, bruising, and abdominal pain. Hence, it is necessary to examine the anti-inflammatory effects of Pugun Tanoh leaf extract. AIM: The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Pugun Tanoh leaves ethanol extract as an anti-inflammatory in patients after tooth extraction at Dental and Mouth Hospital of Dentistry Faculty, Universitas Sumatera Utara. METHODS: There were two research groups, namely the treatment group, which was given the extract plus amoxicillin 500 mg and mefenamic acid 500 mg as well as the control group who were only given amoxicillin 500 mg and mefenamic acid 500 mg without the extract. However, the instructions given to the patient are only required to take 500 mg of amoxicillin as an antibiotic, but for the 500 mg mefenamic acid drug, it is only instructed to drink it if there is pain that is felt by the patient. After the extracted teeth, the treatment group was given C. fel-terrae leaves ethanol extract 1.1 mg/kg on the tooth extraction socket using a 3 ml syringe then measurements were made on day 1 and day 2 after the extract was given using a visual analog scale (VAS) and through direct observation. Statistical analysis using the t-test independent and Chi-square test (significant p < 0.05). RESULTS: The treatment group did not have signs of inflammation both on the 1st and 2nd days after tooth extraction, while the control group had signs of inflammation both on the 1st day and the 2nd day after tooth extraction. In the treatment group, there were no patients who took the mefenamic acid drug while in the control group, it was found that all patients took mefenamic acid because they felt post-extraction pain. Statistical result are obtained with p = 0.00 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: C. fel-terrae leaves ethanol extract is effective to be used as an anti-inflammatory in patients after tooth extraction combined with amoxicillin 500 mg and mefenamic acid 500 mg.

scholarly journals A Implementation of Antibiotic Prophylaxis Program for Cesarean Section at Thai Nguyen National Hospital

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy ◽  
Nguyem Thanh Hai ◽  
Nguyem Xuan Bach ◽  
Hoang Thi Thu Huong ◽  
Nguyem Chi Cuong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Caesarean Section ◽  
Cesarean Section ◽  
Antibiotic Prophylaxis ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Hospital Length ◽  
Hospital Length Of Stay ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Viet Nam ◽  
National Hospital ◽  
Ministry Of Health

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of antibiotic prophylaxis in cesarean section at Thai Nguyen National Hospital as a first pilot activity of a surgical prophylaxis program. In the study, a randomized controlled trial was designed with two groups: intervention group and control group. Patients characteristics and effectiveness of prophylactic antibiotics for caesarean section were compared. The study results show that the patients’ ages ranged from 18 to 44 years; most of the patients had ASA score of 1; and mean hospital length of stay was statistically significant between the two groups (p<0.05). Regarding the indication of caesarean section, the reason of genital tract abnormalities accounted for the highest proportion. The percentage of the patients switching from prophylactic antibiotic regimens to therapeutic antibiotics in the intervention group was 2%. There was no patient with superficial and/or deep incisional surgical site infections in both groups. The difference in mean number of injections in the two groups was statistically significant (p<0.05). The average cost of antibiotics for each patient in the intervention group and control group were 267.720 VND and 543.871 VND, respectively. The study concludes that the effectiveness of antibiotics prophylaxis for caesarean section: 99% of the patients were without wound infection; hospital length of stay in the intervention group was shorter than the control group; and using prophylactic antibiotics was not only more economical but could also reduce the workload of medical staff, costs of antibiotics and medical supplies. Keywords  Antibiotics prophylaxis, caesarean section, Thai Nguyen National Hospital. References [1] Viet Nam Ministry of Health, National guideline on prevention of surgical site infection, issued with Decision No. 3671/QD-BYT, September 27, 2012 of Viet Nam Ministry of Health, Ha Noi, 2012 (in Vietnamese).[2] Viet Nam Ministry of Health, National guideline on antibiotics use, issued with Decision No.708/QD-BYT, March 2, 2015 of Viet Nam Ministry of Health, Ha Noi, 2015 (in Vietnamese).[3] D.W. Bratzler, K.M. Olsen, et al., Clinical Practice Guidelines for Antimicrobial Prophylaxis in Surgery, American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy 70 (2013) 195 – 283. https://doi.org/10.2146/ajhp120568.[4] R.F. Lamont, J.D. Sobel, et al., Current debate on the use of antibiotic prophylaxis for caesarean section, BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology 118 (2011) 193-201. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.14710528.2010.02729.x.[5] T.V. Khai, Infection rate of surgical incisions and associated factors on women after cesarean section at Dong Nai General Hospital, Scientific Research Project of Dong Nai Hospital, 2015 (in Vietnamese).[6] N.H. Tuan, Study on the use of cefazolin to prevent infection after cesarean section or uterine fibroids surgery at the Institute of maternal and neonatal protection, Master’s thesis, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, 2002 (in Vietnamese).[7] F.M. Smaill, R.M. Grivell, Antibiotic prophylaxis versus no prophylaxis for preventing infection after cesarean section, Cochrane Database Syst Rev 10 (2014) CD007482. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd007482.pub3.    

