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

Korean J Hepatol > Volume 6(4); 2000 > Article

The Korean Journal of Hepatology 2000;6(4): 441-447.

원저 / 알코올성 간질환 환자에서 알코올 금단증후 발생의 예측인자에 대한 연구 ( Clinical Predictors of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome in Patients with Alcoholic Liver Disease )

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

Won Choong Choi,Dae Sik Choi

Department of Internal medicine, Inj e University Sanggye Paik Hospital, Seoul, Korea

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.

KeyWords: Alcoholic liver disease, Alcohol withdrawal syndrome, Predictor s