Which electrolyte abnormality can be seen in delirium tremens?

Which electrolyte abnormality can be seen in delirium tremens?

• A. Hypernatremia
• B. Hyponatremia
• C. Hypokalemia
• D. Hypermagnesemia

Answer: (B)

Delirium tremens reflects alcohol withdrawal with autonomic hyperactivity and several metabolic derangements from poor intake, dehydration, and neuroendocrine changes. Hyponatremia is commonly seen because withdrawal can trigger an increase in ADH, leading to water retention and dilution of serum sodium, and patients often have limited solute intake and episodes of vomiting or diuresis that further dilute or deplete sodium. This drop in serum sodium can compound confusion and raise seizure risk, which fits the clinical picture of severe withdrawal. Hypernatremia would be more about pure dehydration and free-water loss, which is less characteristic here. Potassium or magnesium disturbances can occur in alcohol-related illness, but they are not as specifically tied to delirium tremens as hyponatremia is.

Delirium tremens reflects alcohol withdrawal with autonomic hyperactivity and several metabolic derangements from poor intake, dehydration, and neuroendocrine changes. Hyponatremia is commonly seen because withdrawal can trigger an increase in ADH, leading to water retention and dilution of serum sodium, and patients often have limited solute intake and episodes of vomiting or diuresis that further dilute or deplete sodium. This drop in serum sodium can compound confusion and raise seizure risk, which fits the clinical picture of severe withdrawal. Hypernatremia would be more about pure dehydration and free-water loss, which is less characteristic here. Potassium or magnesium disturbances can occur in alcohol-related illness, but they are not as specifically tied to delirium tremens as hyponatremia is.