[Beta-blockers in the complex treatment of alcoholic delirium]

Seventy-two patients with acute alcoholic delirium were examined cliniconeurophysiologically. The Athena scale, neurovegetative indices as well as those of adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine, and DOPA excretion were used for delirium gravity estimation. Proceeding from these data an attempt was made to use the beta-blocking agent obsidan for combined delirium treatment. The data obtained allow using the pathogenetic drugs for differentiated search of delirium treatment. Application of obsidan, an agent blocking hyperactivity of central adrenergic mechanisms in abortive and typical delirium promoted the removal of affective disorders, normalized hemodynamics and prevented early exhaustion of adrenergic mechanisms. Thus, obsidan produces favorable therapeutic effects when used in a complex of measures for alcoholic delirium treatment.