How is alcohol withdrawal syndrome best managed in the emergency department?

Alcohol abuse is a major cause of morbidity and mortality and subsequently presents a substantial burden on the NHS. Whether presentations are directly or indirectly linked, the emergency department (ED) holds a predominant role in dealing with this matter. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a common complication of alcohol misuse. Given its pathophysiology and manifestation of symptoms, early recognition and treatment is paramount in preventing a medical emergency. From a review of the associated literature, a standardised protocol for its management in ED is consequently advocated. This includes: Identification of those at risk via routine screening; Monitoring progression and severity using an alcohol withdrawal scale; Implementation of symptom-triggered therapy on the basis of objective evidence collected. Nonetheless, further studies are required to aid the choice of tools and ascertain the efficacy of such protocols within the ED department. Due to time constraints of this real-world setting, feasibility may be considered as important as reliability and validity if new practices are to be considered. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.