Delirium Outcomes Research Articles

Delirium in Critically Ill Cancer Patients With COVID-19.

BackgroundCOVID-19 has been a devastating pandemic with little known of its neuropsychiatric complications. Delirium is 1 of the most common neuropsychiatric syndromes among hospitalized cancer patients with incidence ranging from 25% to 40% and rates of up to 85% in the terminally ill. Data on the incidence, risk factors, duration, and outcomes of delirium in critically ill cancer patients with COVID-19 are lacking.ObjectiveTo report the incidence, riaks and outcomes of critically ill cancer patients who developed COVID-19.MethodsThis is a retrospective single-center study evaluating delirium frequency and outcomes in all critically ill cancer patients with COVID-19 admitted between March 1 and July 10, 2020. Delirium was assessed by Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Unit, performed twice daily by trained intensive care unit (ICU) nursing staff. Patients were considered to have a delirium-positive day if Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Unit was positive at least once per day.ResultsA total of 70 patients were evaluated. Of those 70, 53 (75.7%) were found to be positive for delirium. Patients with delirium were significantly older than patients without delirium (median age 67.5 vs 60.3 y, P = 0.013). There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics, chronic medical conditions, neuropsychiatric history, cancer type, or application of prone positioning between the 2 groups. Delirium patients were less likely to receive cancer-directed therapies (58.5% vs 88.2%, P = 0.038) but more likely to receive antipsychotics (81.1% vs 41.2%, P = 0.004), dexmedetomidine (79.3% vs 11.8%, P < 0.001), steroids (84.9% vs 58.8%, P = 0.039), and vasopressors (90.6% vs 58.8%, P = 0.006). Delirium patients were more likely to be intubated (86.8% vs 41.2%, P < 0.001), and all tracheostomies (35.9%) occurred in patients with delirium. ICU length of stay (19 vs 8 d, P < 0.001) and hospital length of stay (37 vs 12 d, P < 0.001) were significantly longer in delirium patients, but there was no statistically significant difference in hospital mortality (43.4% vs 58.8%, P = 0.403) or ICU mortality (34.0% vs 58.8%, P = 0.090).ConclusionsDelirium in critically ill cancer patients with COVID-19 was associated with less cancer-directed therapies and increased hospital and ICU length of stay. However, the presence of delirium was not associated with an increase in hospital or ICU mortality.

A Scoping Review of the Incidence, Predictors, and Outcomes of Delirium Among Critically Ill Stroke Patients.

BACKGROUND: Delirium is a common, often iatrogenically induced syndrome that may impede the physical, cognitive, and psychological recovery of critically ill adults. The effect delirium has on outcomes of intensive care unit patients having acute neurologic injury remains unclear because previous studies frequently exclude this vulnerable population. The aim of this scoping review was to describe the incidence, predictors, and outcomes of delirium among adults admitted to an intensive care unit experiencing an acute ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, or aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. METHODS: PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Scopus were searched with the terms (1) stroke, (2) critical care, and (3) delirium. Inclusion criteria were original peer-reviewed research reporting the incidence, outcomes, or predictors of delirium after acute stroke among critically ill adults. Editorials, reviews, posters, conference proceedings, abstracts, and studies in which stroke was not the primary reason for admission were excluded. Title and abstract screening, full-text review, and data extraction were performed by 2 authors, with disagreements adjudicated by a third author. RESULTS: The initial search yielded 1051 results. Eighteen studies met eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Stroke type was not mutually exclusive and included persons given a diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke (11), intracerebral hemorrhage (12), aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (8), and other (1) strokes. Incidence of delirium among stroke patients ranged from 12% to 75%. Predictors of delirium included older age, preexisting dementia, higher severity of illness, and physical restraint use. Outcomes associated with delirium included higher mortality, longer length of stay, worse cognition and quality of life, and lower functional status. CONCLUSIONS: Current findings are limited by heterogenous populations, assessments, and measurement parameters. Detection and management of delirium among critically ill stroke patients requires an approach with specific considerations to the complexities of acute neurological injury and concomitant critical illness.

