Risk Factors for Delirium Tremens
Delirium tremens (DTs) is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that is associated with certain risk factors. These risk factors include abnormal liver function, a history of delirium tremens and withdrawal seizures, and heavy alcohol consumption for an extended period of time.
In particular, individuals who have been consuming alcohol heavily for over 10 years are more likely to experience delirium tremens. For men, heavy drinking is defined as consuming 15 or more drinks per week, while for women, it is defined as consuming 8 or more drinks per week. It is important to note that one drink is equivalent to 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirit.
Co-occurring medical illnesses also increase the risk of developing delirium tremens. Additionally, advancing age is strongly associated with experiencing these severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome Mortality
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome can have serious consequences, including a potentially fatal condition called delirium tremens (DTs). Studies show that approximately three to five percent of individuals hospitalized with alcohol withdrawal syndrome develop DTs. If left untreated, DTs can result in death for up to 37% of these patients. However, with early intervention, the mortality rate can be reduced to less than 5%.
There are several common causes of mortality associated with DTs. These include cardiac arrhythmias and other heart complications, infections, and respiratory collapse. Additionally, individuals with pancreatitis, older age, and other underlying medical issues are at an increased risk of fatality.