Estudio descriptivo del síndrome confusional agudo en Urgencias

Abstract

ObjectiveTo better understand the clinical, functional and analytical variables associated with delirium in emergencies and their evolution in order to obtain an improvement in the therapeutic approach of the elderly patient, thus preventing morbidity and mortality in this type of patient. DesignThis is a prospective descriptive study of acute confusional syndrome in the emergency department. SiteGeneral University Hospital of Ciudad Real. ParticipantsAll patients from the emergency department with a diagnosis of delirium were included in the 24-h interval following admission to the geriatric service. Main measurementsAn analysis of the variables of the data set (sociodemographic and clinical variables) was performed, calculating frequency tables for qualitative variables and descriptive statistics for quantitative variables. Subsequently, statistical inference techniques have been used. ResultsThe most frequent medical antecedent were neurological pathology and hypertension, followed by rheumatologic diseases. The main reasons for consultation were deterioration in general condition, dyspnea, decreased level of consciousness, and fever. Highlight the incidence of polypharmacy, especially drugs such as diuretics, benzodiazepines or hypnotics. In relation to the main etiology, the role of urinary and respiratory infections is noteworthy. ConclusionsHighlight the fundamental role of neurological diseases (especially dementia), hypertension, polypharmacy (inappropriate use of benzodiazepines and hypnotics) and urinary and respiratory infections as treatable and/or preventable factors of delirium in Primary Care patients in our setting.