Delirium in the hospital, a narrative review

Abstract

Delirium is a common complication in hospitalized patients, particularly the elderly and those with cognitive impairment. It has been associated with higher mortality, prolonged hospitalization, cognitive impairment, higher rates of institutionalization at discharge and higher costs for healthcare systems. Its pathophysiology is poorly understood, and more recently a predominantly inflammatory origin has been proposed, which could explain its pervasiveness and association with underlying conditions. Clinically, it is characterized by acute onset with fluctuating course, inattention, disorganized thinking and altered level of consciousness. Diagnostic approach is based on the systematic search for triggering factors as well as the manifestations of the syndrome. Symptomatic treatment is based neuroleptics as first line treatment, and lorazepam when the former cannot be used or there are special indications. There is evidence that the condition can be prevented by resorting to multi-component strategies

A Study of Old Age Delirium and Quality of Life of Family Caregivers

“…In oncology patients, delirium severity was negatively associated with patient delirium recall and was non-significantly associated with delirium-related patient distress P = 0.09) [19][20][21]. A study reported 105 ICU patients, there was a significant positive correlation between less severe delirium (measured by Neelson and Champagne, NEECHAM, confusion scale) and higher Short Form-20 (SF-20) scores using univariable analyses in physical function (r = 0.35), role function (r = 0.31) and health perception (r = 0.25) at 3 months, and with physical function (r = 0.27), role function (r = 0.34), social function (r = 0.30) and mental health (r = 0.28) at 6 months [22,23].…”