Baclofen to prevent agitation in alcohol-addicted patients in the ICU: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Alcohol is the leading psychoactive substance consumed in France, with about 15 million regular consumers. The National institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) considers alcohol abuse to be more than 14 units of alcohol a week for men and 7 units for women. The specific complication of alcoholism is the alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Its incidence reaches up to 30 % and its main complications are delirium tremens, restlessness, extended hospital stay, higher morbidity, and psychiatric and cognitive impairment. Without appropriate treatment, delirium tremens can lead to death in up to 50 % of patients.

Methods/design

This prospective, double-blind, randomised controlled study versus placebo will be conducted in twelve French intensive care units (ICU). Pati

SUBMITTER: Vourc'h M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4992221 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature