IMMUNE STATUS OF PATIENTS WITH LUNG TUBERCULOSIS AND ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

Tuberculosis is a great medical and social problem. An important risk factor for tuberculosis progress is the systematic use of alcohol. The relationship between alcohol intake and TB has been clear after numerous studies and meta-analyzes. However, there are still open questions about whether alcohol is the direct cause of TB development, which doses of alcohol have the greatest trigger value in progress of TB process, what kind of immunological reactions are significantly associated with alcohol intake and what immune background can determining role of alcohol in progression of TB infection. The features of the immune response in TB patients with different value of alcohol use remain poorly understood. The aim of the research - to investigate the immune status in patients with firstly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis with various levels of alcohol consumption. Materials and methods. We selected for participating in the study 102 males with tuberculosis and alcohol consumption. Examination of the patients included: clinical methods, chest X-ray, sputum tests, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and immunological blood analysis. Results. Patients with tuberculosis and alcohol consumption, have increase inflammatory response: higher level of stab neutrophils, CRP, ESR, as well as phagocyte activity, circulating immune complexes levels and medium molecular weight peptides levels. On the other hand we found decreasing of phagocytic number, index of phagocytosis completeness and differentiation clusters CD2+, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ of T-lymphocytes` sub-populations. The highest changes were observed in the group of alcohol abusers. Conclusions. Patients with tuberculosis and alcohol intake, even at low levels of its consumption, have a dysregulation of their immune response. On the one hand, there is an increase of non-specific inflammatory reactions, and on the other - a situation, when antigen-presenting cells cannot adequately to process and present the antigen to phagocytes. This prevents the immune system from responding quickly, correctly evaluating and suppressing foreign agents.

Download Full-text

Nalmefene against alcohol use disorder: A report of one case

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.1734 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 41 (S1) ◽

pp. s866-s866

Author(s):

M. Juncal Ruiz ◽

O. Porta Olivares ◽

L. Sánchez Blanco ◽

R. Landera Rodríguez ◽

M. Gómez Revuelta ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Alcohol Use ◽

Opioid Receptor ◽

Treatment Option ◽

Withdrawal Syndrome ◽

Alcohol Use Disorder ◽

Alcohol Intake ◽

Family Relationship ◽

Heavy Drinking ◽

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

IntroductionAlcohol consumption represents a significant factor for mortality in the world: 6.3% in men and 1.1% in women. Alcohol use disorder is also very common: 5.4% in men and 1.5% in women. Despite its high frequency and the seriousness of this disorder, only 8% of all alcohol-dependents are ever treated. One potentially interesting treatment option is oriented toward reducing alcohol intake.AimsTo describe one case who has improved his alcohol consumption after starting treatment with nalmefene, an opioid receptor antagonist related to naltrexone.MethodsA 35-year-old male with alcohol use disorder since 2001 came to our consult in November 2015. He was in trouble with his family and he had a liver failure. We offer a new treatment option with nalmefene 18 mg to reduce alcohol consumption.ResultsBefore to start nalmefene he drank 21 drinks/week. Six-month later, he decreased alcohol intake until 5 drinks/week with better family relationship and liver function. After starting nalmefene he complained of nausea, so we recommend to take the middle of the pill for next 7 days. After this time he returned to take one pill with good tolerance and no more side effects or withdrawal syndrome.ConclusionsNalmefene appears to be effective and safe in reducing heavy drinking and in preventing alcohol withdrawal syndrome due to its opioid receptor antagonism. This case suggests nalmefene is a potential option to help patients, who do not want or cannot get the abstinence, in reducing their alcohol consumption.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Download Full-text

Make Mission Impossible Feasible: The Experience of a Multidisciplinary Team Providing Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder to Homeless Individuals

Alcohol and Alcoholism ◽

10.1093/alcalc/agaa052 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 55 (5) ◽

pp. 547-553

Author(s):

Tommaso Dionisi ◽

Carolina Mosoni ◽

Giovanna Di Sario ◽

Claudia Tarli ◽

Mariangela Antonelli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Alcohol Use ◽

