J Korean Neurol Assoc.
1996 Jun;14(2):543-547.
Analysis of Risk Factors Related to Delirium Tremens in Alcohol withdrawal Seizure Patients
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Neurology, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine.
Abstract
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BACKGROUD: It is generally acknowledged that a close relationship exists between chronic alcohol abuse and the occurrence of alcohol withdrawal seizure(AWS). About one third of AWS patients have been reported to be followed by delirium tremens (DT).
OBJECTIVES
We assessed the factors that have influence on the development of DT in AWS patients.
METHODS
We investigated clinical features and laboratory findings of 39 AWS patients who were admitted. The following factors were analyzed ; duration of alcohol intake, interval from last drinking to onset of AWS, interval from AWS to treatment, number of seizure, fever, laboratory findings (Mg, K, Na, Ca, P, respiratory alkalosis). RESULT: Fourteen patients developed DT(35.8%). There was fever in 36% of AWS patients with DT(5/14) and in 8% of AWS patients without DT(2/25). Number of seizure (p<.05) and interval from AWS to treatment(p<.01) showed statistically significant difference. But other factors were insignificant statistically.
CONCLUSION
Our study suggests that number of seizure and interval from AWS to treatment seem to be significantly related to the development of DT in AWS patients.
