Early Initiation of Benzodiazepines and its Effect on Patients Suffering from Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome in an ICU

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to discuss the initiation of benzodiazepine therapy in ICU patients at risk for alcohol withdrawal, and its effect on patients’ outcomes and lengths of stay. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Alcohol withdrawal can occur when alcohol use has been heavy and prolonged and is then stopped or greatly reduced. It can occur within seven hours to four or five days later. Symptoms include sweating, rapid heartbeat, hand tremors, problems sleeping, nausea and vomiting, hallucinations, restlessness and agitation, anxiety, and occasionally seizures” (Mayo Clinic). Delirium, as well as all alcohol withdrawal symptoms, can have gravely deleterious effects on patient outcomes, giving rise to further complications and increasing length of stay. Findings were based on evidence based practice. The articles found that symptom based dosing resulted in a decreased length of stay in comparison to fixed dosing (Symptom Trigger Protocol).