Clinical Predictors of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome in Patients with Alcoholic Liver Disease

Choi, Dae Sik; Choi, Won Choong

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Although alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is often developed in the patients with alcoholic liver disease, the studies about which clinical factors are associated with the development of AWS have been rarely studied. The aim of this study was to reveal clinical factors indicating a higher risk for the development of AWS at admission.
METHODS
The retrospective case-controlled study was conducted among patients with alcoholic liver disease. The cases were divided into two groups according to whether AWS was developed or not. We compared their past medical history, physical examination and laboratory data at admission.
RESULTS
AWS was significantly developed in patients who had experienced AWS in the past, increased serum chloride concentration at admission.
CONCLUSIONS
It is possible to predict the patients who are more likely develop to AWS by means of past medical history and a serum biochemical test at admission. We suggest more intensive therapy will be required to prevent the development of AWS in these patients. These results are preliminary and need further prospective development and validation, particularly regarding the variety of variables.