ABSTRACT
Data collected over time from an abstaining young alcoholic population were analyzed together with data from a nonalcoholic population, which served as a reference group. The laboratory tests of the abstaining alcoholics were measured at baseline (zero weeks), three weeks, and six weeks, while those of the nonalcoholic group were measured once, at baseline. The analysis attempts to reveal how abstinence from beverage alcohol consumption in an alcoholic population affects 25 commonly ordered laboratory tests over time and whether cigarette smoking mediates any observed effects. The primary findings of this detailed examination of clinical chemistries in abstaining alcoholics indicate that drinking and smoking have independent effects and that the effects of drinking persist even after six weeks of abstinence.
Subject(s)
Blood Chemical Analysis , Ethanol/adverse effects , Substance Withdrawal Syndrome/blood , Adult , Age Factors , Alcohol Drinking , Humans , Male , Smoking , Substance Withdrawal Syndrome/physiopathology , Time FactorsABSTRACT
This study explored the effectiveness of biologic markers in alcoholism where correct diagnosis does not result from relatively simple inspection. After review of the use of individual biologic markers and their limitations, data is presented from a multivariate analysis of 351 young healthy male alcoholics and 339 nonalcoholic male patients in which an overall accuracy rate of 84.3% was obtained. A discussion of what biologic markers may be measuring, issues in sample selection, statistical issues and problems with laboratory variability in the use of biologic markers is presented.
Subject(s)
Alcoholism/blood , Adult , Humans , Laboratories/standards , Male , Middle Aged , Sampling Studies , Statistics as Topic/methodsABSTRACT
A diagnostic aid using routinely available blood chemistry batteries is being developed which shows promise for use in identification of individuals with drinking problems as well as in individuals having alcoholic and nonalcoholic liver disease. A statistically complex form of pattern recognition known as quadratic discriminant analysis is performed on common clinical laboratory tests such as total protein, total bilirubin, phosphorus, chloride, carbon dioxide, glucose, WBCs, RBCs, and MCV values. The relationship of each of the tests to each other is analyzed, providing a type of biochemical "fingerprint," such that any one test may not be unique. Rather, the interrelationships to one another provide a unique statistical profile of an alcoholic, or an individual with alcoholic or nonalcoholic liver disease.