A Scoping Review of the Incidence, Predictors, and Outcomes of Delirium Among Critically Ill Stroke Patients.

Journal of Neuroscience Nursing: June 2022 - Volume 54 - Issue 3 - p E3 doi: 10.1097/JNN.0000000000000655

Investigation of intracranial pressure in intensive care unit patients with delirium assessed by bedside ultrasound

To explore the changes of intracranial pressure in intensive care unit (ICU) patients during the occurrence and evolution of delirium by using bedside ultrasound to measure the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) to evaluate intracranial pressure. A retrospective observational study was conducted. Adult patients who developed delirium during hospitalization in the general ICU of Beihai People's Hospital from October 2020 to November 2021 were enrolled, and patients who did not have ultrasonographic ONSD records within 24 hours after the diagnosis of delirium were excluded. The ONSD measured before delirium was recorded as ONSD0, the ONSD measured within 24 hours of the onset of delirium recorded as ONSD1, and the ONSD reexamined after ONSD1 recorded as ONSD2. Patients were divided into intracranial hypertension group (ONSD1 > 5 mm) and normal intracranial pressure group (ONSD1 ≤ 5 mm) according to the size of ONSD1. According to the outcome of delirium, the patients were divided into cured, improved, and non-improved groups. The reduction ratio of ONSD2 to ONSD1 in the three groups were calculated and compared. Pearson correlation test was used to analyze the correlation between fluid balance and ONSD changes after delirium. There were 43 patients, including 40 cases in the intracranial hypertension group (the incidence rate was 93.0%), 3 cases in the normal intracranial pressure group, 23 cases were cured, 13 cases were improved, and 7 cases were not improved. In the intracranial hypertension group, 11 cases had ONSD0 and ONSD1 records, and ONSD1 was significantly higher than ONSD0 [mm: 5.88±0.61 vs. 5.34±0.57, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) -0.85 to -0.23, P = 0.003]. The reduction ratio of ONSD2 to ONSD1 in the cured group was significantly higher than that in the improved group and the non-improved group [(12.04±6.20)% vs. (5.68±4.10)%, (0.17±3.96)%; 95%CI were 2.37 to 10.33, 6.41 to 17.31, P values were 0.003 and 0.000, respectively]. The correlation analysis showed that the reduction ratio of ONSD2 to ONSD1 was negatively correlated with fluid balance (r = -0.42, 95%CI was -0.66 to -0.10, P = 0.012). The incidence of intracranial hypertension in ICU delirium patients is high. A more pronounced decrease in intracranial pressure predicts a better delirium outcome. Dynamic ONSD measurement can provide valuable information for the prevention and treatment of delirium.

Pretransplant physical frailty, postoperative delirium, and short-term outcomes among older lung transplant recipients.

Delirium is a common, complex medical challenge that faces surgical patients in the postoperative period. Patients undergoing lung transplantation are at especially high risk given their predisposition to physical frailty and prolonged hospitalization. We sought to investigate the relationship between physical frailty, delirium, and short-term lung transplantation outcomes. A retrospective study of adult patients who underwent lung transplantation was conducted. Pretransplant frailty markers, including the six-minute walk distance (6MWD) and short physical performance battery (SPPB), and postoperative outcomes, including the incidence of primary graft dysfunction (PGD) and the number of hospital free days alive in the 90-day interval following lung transplantation, were evaluated for association with delirium. A total of 100 patients were included, 38% of whom experienced delirium. Greater pretransplant SPPB scores (indicating lower physical frailty) associated with a lower incidence of postoperative delirium. Postoperative delirium also associated with the number of hospital free days alive, independent of PGD. Pretransplant frailty is associated with greater incidence of postoperative delirium, which associated with fewer days alive outside of the hospital. Targeting frailty and postoperative delirium may be modifiable risk factors to improve short-term clinical outcomes.

