Can the alcohol withdrawal scale be applied to post-operative patients?

Kirk Underwood Douglas A Stupart Frederick Hamish Morgan Benjamin ScottRyan Moxham-SmithEileen Mary Moore N Deborah Friedman

Published in: ANZ journal of surgery (2021)

In the early post-operative period, the CIWA-Ar tool over-diagnoses AWS in 18% of patients. These false-positives could lead to delayed treatment of serious underlying conditions. We call for caution in the use of alcohol withdrawal scales in the acute hospital setting.

Keyphrases

end stage renal disease
ejection fraction
newly diagnosed
chronic kidney disease
healthcare
prognostic factors
peritoneal dialysis
emergency department
intensive care unit
liver failure
patient reported
replacement therapy