Clinical Evaluation ◽

Treatment Program ◽

Alcohol Use Disorder ◽

Alcohol Intake ◽

Multidisciplinary Treatment ◽

Social Reintegration ◽

Multidisciplinary Treatment Program ◽

Glutamyl Transpeptidase

Abstract Aim People experiencing homelessness are often excluded from treatment programs for alcohol use disorder (AUD). The goal of this study was to describe the impact of a multidisciplinary treatment program on alcohol consumption and social reintegration in individuals with AUD experiencing homelessness. Methods Thirty-one individuals with AUD experiencing homelessness were admitted to an inpatient unit for 5–6 days for clinical evaluation and to treat potential alcohol withdrawal syndrome. A group of volunteers, in collaboration with the Community of Sant’Egidio, provided social support aimed to reintegrate patients. After inpatient discharge, all patients were followed as outpatients. Alcohol intake (number drinks/day), craving and clinical evaluation were assessed at each outpatient visit. Biological markers of alcohol use were evaluated at enrollment (T0), at 6 months (T1) and 12 months (T2). Results Compared with T0, patients at T1 showed a significant reduction in alcohol consumption [10 (3–24) vs 2 (0–10); P = 0.015] and in γ-glutamyl-transpeptidase [187 (78–365) vs 98 (74–254); P = 0.0021]. The reduction in alcohol intake was more pronounced in patients with any housing condition [10 (3–20) vs 1 (0–8); P = 0.008]. Similarly, compared with T0, patients at T2 showed significant reduction in alcohol consumption [10 (3–24) vs 0 (0–15); P = 0.001], more pronounced in patients with any housing condition [10 (3–20) vs 0 (0–2); P = 0.006]. Moreover, at T2 patients showed a significant reduction in γ-glutamyl-transpeptidase [187 (78–365) vs 97 (74–189); P = 0.002] and in mean cell volume [100.2 (95–103.6) vs 98.3 (95–102); P = 0.042]. Conclusion Patients experiencing homelessness may benefit from a multidisciplinary treatment program for AUD. Strategies able to facilitate and support their social reintegration and housing can improve treatment outcomes.

Download Full-text

“Don’t Drink Too Much!” Reactance Among Young Men Following Health-Related Social Control

American Journal of Men s Health ◽

10.1177/1557988319825921 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 155798831982592 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Monika Sieverding ◽

Nicole K. Specht ◽

Sabrina G. Agines

Keyword(s):

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Social Control ◽

Alcohol Intake ◽

Young Men ◽

The Other ◽

Perceived Threat ◽

Negative Thoughts ◽

Health Related ◽

Male Friend ◽

Perceived Probability

This study investigated conditions under which young men responded with reactance to the suggestion to reduce their alcohol consumption. In an experimental study, 84 young men (university students, mean age: 24 years) listened to a recorded telephone call and were asked to imagine that they themselves were the recipients of this call. In this call, either a girlfriend or a male friend suggested that the recipient of the call should reduce his alcohol intake that evening. In one condition, the suggestion was highly restrictive; in the other condition, the suggestion was framed in a nonrestrictive way. Perceived threat, negative thoughts, and feelings of anger after listening to the call were assessed. Further outcome variables were intention and perceived probability of complying with the suggestion. Participants felt more anger after hearing the highly restrictive suggestion and more threatened by the suggestion made by the girlfriend. Interaction effects emerged. Participants reported more negative thoughts and lower intention and perceived probability to comply when a highly restrictive suggestion was made by the girlfriend. The male friend’s highly restrictive suggestion resulted in a perceived probability of complying (54%) that was similar to the probability of the girlfriend’s nonrestrictive suggestion (55%). Women’s efforts to reduce their male partners’ alcohol consumption can result in boomerang effects. Male peers might be more effective in motivating other men to behave in a healthier way. These results support recent findings with regard to the potential of peer positive social control.

Download Full-text

Alcohol use among older adults

Reviews in Clinical Gerontology ◽

10.1017/s0959259810000031 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

pp. 56-68 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Philip D St John ◽

Wanda M Snow ◽

Suzanne L Tyas

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Alcohol Use ◽

Alcohol Intake ◽

Alcohol Misuse ◽

Heavy Episodic Drinking ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Alcohol Interventions ◽

Screening Questionnaires ◽

Moderate Alcohol Intake

SummaryAlcohol use is common in older adults and is associated with numerous health and social problems. Recent evidence suggests that in addition to level of alcohol consumption, drinking pattern may also be important. Moderate alcohol intake may confer some cardiac benefits, while heavy episodic drinking seems particularly problematic. Detecting alcohol misuse in older adults is difficult since clinical acumen is often poor, screening questionnaires have serious limitations and laboratory tests are not diagnostic. Brief alcohol interventions to reduce alcohol consumption appear useful in younger populations, but are less studied in older adults. While there is increasing research into the issue of alcohol use among older adults, clinicians and policy-makers must rely on limited evidence when making clinical decisions.

