02 December 2003
Use of contemporary biomarkers in the detection of chronic alcohol use
Norman J. Montalto, Pamela BeanMed Sci Monit 2003; 9(12): RA285-290 :: ID: 13445
Abstract
Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance yet alcoholism is frequently undiagnosed. The misuse of alcohol is common and frequently an occult problem. More than 10% of current drinkers meet diagnostic criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence while the lifetime prevalence for these conditions in outpatient settings ranges from 16 to 36 percent. Long-term, heavy drinking is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and economic costs. Clues to alcohol use can be discovered from a patient’s history and physical stigmata. Validated screening instruments such as the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), CAGE Questionnaire, and Brief Michigan Alcoholism Screening Tests help confirm the clinical suspicion of alcohol dependence. Laboratory abnormalities of mean corpuscular volume, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, or alanine amino transferase levels are non-specific indicators of possible alcohol-induced liver impairment. Newer, less well-known FDA-approved biochemical markers such as the Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin and the Early Detection of Alcohol Consumption test may also be used to detect heavy alcohol abuse and to monitor relapse episodes. Brief interventions are successful, making identification and diagnosis a vital role for the family physician. Improved awareness of alcohol misuse, increased use of screening tools, and the appropriate use of biochemical markers will facilitate early intervention and successful management of patients with alcohol use disordes.
Keywords: Alcohol Drinking - blood, Alcoholism - blood, Alcoholism - diagnosis, Biological Markers - blood, Questionnaires, Transferrin - analogs & derivatives, Transferrin - analysis, gamma-Glutamyltransferase - blood
Editorial
01 March 2024 : Editorial
Editorial: First Regulatory Approvals for CRISPR-Cas9 Therapeutic Gene Editing for Sickle Cell Disease and Transfusion-Dependent β-ThalassemiaDOI: 10.12659/MSM.944204
Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e944204
In Press
21 Feb 2024 : Clinical Research
Potential Value of HSP90α in Prognosis of Triple-Negative Breast CancerMed Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943049
22 Feb 2024 : Review article
Differentiation of Native Vertebral Osteomyelitis: A Comprehensive Review of Imaging Techniques and Future ...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943168
23 Feb 2024 : Clinical Research
A Study of 60 Patients with Low Back Pain to Compare Outcomes Following Magnetotherapy, Ultrasound, Laser, ...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943732
26 Feb 2024 : Clinical Research
Predictive Value of Combined HbA1c and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.942509
Most Viewed Current Articles
17 Jan 2024 : Review article
Vaccination Guidelines for Pregnant Women: Addressing COVID-19 and the Omicron VariantDOI :10.12659/MSM.942799
Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e942799
16 May 2023 : Clinical Research
Electrophysiological Testing for an Auditory Processing Disorder and Reading Performance in 54 School Stude...DOI :10.12659/MSM.940387
Med Sci Monit 2023; 29:e940387
14 Dec 2022 : Clinical Research
Prevalence and Variability of Allergen-Specific Immunoglobulin E in Patients with Elevated Tryptase LevelsDOI :10.12659/MSM.937990
Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e937990
01 Jan 2022 : Editorial
Editorial: Current Status of Oral Antiviral Drug Treatments for SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Non-Hospitalized Pa...DOI :10.12659/MSM.935952
Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e935952