Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome in Trauma Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study

Alcohol use is prevalent in trauma patients, with nearly 50% of admitted trauma patients having a positive blood alcohol concentration (BAC) upon admission [1,2]. This is generally considered to be any concentration greater than 0 mg/dl. One consideration when caring for patients who misuse alcohol is the risk of alcohol withdrawal. The alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is due to the rapid removal of the depressant effects of alcohol on the central nervous system. AWS occurs when a patient who is physiologically dependent on alcohol ceases or severely reduces alcohol consumption [3-5]. Because the prevalence of alcohol use disorders in trauma patients is high, it is conceivable that their risk for AWS is also high and could complicate their hospitalization for injury. However, the incidence of AWS among trauma patients has not been previously prospectively evaluated.