The significance of the serum levels of vitamin B-1 and magnesium in delirium tremens and alcoholism

Abstract

The relation between serum levels of vitamin B-1 and magnesium at admission, and the clinical state was studied in hospitalized patients with either alcoholism or delirium tremens. Vitamin B-1 was deficient in the delirium group, magnesium in both groups. There was no correlation between vitamin B-1 and magnesium levels. Patients with an unfavorable outcome at discharge had lower vitamine B-1 levels and a higher age than patients with a favorable outcome in either group. The magnesium deficiency is discussed for longstanding malnutrition in both groups, the vitamin B-1 deficiency for an unusual high intake of alcohol before delirium tremens started.