SERUM MAGNESIUM IN DELIRIUM TREMENS AND ALCOHOLIC HALLUCINOSIS1

Abstract

Serum Mg was studied in 30 patients with delirium tremens, 20 patients with alcoholic hallucinosis, and 18 controls. Group values were significantly low in alcoholic hallucinosis and still lower in delirium tremens. Individual values had a narrow distribution in the controls and a significantly wider distribution in alcoholic hallucinosis and delirium tremens. Seven of the delirium tremens patients were studied during convalescence; the value of serum Mg increased in each without the use of Mg in the therapy. These findings are discussed in relationship to the literature on Mg in alcoholic withdrawal states and to the role of Mg in physiological processes.