Download Full-text

Exploring the longevity advantage of doctorates in Finland and Sweden: The role of smoking- and alcohol-related causes of death

Scandinavian Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1177/1403494820969541 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 140349482096954

Author(s):

Liina M. Junna ◽

Lasse Tarkiainen ◽

Olof Östergren ◽

Domantas Jasilionis ◽

Pekka Martikainen

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Alcohol Use ◽

Life Expectancy ◽

Causes Of Death ◽

Total Population ◽

Tertiary Education ◽

Population Data ◽

The Other

Aims: Tobacco smoking and alcohol use contribute to differences in life expectancy between individuals with primary, secondary and tertiary education. Less is known about the contribution of these risk factors to differences at higher levels of education. We estimate the contribution of smoking and alcohol use to the life-expectancy differences between the doctorates and the other tertiary-educated groups in Finland and in Sweden. Methods: We used total population data from Finland and Sweden from 2011 to 2015 to calculate period life expectancies at 40 years of age. We present the results by sex and educational attainment, the latter categorised as doctorate or licentiate degrees, or other tertiary. We also present an age and cause of death decomposition to assess the contribution of deaths related to smoking and alcohol. Results: In Finland, deaths related to smoking and alcohol constituted 48.6% of the 2.1-year difference in life expectancy between men with doctorate degrees and the other tertiary-educated men, and 22.9% of the 2.1-year difference between women, respectively. In Sweden, these causes account for 22.2% of the 1.9-year difference among men, and 55.7% of the 1.6-year difference among women, which in the latter case is mainly due to smoking. Conclusions: Individuals with doctorates tend to live longer than other tertiary-educated individuals. This difference can be partly attributed to alcohol consumption and smoking.

Download Full-text

Perspectives of coaches on alcohol consumption among student -athletes in Kenya and strategies for control

Environment and Social Psychology ◽

10.18063/esp.v0.i0.799 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Janet Mmbaha 1 ◽

Mugala Bulinda 2

Keyword(s):

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Alcohol Use ◽

Student Athletes ◽

Public Universities ◽

The Other ◽

Alcohol Policies ◽

Intervention Measures ◽

Senior Students

Numerous studies have been conducted on alcohol and sports among student athletes focusing on the causes, consequence, and intervention measures. However, information is scarce about the perspectives of coaches on alcohol consumption among student athletes. This study examined knowledge and perspectives of coaches on alcohol use among student athletes. Sixty coaches (N-60) were purposively selected from public universities in Kenya. A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect data. Findings indicate coaches to have lengthy experience in coaching and they were aware of alcohol consumption among student athletes. Student athletes consumed more alcohol off-season than during season. Senior students consumed more alcohol than the other students. Coaches lacked support of administrators in enforcing anti-alcohol policies. Education, counseling and benching the players were the commonly used intervention measures by coaches.

Download Full-text

Alcohol consumption among students and its relationship with nutritional intake: a cross-sectional study

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980020004450 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Elisabet R Hillesund ◽

Nina C Øverby ◽

Erlend L Valen ◽

Dagrun Engeset

Keyword(s):

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Alcohol Use ◽

Alcohol Intake ◽

Alcoholic Beverages ◽

Inverse Association ◽

Excessive Alcohol Consumption ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Consumption Level ◽

Micronutrient Intake ◽

Excessive Alcohol

Abstract Objective: Excessive alcohol consumption during reproductive years may impact the integrity of developing eggs and sperm, potentially affecting the life-long health of future children. Inadequate diets could aggravate these preconception effects of alcohol. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of excessive alcohol consumption and explore whether weekly alcohol intake is associated with energy and nutrient intake and adequacy of micronutrient intake among students. Design: Cross-sectional survey using a validated and reproducibility-tested FFQ. Setting: University of Agder, Norway, in 2018. Participants: 622 students (71 % female). Results: More than 80 % reported having consumed alcoholic beverages the past 4 weeks. One-third of men and 13 % of women exceeded the upper recommended limit of 14 UK alcohol units/week. An inverse association between increasing alcohol intake and energy-adjusted micronutrient intake was evident for thiamine, phosphate, Fe, Zn and Se in men, and for vitamin A, β-carotene, vitamin E and C, thiamine, vitamin B6, folate, P, Mg, K, Fe, Zn and Cu in women. A substantial proportion had vitamin D, folate, Fe and I intakes below average requirement regardless of alcohol consumption level. The combination of prevalent alcohol use, decreasing micronutrient density of diet across alcohol consumption level and a high probability of micronutrient inadequacy indicate reason for concern in a preconception public health perspective. Conclusions: Our findings call for investigations into young adults’ knowledge, reflections and beliefs regarding diet and alcohol use to understand how these behaviours could be improved ahead of parenthood.

