Vasopressin Concentrations during Alcohol Withdrawal

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Abstract
Summary: Blood samples were obtained from 44 alcoholics during withdrawal and analysed for plasma vasopressin, osmolality and ethanol. Control samples were obtained from 23 normal subjects and 28 abstinent alcoholics. Urine samples were also collected and analysed for vasopressin, sodium, creatinine and osmolality. Alcoholics showing symptoms of withdrawal had elevated plasma and urine vasopressin concentrations compared to control subjects and withdrawing alcoholics without symptoms. No significant difference in plasma osmolality was evident. Raised plasma vasopressin concentrations during alcohol withdrawal may be due to dehydration, nausea or liver disease, or may be a direct consequence of alterations in central nervous system function associated with the alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Whether increased plasma vasopressin concentratons contribute to water retention and overhydration during alcohol withdrawal remains to be determined.