51 Korsakoff’s psychosis: is polypharmacy a concern?

Abstract

Objectives/Aims Case studies of all current Inpatients with Korsakoff’s Syndrome in a 114 bed Psychiatric Hospital. Methods Audit and review of 114 individuals residing in a long stay Psychiatric Hospital during 2018. Medical records and Pharmacy Data base were reviewed to identify co-morbidities and medication exposure. Results Thirteen individuals were identified with the formal diagnosis of Korsakoff’s syndrome. Five were female with and age range from 51 years to 84 years. Eight were male with an age range from 55 to 84 years. Conclusions Careful consideration must continue to minimize polypharmacy. KS patients have complex comorbid health conditions. Careful consideration of potential interactions, disabling side effects, potential adverse reactions and collaboration with a Pharmacist is invaluable. References Kopelman M.D., Thomson, A.D., Guerrini, I., Marshall, E.J. The Korsakoff Syndrome: Clinical Aspects, Psychology and Treatment. Alcohol & Alcoholism 2009;44(2):148–154. Johnson, J.M., and Fox, V. Beyond Thiamine: Treatment for Cognitive Impairment in Korsakoff’s Syndrome. Psychosomatics 2018;59(4):311–317.