Alcohol-use disorder in the critically ill patient

Alcohol-use disorder in the critically ill patient. CHEST October 2010 vol. 138(4), p. 994-1003.

de Wit, M., et al.

http://chestjournal.chestpubs.org/content/138/4/994.full

This review discusses the development and progression of critical illness in patients with AUDs. AUDs are linked to not only a higher likelihood of community-acquired pneumonia and sepsis but also a higher severity of illness and higher rates of nosocomial pneumonia and sepsis. The management of sedation in patients with AUDs may be particularly challenging because of the increased need for sedatives and opioids and the difficulty in diagnosing withdrawal syndrome. The health-care provider also must be watchful for the development of dangerous agitation and violence, as these problems are not uncommonly seen in hospital ICUs.