title: [Multidimensional alcohol craving scale and [123I] iodobenzamide SPECT as predictors of early relapse in alcohol-dependent patients].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Multidimensional Alcohol Craving Scale (MACS) and Single Photon Emission Computerized Tomography (SPECT) with (123)I-iodobenzamide ((123)I-IBZM) can be useful tools for assessing relapse risk in early recovery from alcohol-dependency. The aim of this study was to assess possible relationships between MACS score, (123)I-IBZM binding and time to first heavy drinking day (TFHD) after detoxification treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nineteen alcohol-dependent in-patients were evaluated by MACS scale and an 123I-IBZM-SPECT, performed following alcohol detoxification treatment. At discharge, participants were advised to take naltrexone 50 mg/day for relapse prevention. TFHD was assessed over a 12-week follow up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The MACS score at the beginning of the detoxification process and naltrexone treatment after detoxification were independent predictive factors for TFHD.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The MACS scale is a better predictor of TFHD than IBZM binding. It is simple, non-invasive and inexpensive and appears to be a useful instrument both for clinical practice and for research.
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Conductas Adictivas, Servicio de Psiquiatría. jguardia@santpau.cat
authors.forename: Josep
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Guardia-Serecigni
authors.forename: Montserrat
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Estorch
authors.forename: Sergey
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Surkov
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: del Valle Camacho
authors.forename: Guillermo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: García-Ribas
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007462:Iodobenzenes; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012008:Recurrence; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors; D015899:Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon
chemical_list: D007462:Iodobenzenes; C426805:idobenzamide