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How can we detect sick elderly excessive drinkers?
Author(s) -
Naik P. C.,
Jones R. G.,
Lilley J.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
international journal of geriatric psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.28
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1166
pISSN - 0885-6230
DOI - 10.1002/gps.930101212
Subject(s) - alcohol , alcohol intake , medicine , medical history , family history , biology , biochemistry
The sensitivities and specificities of alcohol history, alcohol history with a specific additional question, ‘Do you drink spirits in your tea or coffee, or both’, alcohol questionnaires (SMAST and CAGE) and laboratory investigations (γGT and MCV) as indicators of excessive alcohol intake among elderly (≥ 65 years) acute medical admissions were studied and compared. Alcohol history with the specific additional question was the most sensitive indicator. Initial alcohol history had a sensitivity of 50%. Both alcohol questionnaires had a sensitivity of 0% and it is recommended that new questionnaires specifically for use in the elderly should be developed and validated. γGT was 50% sensitive with a specificity of 80%. MCV had a sensitivity of 17%. Both MCV and γGT should be used with caution as indicators in this age group. A simple alcohol history with the additional specific question is at present the best indicator of excessive alcohol intake.