K. Pasgreta

Prolonged Latency Saccades in Alcohol-dependent Patients

Aims The aim of this study was to assess the differences in saccadic latency (a measure of time delay experienced in eye movements) between alcohol-dependent and healthy controls. Materials and methods Participants Ninety-nine alcohol dependent patients were examined. Thirty-eight healthy controls were matched to the affected cohort according to demographic characteristics. Assessment In this study we used the Saccadometer Advanced System (Advanced Clinical Instrumentation, Cambridge, UK). The Saccadometer System allows quick and easy collection of saccadic responses within the shortest physiologically possible time (100 saccades in 5 min). The brevity of the testing routine minimizes any potential influence on the results due to fatigue in the test subjects. The eye movement measurements are automated and synchronised with stimuli presentation. This study analyzed saccadic latency and standard deviation of mean latency. Results There was higher saccadic latency and standard deviation of mean latency in alcohol-dependent individuals (224.43±56.24 msec) when compared to healthy controls (187.84±25.65 msec). A marked asymmetry of standard deviation of mean latency between right-sided and left-sided saccades was observed in the affected cohort. There was an increased standard deviation of right-sided saccades mean latency (69.96 msec) in alcohol-dependent individuals when compared to healthy controls (30.93 msec) and also an increased standard deviation of left-sided saccades mean latency (59.33 msec) when compared to healthy controls (33.09 msec). Conclusion It was found that alcohol dependence is associated with impaired (longer time delay) saccadic reaction.

1903 – Effect of a single dose of methadone on saccadic refixations in opioid addicted subjects with hiv (+) and hiv (-)

Introduction Eye movements are closely related to cognitive and emotional functions. Information of saccadic dynamics during certain tasks may indicate disorders of mental functions that can help to explain the neurobiology of sensory-motor systems and be useful in neuropsychiatric diagnosis. Aims/objectives This study aims to assess the impact of a therapeutic dose of methadone on eye movements (saccades) in opioid addicted subjects with HIV(+) and HIV(-). Methods Sixty patients (29 patients with HIV(-) and 31 of HIV(+)) from the substitution program were examined. The examination was conducted twice: before and 1,5 hours after the administration of a therapeutic dose of methadone. Performed Latency Test (LT) with saccadometr diagnostic system. Results Mean duration of latency measured by LT Test after the administration of a therapeutic dose of methadone increases significantly in HIV(-) subjects but the mean peak velocity decrease in the study group. Mean peak velocity latency in HIV(+) subjects is not statistically significant. Mean duration and amplitude of latency after the administration of a therapeutic dose of methadone is a statistically significant in opioid addicted subjects with HIV(+). It was found that the mean peak velocity before the administration of a therapeutic dose of methadone was statistically significantly different in HIV(-) subjects as compared to HIV(+) ones. Conclusion The increase of saccadic refixation parameters values in opioid-addicted subjects after the administration of a therapeutic dose of methadone was observed.

P-114 - Characteristics of the onset of opioid dependence influence the process of dependence

Introduction and objectives In alcohol dependence are distinguished two types of course of illness in relation to age of onset of dependence. Aims An assessment of differences between opiate addicts with early and late age of onset of dependence. Methods 242 opiate dependent patients, treated with methadone, were asked about: length of dependence, dosage of methadone, HIV infection, effects of methadone on interviewed subjects and the age of onset of opiate dependence. Results In our sample 140 (58%) subjects developed opiate dependence below the age of 19, and 102 (42%) subjects developed dependence above the age of 18. Comparison of the patients with the onset of opiate dependence above the age of 18 with the patients with the onset of opiate dependence blow the age of 19 revealed that in the group with younger age of onset of opiate dependence there were statistically significant more women (40 vs. 23%), the patients were younger (35 vs. 38 years old), had longer time of dependence (19 vs. 16 years), had shorter time of well-being after taking a dose of methadone (12 vs. 15 hours). Conclusion Our research may suggest, in accordance with findings in alcohol dependence that subjects with early age of onset of opiate dependence differ in the course of dependence with the patients with late age of onset of opiate dependence.