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Related Experiment Videos

Delirium tremens: a review

R E Griffin1, G A Gross, H S Teitelbaum

  • 1Michigan State University, Department of Community Health Sciences, East Lansing 48824-1316.

The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association
|September 1, 1993
PubMed
Summary

Delirium tremens mortality is not 15-20% as previously thought. Review shows true mortality is near 0%, likely due to benzodiazepine use in alcohol withdrawal treatment.

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Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Addiction Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Delirium tremens (DT) historically linked to chronic alcohol abuse.
  • Previous literature cited high mortality rates (15-20%) for DT.
  • Recent clinical experience suggests a lower mortality rate.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current mortality rate of delirium tremens.
  • To investigate factors contributing to changes in DT mortality.
  • To evaluate the role of benzodiazepines in DT management.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of delirium tremens cases and outcomes.
  • Analysis of mortality trends over the past 20 years.
  • Postulation of the mechanism of action for benzodiazepines in DT.

Main Results:

  • The actual mortality rate for delirium tremens is significantly lower than previously reported, approaching 0%.
  • Fatal cases of DT are extremely rare in recent clinical practice.
  • Benzodiazepine administration during alcohol detoxification is increasingly common.

Conclusions:

  • The declining mortality of delirium tremens is strongly associated with the widespread use of benzodiazepines.
  • Benzodiazepines may prevent DT or mitigate central nervous system disruption from alcohol withdrawal.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms of benzodiazepines in preventing and treating DT.

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