Biological markers to predict previous alcohol withdrawal seizures: a risk assessment.

Recent studies have shown that both, elevated homocysteine and prolactin plasma levels are associated with a higher risk of alcohol withdrawal seizures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive qualities of a combined assessment of homocysteine and prolactin for previous alcohol withdrawal seizures. Therefore, 117 male patients suffering from alcohol dependency were included into the study. Homocysteine was measured directly at admission, prolactin the morning following admission for detoxification treatment. Pearson's chi(2)-test showed significant results for the combined assessment of both parameters (chi(2) = 14.71, p = 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression also revealed significant predictive qualities (p = 0.001, OR = 9.23, 95%CI = 2.36-36.05). A combination of both, homocysteine and prolactin, may help to assess the individual risk of alcohol withdrawal seizures in clinical practice.