Self-reported alcohol use in the cystic fibrosis community

Abstract

Introduction: Excessive alcohol use (EAU), a harmful pattern of drinking that includes binge drinking and heavy use, occurs in 25% (binge) and 6% (heavy use) of the US population, respectively. Little is known about alcohol use in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF). The objective of this investigation is to examine alcohol consumption patterns in individuals with CF using a health survey administered from a social media platform. Methods: Individuals with CF, 18 years of age or older, were recruited for participation through social media and internet-based platforms. Results: 1135 individuals initially participated in the survey and 84% (n = 952) were eligible and completed the survey. Of the respondents, 77% (n = 729) currently consume alcohol, 18% (n = 171) formerly consumed alcohol, and 5% (n = 52) never consumed alcohol. Amongst the people with CF who currently consume alcohol, 54% (N = 391) met criteria for EAU. Thirty percent of current drinkers experienced symptoms of harmful alcohol use. Of those who met criteria for EAU, 7% wore oxygen, 6% had a lung transplant, 10% had liver disease and 32% had diabetes. Those with EAU reported more hospitalizations than those without EAU [244 (62%) vs 182 (54%), p = .034]. Characteristics associated with EAU after multivariable adjustment included younger age, unmarried status, male gender and younger age at initiation of drinking. Conclusion: EAU is occurring at a much higher proportion in individuals with CF. A substantial percentage of CF individuals with EAU also have medical co-morbidities. Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment for EAU in CF clinics is warranted.

Emerging clinical perspectives in cystic fibrosis liver disease

“…Of those who reported alcohol use, almost 50% were binge drinkers whereas a further 24% reported constant heavy alcohol intake. This is much higher than in the general population (binge pattern 25%, heavy alcohol use 6% P < 0.001) [23 ▪▪ ]. Although PWCF have the same risk factors for excessive alcohol use as the general population, a concern is the high level of comorbidities in PWCF who admitted excessive alcohol use, including advanced lung disease, CFLD and CFRD [23 ▪▪ ].…”

“…Until recently, there was limited evidence on the prevalence of harmful alcohol use in cystic fibrosis. In a study of 1000 cystic fibrosis participants, Lowery et al [23 ▪▪ ] reported that 77% of participants were current alcohol users. Of those who reported alcohol use, almost 50% were binge drinkers whereas a further 24% reported constant heavy alcohol intake.…”

The dilemma of initiating ELX/TEZ/IVA in a CF patient recovering from acute‐on‐chronic liver failure

“…In a survey of 952 adults with CF, 729 (77%) consumed alcohol at the time of the survey, and 171 (18%) (n = 171). 7 The patient denied alcoholic drinking over the past 5 months.…”

“…Excessive alcohol use is more frequent in CF patients despite major comorbidities (advanced lung disease, CFLD, or CF‐related diabetes). In a survey of 952 adults with CF, 729 (77%) consumed alcohol at the time of the survey, and 171 (18%) ( n = 171) 7 . The patient denied alcoholic drinking over the past 5 months.…”

Year in Review 2020: Multisystemic impact of cystic fibrosis

“…Heavy alcohol use is defined as 8 or more drinks per week (14 in men) and binge drinking is defined as 5 or more drinks on a day or 4 drinks in a 2‐h period (5 in males). Lowery and colleagues 17 sought to understand alcohol use in adults with CF. In an anonymous survey, 952 PwCF (>18 years), 77% of respondents use alcohol currently.…”