Preexisting mild cognitive impairment as a risk factor for COVID-19 infection: A scoping review and case reports

IntroductionSARS-Co-V2 neuroinvasive ability might be the basis for the onset of delirium and neuropsychiatric outcomes.ObjectivesWe hypothesized that some infected patients with preexisting cognitive dysfunction may present delirium as unique manifestation of COVID-19 infection or as a prodrome of a new episode consistent with the psychiatric history.MethodsWe conducted a PubMed literature search to verify whether cognitive impairment might predispose to COVID-19. We included three patients with mild cognitive impairment and delirium at admission for SARS-Co-V2 suspected infection. Delirium was diagnosed according to DSM-5 criteria‚ Cognitive Assessment Method and Coma Glasgow Scale.ResultsLiterature analysis evidenced patients presenting delirium or delirium-like symptoms as clinical manifestation of COVID-19, plus a cognitive impairment‚ from mild to severe‚ which preexisted or was evidenced during the acute phase or after the infection. Most studies described delirium in patients with a past neurological/psychiatric history. Contrasting data emerged on the potential link between COVID-19 and delirium in patients with cognitive impairment and without a past neuropsychiatric history. Our patients had no history of other medical complications. Our first patient had no psychiatric history‚ the second reported only a depressive episode‚ and the third had story of bipolar disorder. Delirium resolved completely after 2 days in the first patient. The other patients required 4 and 14 days to resolve: delirium appeared as the prodrome of a new psychiatric episode in line with their past history.ConclusionsClinicians should acknowledge the possibility that COVID-19 infection may appear as delirium and acute psychiatric sequelae as unique manifestation.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Investigating the impact of physical activity interventions on delirium outcomes in intensive care unit patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To investigate the impact of physical activity interventions, including early mobilisation, on delirium outcomes in critically ill patients. Electronic database literature searches were conducted, and studies were selected based on pre-specified eligibility criteria. Cochrane Risk of Bias-2 and Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies-of Interventions quality assessment tools were utilised. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations was used to assess levels of evidence for delirium outcomes. The study was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020210872). Twelve studies were included; ten randomised controlled trials one observational case-matched study and one before-after quality improvement study. Only five of the included randomised controlled trial studies were judged to be at low risk of bias, with all others, including both non-randomised controlled trials deemed to be at high or moderate risk. The pooled relative risk for incidence was 0.85 (0.62-1.17) which was not statistically significant in favour of physical activity interventions. Narrative synthesis for effect on duration of delirium found favour towards physical activity interventions reducing delirium duration with median differences ranging from 0 to 2days in three comparative studies. Studies comparing varying intervention intensities showed positive outcomes in favour of greater intensity. Overall levels of evidence were low quality. Currently there is insufficient evidence to recommend physical activity as a stand-alone intervention to reduce delirium in Intensive Care Units. Physical activity intervention intensity may impact on delirium outcomes, but a lack of high-quality studies limits the current evidence base.

Associations of Smoking With Delirium and Opioid Use in Older Adults With Traumatic Hip Fracture.

Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for hip fractures, while risk factors for developing delirium include older age and preexisting cognitive impairment. We sought to determine whether smoking status is independently associated with delirium and pain outcomes. This was a prospective, observational cohort study of 442 older adults (65 to 90 years) admitted for traumatic hip fracture at five trauma centers. The primary exposure was smoking status (n = 43, 10%). Additional risk factors included demographics, injury characteristics, and medical interventions. Delirium (primary) and analgesia-related complications were examined with multivariable logistic regression, while analysis of covariance models were used to examine preoperative and postoperative pain scores and opioid consumption (oral morphine equivalents). Smokers had significantly worse outcomes compared with nonsmokers: delirium incidence was 16.3% versus 5.0% (adjusted odds ratio, 4.23; P = 0.005), analgesia complications developed in 30.2% versus 14.8% (adjusted odds ratio, 2.63; P = 0.01), and postoperative opioid consumption was greater (53 mg versus 33 mg, adjusted P = 0.04). Adjusted pain scores were not different between groups. Smoking status is associated with markedly worse outcomes in older adults with traumatic hip fracture. Smoking status should be considered in pain management protocols and for early screening and delirium prevention methods. On reasonable request.

