Delirium tremens overview: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
Delirium tremens is an acute episode of [[delirium]] that is usually caused by [[withdrawal]] or [[abstinence]] | '''Delirium tremens''' (colloquially, the '''DTs''', "'''the horrors'''", "'''the shakes'''" or "'''rum fits'''"; afflicted individuals referred to as "'''jitterbugs'''" in 1930s [[Harlem]] slang; literally, "'''shaking delirium'''" or "'''trembling madness'''" in [[Latin]]) is an acute episode of [[delirium]] that is usually caused by [[withdrawal]] or [[abstinence]] from [[alcoholic beverage|alcohol]] following [[alcoholism|habitual excessive drinking]], or [[benzodiazepines]] or [[barbiturates]] (and other minor tranquilizers).<ref>{{cite journal | journal = Med J Aust | year = 1972 | month = Aug | date = 19 | volume = 2 | issue = 8 | pages = 450 | title = Delirium tremens following withdrawal of nitrazepam | author = Darcy L | pmid = 5086307 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | journal = Ann Fr Anesth Reanim | year = 1984 | volume = 3 | issue = 5 | pages = 383-4 | title = [Physical dependence on benzodiazepines in traumatology] | author = Berezak A | coauthors = Weber M, Hansmann J, Tulasne PA, Laporte B, Ould Ouali A | pmid = 6149713 }}</ref> When caused by alcohol, it occurs only in individuals with a history of constant, long-term alcohol consumption. Occurrence due to [[benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome|benzodiazepine]] or barbiturate withdrawal does not require as long a period of consistent intake of such drugs. Prior use of both tranquilizers and alcohol can compound the symptoms, and while extremely rare, is the most dangerous especially if untreated. Barbiturates are generally accepted as being extremely dangerous, both due to overdose potential and addiction potential including the extreme withdrawal syndrome that usually is marked by delirium tremens upon discontinuation. Due to this, barbiturates are rarely used anymore, being replaced by the generally accepted less dangerous benzodiazepines, which however still cause a similar withdrawal syndrome.{{fact|date=March 2008}} | ||
Five percent of acute ethanol withdrawal cases progress to delirium tremens.<ref>[http://www.emedicine.com eMedicine The Continually Updated Clinical Reference<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Unlike the withdrawal syndrome associated with [[opiate]] addiction (generally), delirium tremens (and alcohol withdrawal in general) can be fatal. Mortality can be up to 35% if untreated; if treated early, death rates range from 5-15%.<ref>[http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic524.htm eMedicine - Delirium Tremens : Article by Michael James Burns, MD, FACEP, FACP<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> | |||
==Epidemiology and Demographics== | ==Epidemiology and Demographics== | ||
Five percent of acute ethanol withdrawal cases progress to delirium tremens. Unlike the withdrawal syndrome associated with [[opiate addiction]] (generally), delirium tremens (and alcohol withdrawal in general) can be fatal. Mortality can be up to 35% if untreated; if treated early, death rates range from 5-15%. | Five percent of acute ethanol withdrawal cases progress to delirium tremens. Unlike the withdrawal syndrome associated with [[opiate addiction]] (generally), delirium tremens (and alcohol withdrawal in general) can be fatal. Mortality can be up to 35% if untreated; if treated early, death rates range from 5-15%. | ||
Revision as of 15:31, 28 February 2013
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Vishnu Vardhan Serla M.B.B.S. [2]
Overview
Delirium tremens (colloquially, the DTs, "the horrors", "the shakes" or "rum fits"; afflicted individuals referred to as "jitterbugs" in 1930s Harlem slang; literally, "shaking delirium" or "trembling madness" in Latin) is an acute episode of delirium that is usually caused by withdrawal or abstinence from alcohol following habitual excessive drinking, or benzodiazepines or barbiturates (and other minor tranquilizers).[1][2] When caused by alcohol, it occurs only in individuals with a history of constant, long-term alcohol consumption. Occurrence due to benzodiazepine or barbiturate withdrawal does not require as long a period of consistent intake of such drugs. Prior use of both tranquilizers and alcohol can compound the symptoms, and while extremely rare, is the most dangerous especially if untreated. Barbiturates are generally accepted as being extremely dangerous, both due to overdose potential and addiction potential including the extreme withdrawal syndrome that usually is marked by delirium tremens upon discontinuation. Due to this, barbiturates are rarely used anymore, being replaced by the generally accepted less dangerous benzodiazepines, which however still cause a similar withdrawal syndrome.[citation needed]
Five percent of acute ethanol withdrawal cases progress to delirium tremens.[3] Unlike the withdrawal syndrome associated with opiate addiction (generally), delirium tremens (and alcohol withdrawal in general) can be fatal. Mortality can be up to 35% if untreated; if treated early, death rates range from 5-15%.[4]
Epidemiology and Demographics
Five percent of acute ethanol withdrawal cases progress to delirium tremens. Unlike the withdrawal syndrome associated with opiate addiction (generally), delirium tremens (and alcohol withdrawal in general) can be fatal. Mortality can be up to 35% if untreated; if treated early, death rates range from 5-15%.
Screening
Screening tools include the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and the CAGE screening test.
Diagnosis
Electrocardiogram
To evaluate any electrolyte abnormalities causing electro physiological changes in the heart muscle.
CT
A CT scan of the head should be performed to evaluate any intracranial pathology.
Treatment
Primary Prevention
Avoid or reduce the use of alcohol. Get prompt medical treatment for symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
References
- ↑ Darcy L (19). "Delirium tremens following withdrawal of nitrazepam". Med J Aust. 2 (8): 450. PMID 5086307. Unknown parameter
|month=ignored (help); Check date values in:|date=, |year= / |date= mismatch(help) - ↑ Berezak A (1984). "[Physical dependence on benzodiazepines in traumatology]". Ann Fr Anesth Reanim. 3 (5): 383–4. PMID 6149713. Unknown parameter
|coauthors=ignored (help) - ↑ eMedicine The Continually Updated Clinical Reference
- ↑ eMedicine - Delirium Tremens : Article by Michael James Burns, MD, FACEP, FACP
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- Articles with unsourced statements from March 2008
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