Clinical predictors of alcohol withdrawal delirium

Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 1994 Oct;18(5):1100-2. doi: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.1994.tb00087.x.

Abstract

Up to now, clinical predictors for the course of the alcohol withdrawal syndrome, especially for the occurrence of a delirium, are lacking. Thus, this study was undertaken to examine whether clinical routine investigations at admission before the withdrawal syndrome can reveal factors indicating a higher risk for the development of a delirium. Our results showed that decreased serum electrolyte concentrations (i.e., chloride and potassium), elevated ALT, and gamma-glutamyltransferase serum levels, as well as ataxia and polyneuropathy at the neurological examination, indicate a higher risk for the development of an alcohol withdrawal delirium.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium / blood
  • Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium / diagnosis*
  • Alcoholism / blood
  • Alcoholism / rehabilitation*
  • Electrolytes / blood
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver Diseases, Alcoholic / blood
  • Liver Diseases, Alcoholic / rehabilitation
  • Liver Function Tests
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurologic Examination
  • Patient Admission*
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Electrolytes