CDT and homocysteine as predictors for alcohol withdrawal seizures

Alcohol withdrawal seizures are one of the most important complications associated with withdrawal in alcohol dependend patients. Anticonvulsive medication declines significantly the risk for seizures but side effects are reported frequently. Current studies showed an association between elevated homocysteine levels and the individual risk for alcohol withdrawal seizures. CDT (carbohydrate deficient transferrin) was also associated with the occurrence of seizures. The purpose of the present study was to determine both factors in a population of alcohol dependent patients regarding the prediction of the individual risk for alcohol withdrawal seizures. 190 alcohol dependent patients were included at the beginning of alcohol withdrawal therapy. Because adequate treatment has reduced the appearance of alcohol withdrawal seizures significantly, the individual seizure risk was assessed by the occurrence of seizures in the medical history. Homocysteine and CDT were determined at the beginning of the withdrawal treatment. Logistic regression analysis showed significant results and relevant predictive qualities for both, homocysteine and CDT. For both parameters we found a significant association with the individual risk for alcohol withdrawal seizures. In the future it may be possible to develop an individual assessment including CDT, homocysteine and other factors to assess the individual risk for the occurrence of seizures during alcohol withdrawal.