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PubMed · 9598848

Delirium tremens.

W E Erwin·D B Williams·W A Speir
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Abstract

BACKGROUND: The hyperadrenergic syndrome, delirium tremens, as contrasted with tile milder alcohol withdrawal syndromes, is a medical emergency. The clinical features of delirium tremens were carefully described almost 200 years ago. Since then, many therapies have been suggested as superior to preceding therapeutic approaches. Unfortunately, morbidity and mortality remain relatively unchanged for the last 100 years. METHODS: Using a literature review, we review the history of delirium tremens, including the suggested therapeutic approaches. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: We recommend a rational approach to management and therapy, based on present knowledge.

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Alcohol Withdrawal DeliriumAnti-Anxiety AgentsBenzodiazepinesCombined Modality TherapyDrug Therapy, CombinationEmergenciesHumansJournal ArticleReview

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BibTeXRIS

W E Erwin, D B Williams, W A Speir. 1998. Delirium tremens.. https://doi.org/10.1097/00007611-199805000-00003

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Use of alcoholic beverages in VA medical centers.

BACKGROUND: Benzodiazepines are the first-line choice for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. However, several hospitals continue to provide alcoholic beverages through their formulary for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal. While there are data on the prevalence of this practice in academic medical centers, there are no data on the availability of alcoholic beverages at the formularies of the hospitals operated by the department of Veteran's Affairs. METHODS: In this study, we surveyed the Pharmacy managers at 112 Veterans' Affairs Medical Centers (VAMCs) to ascertain the availability of alcohol on the VAMC formularies, and presence or lack of a policy on the use of alcoholic beverages in their VA Medical Center. RESULTS: Of the pharmacy directors contacted, 81 responded. 8 did not allow their use, while 20 allowed their use. There was a lack of a consistent policy across the VA medical centers on availability and use of alcoholic beverages for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. CONCLUSION: There is lack of uniform policy on the availability of alcoholic beverages across the VAMCs, which may create potential problems with difference in the standards of care.

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