Prevalence, risk factors and outcome of delirium in intensive care unit

Introduction: Delirium causes serious in-hospital morbidity. Aims: Prevalence, risk factors and outcome of delirium were studied in a medical ICU. Materials and Methods: This prospective study in the medical ICU identified delirium by CAM (Confusion Assessment Method). Comorbidities were assessed by Charlson Comorbidity Index. Socio-demographics, clinical parameters and outcome required a structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using chi- square test, Pearson correlation and independent sample t test. Results: Of 467 patients assessed, 101satisfied CAM diagnosis of delirium (prevalence-21.6%). Females predominated (51.5%); average age was 59.6 years. Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was the most common illness, diabetes mellitus (58.4%) followed by hypertension (17.8%) the most common co-morbidities. Leukocytosis, raised serum creatinine and abnormal EEG were observed. 77.2% had nasogastric feeding, 22.8% needed ventilator support.76.2% of patients were on some medication. Delirium was hyperactive in 78.2%, idiopathic in 38.6%. Hypoactive delirium, the least common, was associated with acute pulmonary oedema and sepsis (51.3%). (p=0.009). Delirium resolved completely in 80.2%. Mortality rate was 13.9%. 78.6% patients died within 72 hours (p=0.008); death was increased in those with respiratory findings (p=0.01) and ventilator (p