Prevalence of Major Neurocognitive Disorder in Patients Admitted with Hip Fractures and the Associated Postoperative Delirium and Other Surgical Outcomes - A Prospective Cohort Study (Hippod Study)

Introduction: Major Neurocognitive disorder (NCD) and hip fractures are two serious problems in aging population. They are associated with morbidities including postoperative delirium (POD). We aimed to look at the prevalence of major NCD in hip fractures in our locality and their association with POD. Methods: It was a prospective cohort study. Patients ≥ 65 years old with hip fractures communicable in Cantonese were included. They were screened with Hong Kong Montreal Cognitive Assessment 5-min protocol before operation. They were reviewed postoperatively with 3-Minute Diagnostic Interview for Confusion Assessment Method to assess the presence of POD. The primary outcome was the incidence of delirium between patients with or without preoperative major NCD. Secondary outcomes including surgical outcomes and length of hospital stay were investigated. Results: The study was conducted between November 2020 and March 2021. One hundred ninety-two patients were screened, and 122 patients were included. Among the 192 patients screened, 97 (50.5%) were found to have major NCD. POD was found in 68.1% and 21.3% of patients with or without major NCD respectively. (p&lt;0.001, odds ratio 4.857 (95% CI 2.046-11.531)). Total length of stay in hospital was longer when POD developed (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: High prevalence of major NCD was found in geriatric hip fracture patients. Pre-existing major NCD was an independent risk factor in developing POD. Both major NCD and POD were prevalent but not sufficiently addressed in our locality. A multidisciplinary collaboration between anesthetists, geriatricians and allied health workers may help to prevent POD and reduce its severity.

The crucial factors influencing the development and outcomes of postoperative delirium in proximal femur fractures.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to find the incidence, risks, and reasons for prolonged length of hospital stay, short, long‐term mortality, and the factors contributing to mortality of postoperative delirium in proximal femoral fractures.MethodsThe data for the study was obtained from National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) and internal hospital computer systems (Medway, ICE, Clinic letters) between January 2018 and December 2019. One hundred seventy‐five patients were found have developed postoperative delirium. The outcomes measured were postoperative anemia, lower respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, acute kidney injury, urinary retention, cardiac event and stroke, alcohol or drug withdrawal, length of hospital stay, and 30 day and 1 year mortality.ResultsThe patients who developed delirium were 68 (38.9%) with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade 4 and 94 (22.3%) without delirium (p < 0.05). The average length of stay after developing postoperative delirium was 19.69 days compared to 17.4 days for patients without delirium. The mortality at 30 days and 1 year was 10.9% and 37% in patients who had postoperative delirium compared to 2.1% and 2.8% to those without delirium, respectively.ConclusionPostoperative delirium is three times more common in hip fractures. Early detection and timely management are crucial in the improvement of functional outcomes and mortality.

Targeting Depth of Anesthesia to Prevent Delirium: Comment

Brown et al.1 nicely described their work comparing spinal anesthesia with targeted sedation based on Bispectral Index values compared with general anesthesia (masked Bispectral Index) and the outcome of delirium. Intraoperative hypotension has been associated with delirium.2,3 The adjusted hazard ratio associated with a 1-mmHg increase in time-weighted average of mean arterial pressure less than 65 mmHg was 1.11 (95% CI, 1.03 to 1.20).2 The study by Brown et al.1 found that the lowest mean arterial pressure was similar in both groups (general anesthesia, 59 [51 to 64] vs. spinal anesthesia, 60 [52 to 64]); however, the relationship between intraoperative hypotension and the subsequent development of delirium might be more of a cumulative exposure response than a single threshold. It would be of interest to know the hypotension exposure by time under the 65- or 60-mmHg threshold and to consider that in a treatment-by-covariate interactions analysis. In short, we appreciate Brown et al. for their great contributions to this important topic.Supported by grant No. (2018)5779-51 from the Academic New Seedling Cultivation and Innovation Exploration Special Project of Guizhou Medical University (Guiyang, China) in 2018 and grant No. gzwjkj2020-1-132 from the Science and Technology Foundation of Guizhou Provincial Health Commission (Guiyang, China).The authors declare no competing interests.

