Recognition and management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
Since alcoholism is not only widespread but often cryptic, the index of suspicion for the withdrawal syndrome in an unfamiliar patient should be high, particularly since failure to diagnose it is common and can eventuate fatally. Yet the signs and symptoms are consistent. A staged approach to the diagnosis is outlined and principles are given for the use of sedation and other therapeutic measures.
D000430:Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium / Q000175:diagnosis; D000437:Alcoholism; D000472:Alkalosis, Respiratory / Q000150:complications; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000378:metabolism; D000431:Ethanol / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008274:Magnesium / Q000097:blood; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy
D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D000431:Ethanol; D008274:Magnesium