Download Full-text

Understanding Educational and Psychosocial Factors Associated with Alcohol Use among Adolescents in Denmark; Implications for Health Literacy Interventions

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph15081671 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 15 (8) ◽

pp. 1671 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Claudia König ◽

Mette V. Skriver ◽

Kim M. Iburg ◽

Gillian Rowlands

Keyword(s):

Health Literacy ◽

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Alcohol Use ◽

Social Factors ◽

Alcohol Intake ◽

Alcohol Misuse ◽

Educational Performance ◽

Higher Alcohol ◽

Factors Associated ◽

The Impact

Background. Alcohol misuse is a global public health priority, with a variation in prevalence and impact between countries. Alcohol misuse in adolescence is associated with adverse psychological, social and physical health. Adolescents in Denmark have higher alcohol consumption and problematic alcohol use than adolescents in other European countries. Associations between social determinants of health (SDH), psycho-social factors and alcohol consumption are complex and influenced by national context and cultures. This study explored these associations in Danish adolescents. Method. The European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) survey collects data on alcohol and substance use among 15–16-year-old European students. Data contributed by Danish students to the 2011 survey were analyzed. The outcomes of interest were alcohol consumption (any, intoxication and problematic). Health literacy was not directly measured, so self-described educational performance and knowledge about alcohol were used as proxies for health literacy. Exploratory factors thus included socio-demographic, health literacy-related (knowledge about alcohol, educational performance) and psycho-social factors, as well as expectancies of the effect of alcohol (both positive and negative) and self-reported health. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were undertaken. Results. Of the 2768 adolescents who participated in the survey, 2026 (80%) consumed alcohol during the last 30 days, 978 (38%) were intoxicated at least once during the last 30 days, and 1050 (41%) experienced at least one problem because of alcohol use during the last 12 months. Multivariable analysis showed that the factors associated with higher alcohol intake were gender, poor relationships with parents, expectancies of the impact of alcohol (both positive and negative), and the influence of peers and their alcohol use. Higher school performance was related to lower alcohol consumption. Low socio-demographic status was not associated with higher alcohol consumption. Conclusions. This study confirmed the high levels of alcohol intake, intoxication, and problem drinking amongst the Danish students in the survey and the complexity of the socio-demographic, psychosocial, health literacy-related, and environmental factors associated with alcohol behaviours. Approaches to addressing the issue of alcohol use in Danish adolescents will need to be multi-factorial, including supporting students to develop alcohol-related health literacy skills to enable them to make informed choices.

Download Full-text

Alcohol Use Disorders in Opioid Maintenance Therapy: Prevalence, Clinical Correlates and Treatment

European Addiction Research ◽

10.1159/000363232 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 21 (2) ◽

pp. 78-87 ◽

Cited By ~ 33

Author(s):

Michael Soyka

Keyword(s):

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Alcohol Use ◽

Maintenance Therapy ◽

Opioid Dependence ◽

Alcohol Intake ◽

Liver Toxicity ◽

Alcohol Use Disorders ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

First Line ◽

Opioid Maintenance Therapy

Maintenance therapy with methadone or buprenorphine is an established and first-line treatment for opioid dependence. Clinical studies indicate that about a third of patients in opioid maintenance therapy show increased alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorders. Comorbid alcohol use disorders have been identified as a risk factor for clinical outcome and can cause poor physical and mental health, including liver disorders, noncompliance, social deterioration and increased mortality risk. The effects of opioid maintenance therapy on alcohol consumption are controversial and no clear pattern has emerged. Most studies have not found a change in alcohol use after initiation of maintenance therapy. Methadone and buprenorphine appear to carry little risk of liver toxicity, but further research on this topic is required. Recent data indicate that brief intervention strategies may help reduce alcohol intake, but the existing evidence is still limited. This review discusses further clinical implications of alcohol use disorders in opioid dependence.

Download Full-text