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Biomedical subjects

K L Henderson

Publications and source records attributed to K L Henderson.

3 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

Individualized treatment for outpatients withdrawing from alcohol.

BACKGROUND: This prospective study addressed the applicability of symptom-triggered detoxification to the outpatient setting. METHOD: We studied 108 alcohol-dependent patients consecutively enrolled in an outpatient detoxification program between January 17, 1995, and October 17, 1995. The diagnosis was confirmed by verifying, through chart review, that patients met DSM-IV criteria for alcohol dependence. Patients were prescribed chlordiazepoxide according to a symptom-triggered detoxification protocol that utilized a standardized withdrawal scale. We compiled outcome data by reviewing the chart and the computerized medical record. Outcome was operationally defined to include completion of outpatient detoxification as well as outcome measures that were used in earlier studies of symptom-triggered detoxification in the hospital setting. RESULTS: Chlordiazepoxide was administered to only 41 patients (38%), yet 92 (85%) of the 108 enrolled successfully completed outpatient detoxification without medical complications. The patients who took chlordiazepoxide received a mean+/-SD total of 167.2+/-123.5 mg administered over 2.7+/-1.4 days. Mean gamma-glutamyltransferase levels were higher for the group of patients who subsequently received chlordiazepoxide (132.8+/-312.1 IU/L compared with 56+/-80.3 IU/L; Wilcoxon rank sum test, t=2600.5, p < .01). CONCLUSION: This study is the first to support the feasibility of symptom-triggered detoxification from alcohol in an outpatient setting. Our completion rate compared favorably with completion rates from previous studies of outpatient detoxification from alcohol using fixed-dose schedules. The percentage of patients receiving chlordiazepoxide and mean total amount of chlordiazepoxide administered in our study were also comparable to results from previous studies of symptom-triggered detoxification with hospitalized patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Outcomes of patients in a VA ambulatory detoxification program.

OBJECTIVE: The study examined outcomes of patients enrolled in a Veterans Affairs ambulatory detoxification program. METHODS: Descriptive statistical data were collected by routine clerical processes at a VA medical center. Patients' outcomes were operationally defined to include completion of the detoxification program, dropout or discharge, or re-enrollment in the program; admission to inpatient detoxification; and referral to, entry into, and completion of substance abuse rehabilitation after detoxification. Outcomes were determined for 517 of the 577 patients consecutively referred to the program during nine months in 1995. Patients met established criteria for mild to moderate alcohol withdrawal syndrome. RESULTS: Of the 517 patients, 453 successfully completed outpatient detoxification. Twenty patients dropped out, 19 were discharged, 37 re-enrolled, and 25 were admitted for inpatient detoxification. Of the 453 patients who completed outpatient detoxification, 434 were referred for further treatment; 415 entered and 322 completed the next treatment phase. CONCLUSIONS: The completion rate for patients in the outpatient detoxification program and rates for continuing and completing further treatment were higher than in previous studies. Measures of poor short-term outcome (dropout, re-enrollment, and admission to inpatient detoxification) also compared favorably with previous studies. Unique factors contributing to outcomes included systematic screening, medical protocols for detoxification, psychosocial therapies, program-supported housing, and attention to patient satisfaction.

Adult↗