Citation

François C, Laramée P, Rahhali N, Chalem Y, Aballéa S, Millier A, Bineau S, Toumi M, Rehm J. Eur. Addict. Res. 2014; 20(6): 269-284.

Affiliation

Lundbeck SAS, Issy-les-Moulineaux, France.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Karger Publishers)

DOI

10.1159/000362408

PMID

25228120

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Alcohol consumption is one of the most important factors for disease and disability in Europe. In clinical trials, nalmefene has resulted in a significant reduction in the number of heavy-drinking days (HDDs) per month and total alcohol consumption (TAC) among alcohol-dependent patients versus placebo.

METHODS: A microsimulation model was developed to estimate alcohol-attributable diseases and injuries in patients with alcohol dependence and to explore the clinical relevance of reducing alcohol consumption.

RESULTS: For all diseases and injuries considered, the number of events (inpatient episodes) increased with the number of HDDs and TAC per year. The model predicted that a reduction of 20 HDDs per year would result in 941 fewer alcohol-attributable events per 100,000 patients, while a reduction in intake of 3,000 g/year of pure alcohol (ethanol) would result in 1,325 fewer events per 100,000 patients.

CONCLUSION: The potential gains of reducing consumption in alcohol-dependent patients were considerable. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Language: en