Point prevalence of delirium among critically ill patients in Saudi Arabia: A multicenter observational study.

Background:Delirium in critically ill patients is independently associated with poor clinical outcomes. There is a scarcity of published data on the prevalence of delirium among critically ill patients in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, we sought to determine, in a multicenter fashion, the prevalence of delirium in critically ill patients in Saudi Arabia and explore associated risk factors.Methods:A cross-sectional point prevalence study was conducted on January 28, 2020, at 14 intensive care units (ICUs) across 3 universities and 11 other tertiary care hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Delirium was screened once using the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist. We excluded patients who were unable to participate in a valid delirium assessment, patients admitted with traumatic brain injury, and patients with documented dementia in their medical charts.Results:Of the 407 screened ICU patients, 233 patients were enrolled and 45.9% were diagnosed with delirium. The prevalence was higher in mechanically ventilated patients compared to patients not mechanically ventilated (57.5% vs. 33.6%; P < 0.001). In a multivariate model, risk factors independently associated with delirium included age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.021; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01–1.04; P = 0.008), mechanical ventilation (AOR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.34–4.28; P = 0.003), and higher severity of illness (AOR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.001–1.021; P = 0.026).Conclusion:In our study, delirium remains a prevalent complication, with distinct risk factors. Further studies are necessary to investigate long-term outcomes of delirium in critically ill patients in Saudi Arabia.

Incidence, predictors and health outcomes of delirium in very old hospitalized patients: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundDelirium is a common complication that leads to poor health outcomes in older patients undergoing treatment. Due to severe consequences, early recognition of high-risk patients and risk factors for delirium are crucial in the prompt initiation of prevention measures. However, research in medically hospitalized patients aged ≥80 years remains limited. This study aimed to determine the incidence, predictors and health outcomes of delirium in very old (aged ≥80 years) hospitalized patients in China.MethodsA prospective study was conducted in individuals aged ≥80 years admitted to geriatric departments. Potential risk factors were assessed within 24 h after hospital admission. Screening for delirium was performed on admission and every 48 h thereafter for 14 days and assessed if acute mental status changes were observed. During hospitalization, health outcomes were recorded daily.ResultsIncident delirium occurred in 109 of 637 very old hospitalized patients (17.1%). The independent predictors of delirium in hospitalized patients aged 80 and over were cognitive function impairment [OR 17.42, 95% CI:(7.47–40.64)], depression [OR 9.30, 95% CI: (4.59–18.84)], CCI ≥ 5 [OR 4.21, 95% CI: (1.48–12.01)], sleep deprivation [OR 3.89, 95% CI: (1.71–8.82)], infection [OR 3.33, 95% CI: (1.70–6.54)], polypharmacy (≥5 medications) [OR 2.85, 95% CI: (1.51–5.39)], constipation [OR 2.58, 95% CI: (1.33–5.02)], and emergency admission [OR 2.13, 95% CI: (1.02–4.45)]. Patients with delirium had significantly longer hospital stays(P < 0.001) and higher percentages of physical restraint use(P < 0.001) and falls (P = 0.001) than those without delirium,.ConclusionThe incidence of delirium was high in hospitalized patients aged ≥80 years admitted to the geriatric department and was associated with prolonged hospital stay and higher rates of physical restraint use and falls. In this population, the most important independent risk factors for incident delirium were cognitive function impairment and depression. Health care professionals should recognize and initiate interventions for delirium early in geriatric patients.

Prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes of subsyndromal delirium in older adults in hospital or long-term care settings: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundSubsyndromal delirium (SSD) refers to the presence of one or more delirium criteria without a diagnosis of delirium, and it is common in older patients. The prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes of SSD are explored herein. DesignA systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sourcesPubMed, Web of Science, OVID, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, CNKI, CBM, Chongqing VIP, and Wanfang databases were searched for studies published from inception to 2021, without language restrictions. Independent reviewers performed quality assessments, data extraction and analysis for all included studies. ResultsA total of 2,426 titles were initially identified, and 22 studies (5,125 individuals) were included in the systematic review. The prevalence of SSD in older adults was 36.4% (95%CI:0.28 to 0.44). Significant risk factors were dementia (OR 5.061, 95%CI:2.320 to 11.043), lower ADL scores (OR 1.706, 95%CI:1.149 to 2.533), lower hemoglobin (SMD -0.21, 95%CI: -0.333 to -0.096), and advanced age (SMD 0.358, 95% CI:0.194 to 0.522), and SSD was associated with poor outcomes, including cognitive and functional decline, increased length of hospital stay, and a higher mortality rate. ConclusionsSSD has a high prevalence and is associated with many risk factors and poor outcomes. Clinical oversight of patients with SSD should be increased. RegistrationThe systematic review was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Review (CRD42021276070). Tweetable abstractSubsyndromal delirium has a high prevalence and an association with many risk factors and poor outcomes.

811 DELIRIUM IN COVID-19: COMMON AND CLINICALLY SIGNIFICANT: EXPERIENCES FROM THE NIGHTINGALE HOSPITAL EXETER

BackgroundDelirium is an independent predictor of mortality in patients admitted with community-acquired pneumonia (Pieralli, 2014), but significance and incidence in Covid-19 infection has not been established. The Nightingale Hospital Exeter (NHE) as a multidisciplinary team model, managed 242 patients with Covid-19 from November 2020 to February 2021. This study identifies the delirium incidence, outcome, premorbid function and demographics of this cohort.MethodsElectronic records were retrospectively reviewed for keywords ‘Delirium’, ‘Hyperactive’, ‘Hypoactive’, ‘Confused’ and ‘Muddled’. Patients were categorised as Hyperactive, Hypoactive or Confused/non-specified. Prior functional support (independent, package of care, residential or nursing care) and presence of pre-established neurological conditions (including dementia) were noted.Results242 patients were included, average age 84 years (range 59–102). Of these patients, 130 (54%) developed delirium (29 (22%) hyperactive, 37 (28%) hypoactive, 2 (1%) mixed and 62 (48%) ‘confused’/non-specified). Of those with delirium, 56 (43%) were previously living independently and 51 (39%) were living at home with a package of care. 60 (46%) of those diagnosed had no pre-existing neurological condition, 32% had underlying dementia. There were 37 deaths at NHE (mortality 15%), 73% of these patients had delirium during their admission compared to 50% of those who survived.ConclusionsOver half this cohort developed delirium, a high proportion of whom had been living independently prior to admission with no pre-existing neurological condition, emphasising how common delirium is in patients with Covid-19. In a comparable cohort with pneumonia (mean age 82 years, range 65–99) 25% developed delirium, and it was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (Pieralli, 2014). The fact that 73% of all patients who died developed delirium suggests it may have important prognostic implications, and both this and the high incidence indicate further work is required to fully understand how to prevent and manage delirium in Covid-19.

