Impact of Early Reinitiation of Neuropsychiatric Medications on Agitation and Delirium in the Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Study.

Abstract

Approximately 17% of intensive care unit (ICU) patients are prescribed at least 1 home neuropsychiatric medication (NPM). When abruptly discontinued, withdrawal symptoms may occur manifesting as agitation or delirium in the ICU setting. To evaluate the impact of early reinitiation of NPMs. This was a retrospective, observational cohort of adult ICU patients in a tertiary care hospital. Patients were included if admitted to the ICU and prescribed a NPM prior to arrival. Study groups were based on the timing of reinitiation of at least 50% of NPMs: ≤72 hours (early group) versus >72 hours (late group). The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with at least 1 agitation or delirium episode in the first 72 hours. Agitation and delirium were defined as at least 1 RASS assessment between +2 to +4 and a positive CAM-ICU assessment, respectively. A total of 300 patients were included, with 187 (62%) and 113 (38%) in the early and late groups, respectively. There was no difference in agitation or delirium (late 54 [48%] vs early 62 [33%]; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.5; 95% CI = 0.8-2.8; P = 0.193). Independent risk factors found to be associated with the primary outcome were restraints (aOR = 12.9; 95% CI = 6.9-24.0; P < 0.001) and benzodiazepines (BZDs; aOR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.0-3.7; P = 0.038). After adjustment for baseline differences, there was no difference in agitation or delirium. Independent risk factors were restraint use and newly initiated BZDs.