Daily Interruption of Sedation with Physical and Occupational Therapy in Mechanically Ventilated Patients

2018 ◽  
pp. 309-316
Author(s):  
Michael Wolfe ◽  
Daniel Saddawi-Konefka
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Functional Status ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Hospital Length ◽  
Hospital Length Of Stay ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Icu Patients ◽  
Mechanically Ventilated ◽  
Mechanically Ventilated Patients ◽  
Ventilated Patients

Schweickert et al. studied effects of early physical and occupational therapy in mechanically ventilated patients. 109 mechanically ventilated medical ICU patients (with independent functional status prior to hospitalization) were randomized to receive physical and occupational therapy initiated at time of enrollment (intervention group) vs. physical and occupational therapy ordered at the discretion of the primary team (control group), with both groups receiving daily interruptions of sedation. The primary outcome, independent functional status at time of discharge, was met in 59% of the intervention group vs. 35% of the control group (p = 0.02). Lower rates of ICU and hospital delirium were observed in the intervention group. Hospital length of stay and mortality were unaffected. This study demonstrated that physical and occupational therapy can be safely accomplished in critically ill, mechanically ventilated medical ICU patients, and that early implementation of therapy may improve return to independent functional status at hospital discharge.

Effect of Adjunctive Dexmedetomidine in the Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal Compared to Benzodiazepine Symptom-Triggered Therapy in Critically Ill Patients: The EvADE Study

2020 ◽  
pp. 089719002097775
Author(s):  
Tia E. Collier ◽  
Lane B. Farrell ◽  
Aaron D. Killian ◽  
Vivek K. Kataria
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Withdrawal ◽  
Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Hospital Length ◽  
Hospital Length Of Stay ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Physical Restraints ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Propensity Matching ◽  
New Onset

Objective: This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of adjunctive dexmedetomidine for alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) treatment compared to symptom-triggered benzodiazepine therapy. Methods: This single-center, retrospective, cohort study evaluated patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) with AWS. Patients were divided into 2 groups: adjunctive dexmedetomidine or symptom-triggered therapy (control). Primary outcome was change in Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol (CIWA-Ar) score. Secondary outcomes assessed cumulative ICU benzodiazepine requirement and ICU/hospital length of stay (LOS). Safety outcomes evaluated incidence of adverse events, new onset seizures, and intubation. Propensity matching was performed to minimize differences between study groups. Results: Overall, 147 patients were included, 56 in the dexmedetomidine group and 91 in the control group. Patient demographics were similar, however baseline CIWA-Ar score was statistically higher in the dexmedetomidine group. Following propensity matching, 55 patients were included in each group. No significant difference was noted for change in CIWA-Ar score (median, IQR) [3.8 (-0.4-12.3) dexmedetomidine vs. 5.4 (1.4-12.9) control, p = 0.223]. Secondary endpoints revealed increased benzodiazepine requirements (p = 0.001), prolonged ICU LOS (p = 0.050), and more frequent use of physical restraints (p = 0.001) in the dexmedetomidine group. While not statistically significant, the development of new onset seizures (p = 0.775) and intubation (p = 0.294) occurred more frequently in the dexmedetomidine group. Conclusion: The addition of dexmedetomidine to symptom-triggered benzodiazepines for AWS did not produce a significant change in CIWA-Ar scores from baseline compared to symptom-triggered therapy alone. The increased rate of new onset seizures and intubation warrant further investigation into the safety of dexmedetomidine in AWS.

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