J Korean Soc Emerg Med.  2002 Dec;13(4):424-427.

A Clinical Analysis of the Delirium Tremens

• Lee MG
• Yoo BD
• Lee DP

Abstract

PURPOSE: We performed this study to identify the clinical characteristics of delirium tremens in Korea.
METHODS
We reviewed the charts of patients suffering from delirium tremens who visited the Emergency Department of Keimyung University Hospital during the period of Jan. 2001 through Jun. 2002.
RESULTS
All patients were mail, and the number was 28. The age distribution was 40~49, and the most common duration of drinking (15 cases) was between 11 and 20 years. The abstinence period before development of Delirium Tremens was, in most cases, less than 4 days, and the average period of symptoms of Delirium Tremens was less than 6 days. Various abnormal laboratory finding were noted: increased bilirubin level in 50%, prolonged pro-thrombin time in 14.3%, increased amylase level in 19.9% and electrolyte imbalance in 25%.
CONCLUSION
During the study period, there was no mortalities. The author believes that sufficient vitamins and fluid supplement contributed to the results.

Keyword

Delirium tremens; Seizure

MeSH Terms

Age Distribution
Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium*
Amylases
Bilirubin
Delirium*
Drinking
Emergency Service, Hospital
Humans
Korea
Mortality
Postal Service
Seizures
Vitamins
Amylases
Bilirubin
Vitamins