Elevated prolactin serum levels and history of alcohol withdrawal seizures.

BACKGROUND

Prolactin has been discussed to be useful for differential diagnosis in epilepsia. Aim of the present study was to investigate the association between prolactin serum levels and previous alcohol withdrawal seizures.

METHODS

We assessed 118 male patients admitted for detoxification treatment. Previous withdrawal seizures were recorded and prolactin serum levels were measured using an enzymatic immunoassay.

RESULTS

Patients with a history of alcohol withdrawal seizures had significantly higher prolactin levels (17.8 ng/ml, SD=12.1) than patients without previous seizures (13.0 ng/ml, SD=8.1, p<0.05). Logistic regression revealed significant predictive qualities for prolactin serum levels (B=0.05, Wald=5.30, p=0.021, OR=1.06, 95%CI=1.01-1.11).

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings show an association between elevated prolactin serum levels and a history of withdrawal seizures. Hence, the results suggest that prolactin elevation at admission may be a clinical marker for an increased risk of withdrawal seizures.