Czynniki ryzyka majaczenia alkoholowego u osób leczonych stacjonarnie w Polsce z powodu uzależnienia od alkoholu

Abstract Introduction Delirium tremens (DT) is a life-threatening complication that occurs in 5–33% of patients treated for alcohol withdrawal syndrome. The aim of the present study was to analyse the risk factors for delirium tremens among patients treated for alcohol dependence. Methods Medical data of 1027 patients hospitalised in Alcohol Detoxification and Rehabilitation Units of Nowowiejski Hospital in Warsaw were analysed. The relationships between variables that are thought to be related to the prevalence of delirium tremens in this population were evaluated. The relevant psycho-social and demographic data as well as information on alcohol use and treatment history were included. Results 262 patients (25.5%) confirmed delirium tremens in the past. Among the variables included in the logistic regression model, previous episodes of consciousness loss, suicide attempts and episodes of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, as well as harmful use of other psychoactive substances, proved to be significant risk factors for delirium tremens. Discussion The higher prevalence of DT among patients with previous suicide attempts confirms the relationship between the severity of alcohol dependence and suicide attempts and DT. Additionally, higher risk of DT in patients with previous episodes of consciousness loss can be explained by an increased number of head injuries in individuals with severe addiction. Presumably, the higher prevalence of DT among patients with previous episodes of alcohol withdrawal syndrome and other substance abuse can be attributed to the kindling model. Conclusions Previous episodes of alcohol withdrawal syndrome are the risk factors of delirium tremens attributable to the severity of alcohol dependence. In our opinion, the other risk factors, such as loss of consciousness, suicide attempts in the past and harmful use of other psychoactive substances, are nonspecific to alcohol dependence.