Kahn et al identified factors predictive of mortality for a patient diagnosed with delirium tremens. These can help to identify a patient who may benefit from more aggressive management. The authors are from Wayne State University.
Patient selection: delirium tremens (DTs)
Outcome: mortality with DT as the most likely cause (based on severe physiologic abnormalities)
Predictors of mortality in a conditional logistic regression analysis:
(1) use of restraints (odds ratio 5.8)
(2) hyperthermia within the first 24 hours after the diagnosis of DTs made (odds ratio 6.1)
where:
• Hyperthermia was defined as any measurement >= 100.4°F.
• Persistent tachycardia was a risk factors on univariate analysis.
It is necessary to exclude other reasons for mortality such as acute liver failure, sepsis, etc.
The authors found reduced mortality with use of clonidine (an alpha-2 receptor agonist) on the univariate analysis.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