795 A POSITIVE 4AT DELIRIUM ASSESSMENT TOOL SCORE ON HOSPITAL ADMISSION IS LINKED TO MORTALITY, LENGTH OF STAY AND ‘HOME TIME’: A STUDY OF 82,770 HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS IN EDINBURGH AND SALFORD

Abstract Introduction Delirium is linked with poor outcomes but studies using large-scale routine data are scarce. The 4AT (www.the4AT.com) is a brief (~2 minutes), well-validated tool for detection of delirium and cognitive impairment. We performed a two-centre study (Edinburgh and Salford) of Electronic Health Record (EHR) 4AT scores and outcomes in 82,770 non-elective hospital admissions in patients aged ≥65. We determined relationships between 4AT scores 0 (no impairment), 1–3 (cognitive impairment but no delirium) and ≥ 4 (delirium), in relation to 30-day inpatient mortality, length of stay, and time at home (‘home time’) in the year following index admission. Methods We analysed EHR 4AT scores recorded within 24 hours of admission, and outcomes data were also derived from the EHR. The study period was between April 2016 (Edinburgh)/September 2017 (Salford) and April 2020 (both centres). Results 4AT scores suggestive of delirium (≥4) were present in 25% in Salford, and 18% in Edinburgh. After adjustment for age and sex, 30-day inpatient mortality with 4AT ≥4 was 5.5-fold greater than the 4AT 0 group in Edinburgh (aOR 5.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.99–6.13) and 3.4-fold greater in Salford (aOR 3.39, 95% CI 2.98–3.87). Length of stay was more than double in patients with any abnormal 4AT score compared to a 4AT score of 0. The median ‘home time’ at 1 year was reduced by 112 days (Edinburgh) and 61 days (Salford) in the 4AT ≥4 compared to 4AT 0 days. Conclusions This large study using routine clinical data confirms the relationships between delirium and poor outcomes previously reported in smaller research studies. Further, the results demonstrate the feasibility and value of using a brief clinical tool to identify delirium as a strong marker of adverse outcomes, and will be helpful in guiding policy development around patient safety including better treatment of delirium.

Delirium and Anxiety Outcomes Related to Visiting Policy Changes in the Intensive Care Unit During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of intensive care unit (ICU) visit on the incidence of delirium, delirium subtype, and anxiety level in ICU patients.MethodsTrained psychiatrists and nurses evaluated ICU patients for delirium, delirium subtypes, and anxiety. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to retrospectively analyze the data. Then, we compared the differences in the incidence of delirium, delirium subtypes, and anxiety level before and after the ICU visit ban. Logistic regression was conducted to identify the risk factors for delirium subtypes and high anxiety levels.ResultsAfter PSM, there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of delirium between the non-visiting and restrictive visiting groups (non-visiting 27.4% versus restrictive visiting 30.9%, p = 0.162). The proportion of hyperactive and mixed subtypes was higher in the non-visiting than in the restrictive visiting group (non-visiting 35.3 and 30.1% versus restrictive visiting 27.7 and 20.1%, p = 0.002). The anxiety level was higher in the non-visiting than in the restrictive visiting group (state-trait anxiety inventory score: non-visiting 53.46 ± 4.58 versus restrictive visiting 52.22 ± 6.50, p = 0.009). Patients who stayed in the ICU during the visit ban were more likely to have hyperactive (p = 0.005) and mixed subtype (p = 0.001) than those who did not. Moreover, patients who stayed in the ICU during the visit ban were more likely to experience high anxiety levels than those who did not (p < 0.001).ConclusionProhibition of ICU visits during COVID-19 pandemic did not affect the incidence of delirium during COVID-19 but could change the delirium subtype and raise anxiety level. Moreover, visiting prohibition was a risk factor for non-hypoactive delirium subtype and high anxiety levels. Therefore, ICU visits are important in dealing with delirium subtypes and anxiety in ICU patients.

