 Discuss the symptoms and signs of alcohol withdrawal.  Discuss the management of alcohol withdrawal.

 70-yo M with unknown PMHx was brought into ED after being found down. Pt was found to have displaced hip fracture and was taken to OR for ORIF. Pt initially did well post-op, but 48 hrs after admission pt started having tachycardia, hypertension, fever, and agitation.  What are some differential diagnosis?

 Vital signs q4h, cardiac monitoring, pulse oximetry, fall/seizure/ aspiration precautions.  CIWA scores (components of CIWA: N/V, sweats, anxiety, agitation, tremor, HA, auditory/ visual/ tactile disturbances, orientation and clouding of sensorium).  “banana bag”: NS with 100mg thiamine, 1g folate, and multivitamin.  PRN IV Ativan 2mg for CIWA 10-15, 4mg for CIWA> 15.

 Electrolyte replacement: especially watch out for low K, low Mg, and low phos!

 Status epilepticus  Possible DTs, esp. persistent hyperthermia, hemodynamic instability  Severe electrolyte or acid/base disturbances  Severe withdrawal symptoms, requiring large amount of benzodiapezines.

 40-yo M with h/o alcohol abuse presented with palpitations, nausea/ vomiting, and tremors.  Pt drinks half a gallon of vodka daily and reports that his last drink was approximately 12 hours prior to admission. On further questioning, pt reports history of alcohol withdrawal seizures and has been admitted to OSH ICUs in the past for alcohol withdrawal.  In the ED, pt is tremulous, afebrile, has regular tachycardia, slightly hypertensive.

 Which protocol do you initiate to monitor and manage withdrawal symptoms?  Which electrolytes do you check?  What IVF and medications do you order?  When is the pt at greatest risk for alcohol withdrawal seizures? For DTs?  Under what circumstances would you call the ICU?

 Depending on the time of last drink, there are symptoms/ signs and possible complications to watch out for and manage.  Initiate CIWA protocol when patient was admitted with possibility of alcohol withdrawal, include IV fluid, vitamins, and prn lorazepam.  Don’t forget to check and replace electrolytes.

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