Analysis of Risk Factors Related to Delirium Tremens in Alcohol withdrawal Seizure Patients

J Korean Neurol Assoc > Volume 14(2); 1996 > Article

Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 1996;14(2): 543-547.

알코올 금단 발작 환자에서 진전 섬망 발생에 관여하는 위험인자의 분석

박천택, 양황익, 성기범, 신현길, 박헝국

순천향대학교 의과대학 신경과학교실

Analysis of Risk Factors Related to Delirium Tremens in Alcohol withdrawal Seizure Patients

Cheon Taek Park, M.D., Hwang Ik Yang, M.D., Ki Bum Sung, M.D., Hyun Gil Shin, M. D., Hyung Kook Park, M.D.

Department of Neurology, Shoonchunhyang University College of Medicine

Abstract

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<0.05) and interval from AWS to treatment(P<0.01) 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.