Clinical and epidemiological approach to delirium in an acute care unit: a cross-sectional study

Jorge Samitier, P. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Juárez-Vela, R. ; Santolalla-Arnedo, I. ; Cobos-Rincón, A. ; Santos-Sánchez, J. Á. ; Gea-Caballero, V. ; Satústegui Dorda, P. J. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Anguas Gracia, A. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Tejada-Garrido, C. I. ; Urcola Pardo, F. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Fernández Rodrigo, M. T. (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: During hospital admissions, the union of various factors, those related to acute pathology, dependency conditions, cognitive impairment, change of habitual environment, and others, can cause delirium. Acute delirium in the elderly (ADE) occurs in around a third of patients over 70 years of age. The syndrome generates serious complications that increase hospital morbidity and mortality and a high cost for the health administration. This study aimed to determine the clinical and epidemiological profile of ADE in an internal medicine unit. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out using a convenience test. A total of 356 patients participated between September and November 2021. Sociodemographic variables, predisposing and precipitating factors of ADE, methods of action against ADE, and the impact on functional and cognitive deterioration were analyzed. A total of 35.1% of the patients developed ADE, mostly of the hyperactive type and of nocturnal appearance. ADE was mainly treated with psychoactive drugs and 22% required mechanical restraint, with non-pharmacological preventive strategies, support, and caregiver training being the main tools for controlling ADE during hospital admission.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159406

Año: 2022

Publicado en: International journal of environmental research and public health 19, 15 (2022), 9406 [11 pp.]
ISSN: 1661-7827

Factor impacto CITESCORE: 5.4 - Medicine (Q2) - Environmental Science (Q2)

Factor impacto SCIMAGO: 0.828 - Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis (Q2) - Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health (Q2) - Pollution (Q2)

Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)

Área (Departamento): Área Enfermería (Dpto. Fisiatría y Enfermería)