Prevalence and correlates of delirium tremens in male alcoholics

BACKGROUND: Alcohol withdrawal syndrome occurs in patients who have decreased or discontinued taking alcohol most patients who undergo withdrawal experience mild to moderate symptoms including nausea vomiting agitation however delirium tremens occurs in very few individuals and is associated with significant mortality and morbidity AIM: To assess Prevalence end correlate of delirium tremens in male Alcoholics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All adult patients admitted above the age of 18 years Who did not have early manifestation of DT at zero time they were at risk for alcohol withdrawal syndrome at zero time and they were admitted primarily for detoxification from alcohol. the patients who were already in delirium or had very low chances of going into delirium were excluded. They were assessed with a self made Socio demographic proforma,Severity of alcohol dependence questionnaire, clinical institute withdrawal assessment of alcohol scale revised. RESULTS: 30 % males with alcohol dependence went into delirium tremens. Net income ,education ,years since consuming, amount and type of alcohol had an impact on prevalence of delirium tremens. CONCLUSION: Chances of delirium tremens increases with factors like age , net income, employment and also time since consuming , type and amount of alcohol.