Management of Alcohol Withdrawal in the Emergency Department: Current Perspectives.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review without systematic methodology or original human empirical data.
PubMed 32256131 · doi:10.2147/OAEM.S235288
What was done
This narrative review synthesized current literature on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, time course, and emergency department management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome and alcohol use disorder. It reviewed symptom-triggered benzodiazepine protocols, alternative regimens using barbiturates or novel anticonvulsants, and disposition planning strategies.
What was found
The abstract reports no primary data, sample sizes, or quantitative outcome measures. It describes standard symptom-triggered benzodiazepine administration and discusses clinical situations where short courses of barbiturates or anticonvulsants may be considered.
Why it matters
It provides an overview of emergency department protocols for managing acute alcohol withdrawal and establishing care pathways for underlying alcohol use disorder.
Limits
As a narrative review, it lacks systematic search methodology, structured study selection, and quantitative meta-analysis. The abstract provides no comparative efficacy or safety data between regimens.
Cited by
- supports Withdrawal from alcohol and benzodiazepines can be life-threatening.