Delirium tremens: its aetiology, natural history and treatment

Delirium tremens represents the most severe end of the spectrum of alcohol withdrawal syndromes and has a substantial mortality if not adequately trea ted. Concomitant sepsis, fluid and electrolyte disturbances and recent trau ma or surgery are significant risk factors for its development. Genetic fac tors predisposing to its development have been identified recently and incl ude cholecystokinin gene and mu opioid receptor mutations, Effective treatm ent is based on early recognition and effective sedation with benzodiazepin es, together with attention to concomitant illnesses, Curr Opin Psychiatry 13-629-633. (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.