Effect of Baclofen to Prevent Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Background: Alcohol is the leading psychoactive substance consumed in France, with about 15 million regular consumers. The specific complication of alcoholism in the Intesive care is the alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Its incidence reaches up to 30% and its main complication is agitation. The Baclorea Randomized controlled Study showed that Baclofen significantly reduced the incidence of agitation in ICU but increased the length of stay in ICU. The BACLO-PTSD Study aims at assessing whether Baclofen administered during ICU stay to reduce the incidence of agitation could also reduce the incidence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in mean term compared to placebo Methods/Design: This prospective, randomized, controlled study versus placebo will be conducted in eighteen French intensive care units (ICU). Patients included in the BACLO-REA Trial will have to respond to standardized questionnaires to detect Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Primary outcome) and to assess quality of life (Secondary outcome). Discussion: Patients will be assessed blind to the randomization group. If patients in the Baclofen group present have a lower incidence of PTSD, the study will suggest that the increase in the length of ICU stay in the baclofen group could be beneficial to reduce the incidence of PTSD in patients with alcohol intake above de NIAAA recommendations.