How can we detect sick elderly excessive drinkers?
P.C. Naik
Bok Engelsk
| Utgitt | PC Naik Lyndon Resource Ctr Hobs Meadow Soli
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| Opplysninger | The sensitivities and specificities of alcohol history, alcohol history with a specific additional question, 'Do you drink spirits in your tea or coffee, or both', alcohol questionnaires (SMAST and CAGE) and laboratory investigations (gamma GT and MCV) as indicators of excessive alcohol intake among elderly (greater than or equal to 65 years) acute medical admissions were studied and compared. Alcohol history with the specific additional question was the most sensitive indicator. Initial alcohol history had a sensitivity of 50%. Both alcohol questionnaires had a sensitivity of 0% and it is recommended that new questionnaires specifically for use in the elderly should be developed and validated. gamma GT was 50% sensitive with a specificity of 80%. MCV had a sensitivity of 17%. Both MCV and gamma GT should be used with caution as indicators in this age group. A simple alcohol history with the additional specific question is at present the best indicator of excessive alcohol intake.
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