September 1, 1989Alcohol and Alcoholism
Vagal Neuropathy in Chronic Alcoholics: Relation to Ethanol Consumption
Key result
Complete ethanol abstinence is linked to improved deep breathing test indices in ~92% of patients.
- n=70
Why the study?
Vagal neuropathy in chronic alcoholics appears more common than previously thought, but its reversibility and relationship with alcohol intake and nutritional status remain unclear.
Does ethanol abstinence improve vagal neuropathy in chronic alcoholics?
Population
70 chronic alcoholics at beginning of abstinence
Comparison
Complete ethanol abstinence vs continued ethanol intake
Design
Observational study with cardiovascular reflex and electrophysiological tests
Authors
Discussion
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Member takes
Implication
Abstinence may reverse alcohol-related vagal neuropathy; leaves open confirmation in prospective trials.
Study Design
Type
Observational (n=70)
Structured PICO
Does ethanol abstinence improve vagal neuropathy in chronic alcoholics?
P
Population
70 chronic alcoholics evaluated at the beginning of abstinence, with a 1-year follow-up of 12 patients who had abnormal deep breathing test indices.
E
Exposure
Complete ethanol abstinence
O
Outcome
Vagal neuropathy assessed by deep breathing test (DBT) indicessurrogate
Vagal neuropathy in chronic alcoholics correlates with lifetime ethanol intake and is largely reversible with sustained abstinence.
Cite This Study
Villalta et al. (1989) conducted an observational in Chronic alcoholism (n=70). Ethanol consumption and abstinence was evaluated on Deep breathing test (DBT) indices and motor conduction velocity. Total lifetime ethanol intake correlated with abnormal deep breathing test indices, which improved in 11 of 12 patients after one year of complete ethanol abstinence.