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Delirium tremens laboratory findings

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Vishnu Vardhan Serla M.B.B.S. [2] Zehra Malik, M.B.B.S [3]

Overview

Overview

Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of delirium tremens include hypoglycemia, hypomagnesemia, hypophosphatemia, and severe dehydration.

Laboratory Findings

Laboratory Findings

Electrolyte and Biomarker Studies

Complete blood count, differential count
Drug screening
Blood lactate levels
Osmolal gap
Serum levels of following electrolytes^[1]
- Bicarbonate – decrease
- Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) – may increase
- Chloride – may remain unchanged
- Creatine phosphokinase – Some patients develop rhabdomyolysis
- Creatinine – may increase
- Ketones
- Lipase –
- Liver function tests – abnormal
- Magnesium – decrease
- Potassium – decreased
- Sodium – decreased
CSF examination – ruling out infections of the brain

References

References

↑ Blay SL, Ferraz MP, Calil HM, Novo NF (1981). “[Plasma electrolyte changes in chronic alcoholic patients with and without delirium tremens]”. Acta Psiquiatr Psicol Am Lat (in Portuguese). 27 (4–5): 311–4. PMID 7348088.

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