Effects of Alcohol and Its Relationship with Deranged Liver Function Tests and Withdrawal Symptoms

Subject Areas : Journal of Chemical Health Risks

Remitha Joseph Thangarajan ¹ , Kailash Sureshkumar ² , Shabeeba Z. Kailash ³ , Sivabackiya Chithiravelu ⁴ , Aravindh Manogaran ⁵

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2 - Department of Psychiatry, Chettinad hospital and research Institute, Chettinad academy of research and Education, Kelambakkam - 603103
3 - Department of Psychiatry, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India.
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5 - Department of Psychiatry, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India

Received: 2023-12-23 Accepted : 2024-07-08 Published : 2024-08-20

Keywords: Alcohol, Alcohol dependence, Clinical markers, Biochemical tests, Early alcohol use onset, Liver function markers,

Abstract :

Alcohol consumption is an important risk factor for illness, disability, and mortality. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms have a significant health concern for individuals with alcohol dependence. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of withdrawal symptoms and liver function test abnormalities in this population and also to identify the factors associated with the severity of withdrawal symptoms. This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care facility involving 100 patients seeking treatment for alcohol dependence. Data collection included structured interviews and assessments using standardized scales and biochemical tests. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, and chi-square tests were employed to analyse the data. Individuals exhibiting mild/moderate alcohol withdrawal symptoms in this study displayed several distinctive features. They were more likely to have attained at least a high school education, their average alcohol consumption was notably lower, Importantly, their blood parameters, including RBC count, platelet count, total bilirubin levels, and liver enzyme levels (AST and ALT), generally exhibited fewer deviations from normal ranges. Family history of alcohol dependence and nicotine dependence was common among the participants. This research highlights the need for a holistic approach to address alcohol dependence, taking into consideration sociodemographic factors, clinical markers, and the diverse nature of this condition. The findings provide important insights for healthcare professionals to identify individuals at higher risk and guide treatment decisions.

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