Prolonged Delirium Tremens: A Case Report

Abstract

A BSTRACT Delirium tremens (DT) is one of the most severe presentations of alcohol withdrawal, seen in about 2% hospitalized alcohol dependence patients. It is potentially life-threatening unless managed promptly and effectively. It is known to have a mortality rate of 1–15%. Most cases of DT respond to management with standard doses of benzodiazepines. Prolonged DT is an uncommonly encountered medical entity that lasts beyond the expected 1–8 days of a normal DT duration and remains refractory to standard doses of benzodiazepines. Here, we present a case of protracted delirium tremens in which the DT lasted 31 days.