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Autonomic neuropathy in an alcoholic population
1Department of Medicine II, Southampton General Hospital, UK.
Postgraduate Medical Journal
|December 1, 1987
Summary
Alcoholic individuals frequently exhibit autonomic neuropathy, affecting both parasympathetic and sympathetic functions. Neuropathy prevalence was higher in older females with liver disease, and symptoms did not reliably indicate its presence.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Alcohol abuse is a significant global health issue.
- Alcohol's neurotoxic effects can impact various organ systems.
- Autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction is a known complication of chronic alcoholism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess autonomic nervous system integrity in alcoholic subjects.
- To identify the prevalence and characteristics of autonomic neuropathy in alcoholism.
- To explore the relationship between autonomic neuropathy and clinical factors in alcoholics.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated 30 alcoholic subjects and 30 age-sex matched controls.
- Utilized five cardiovascular response tests to assess ANS function.
- Analyzed data for parasympathetic and sympathetic neuropathy.
Main Results:
- Autonomic neuropathy detected in 36% of alcoholic subjects (16% parasympathetic, 20% combined).
- No autonomic abnormalities were found in control subjects.
- Alcoholic subjects with neuropathy were older, more likely female, and had alcoholic liver disease.
Conclusions:
- Alcoholism frequently leads to significant autonomic neuropathy.
- Clinical symptoms are unreliable indicators of autonomic neuropathy in alcoholics.
- Older females with alcoholic liver disease are at higher risk for autonomic neuropathy.