Refractory delirium tremens treated with propofol: a case series.

Abstract

Delirium tremens, the most serious manifestation of alcohol withdrawal, occurs in approximately 5% of hospitalized alcoholics and has a mortality rate approaching 15%. Patients with delirium tremens are usually treated in an intensive care unit in which benzodiazepines form the cornerstone of therapy. In this report, we describe four patients who proved refractory to high doses of benzodiazepines and were successfully treated with a propofol infusion.