Neuropsychiatric Symptoms After Brain Tumor Resection in Children and Adolescents: A Scoping Review

Brain tumors are one of the most common solid tumors in pediatric populations, with their treatments having significant neuropsychiatric impact. The objective of this study was to review the literature on neuropsychiatric sequelae after surgical resection of brain tumors in children and adolescents. Using a scoping method, we reviewed empirical articles describing pediatric patients with brain tumors who underwent partial or total resection and examined major neuropsychiatric domains postoperatively over time. The initial search yielded 15,543 articles. After duplicate removal, abstract screening, and review, 44 articles were included. Cognitive deficits were the most widely studied outcomes and found to be associated with tumor location, operative variables, perioperative complications, treatment types, and psychosocial factors. Cerebellar mutism, or posterior fossa syndrome, commonly co-occurred with emotional and behavioral dysregulation after posterior fossa resections. Depression, anxiety, and somatization were frequently grouped together as "distress," with higher rates among pediatric patients with brain tumor than among healthy peers. Problematic school behaviors, antisocial, and attention-deficit traits were increased; however, several other behaviors (e.g., risky sexual behaviors, substance use) were equal or lower when compared to peers. Posttraumatic stress disorder was highly prevalent and often interfered with social functioning. Delirium, eating disorders, and longer-term outcomes received inadequate attention. Identifying risk factors of neuropsychiatric sequelae and their impact after pediatric brain tumor resection is important for prognostication and the development of tailored management strategies for these children and adolescents.

Positive scores on the 4AT delirium assessment tool at hospital admission are linked to mortality, length of stay and home time: two-centre study of 82,770 emergency admissions.

BackgroundStudies investigating outcomes of delirium using large-scale routine data are rare. We performed a two-centre study using the 4 ‘A’s Test (4AT) delirium detection tool to analyse relationships between delirium and 30-day mortality, length of stay and home time (days at home in the year following admission).MethodsThe 4AT was performed as part of usual care. Data from emergency admissions in patients ≥65 years in Lothian, UK (n = 43,946) and Salford, UK (n = 38,824) over a period of n}{}sim3 years were analysed using logistic regression models adjusted for age and sex.Results4AT completion rates were 77% in Lothian and 49% in Salford. 4AT scores indicating delirium (≥4/12) were present in 18% of patients in Lothian, and 25% of patients in Salford. Thirty-day mortality with 4AT ≥4 was 5.5-fold greater than the 4AT 0/12 group in Lothian (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 5.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.99–6.13) and 3.4-fold greater in Salford (aOR 3.39, 95% CI 2.98–3.87). Length of stay was more than double in patients with 4AT scores of 1–3/12 (indicating cognitive impairment) or ≥ 4/12 compared with 4AT 0/12. Median home time at 1 year was reduced by 112 days (Lothian) and 61 days (Salford) in the 4AT ≥4 group (P < 0.001).ConclusionsScores on the 4AT used at scale in practice are strongly linked with 30-day mortality, length of hospital stay and home time. The findings highlight the need for better understanding of why delirium is linked with poor outcomes and also the need to improve delirium detection and treatment.

Prevalence, management and outcomes of unrecognized delirium in a National Sample of 1,493 older emergency department patients: how many were sent home and what happened to them?

Retrospective studies estimate Emergency Department (ED) delirium recognition at <20%; few prospective studies have assessed delirium recognition and outcomes for patients with unrecognized delirium. To prospectively measure delirium recognition by ED nurses and physicians, document their confidence in diagnosis and disposition, actual dispositions, and patient outcomes. Prospective observational study of people ≥65years. We assessed delirium using the Confusion Assessment Method, then asked ED staff if the patient had delirium, confidence in their assessment, if the patient could be discharged, and contacted patients 1week postdischarge. We report proportions and 95% confidence intervals (Cls). We enrolled 1,493 participants; mean age was 77.9years; 49.2% were female, 79 (5.3%, 95% CI 4.2-6.5%) had delirium. ED nurses missed delirium in 43/78 cases (55.1%, 95% CI 43.4-66.4%). Nurses considered 12/43 (27.9%) patients with unrecognized delirium safe to discharge. Median confidence in their delirium diagnosis for patients with unrecognized delirium was 7.0/10. Physicians missed delirium in 10/20 (50.0%, 95% CI 27.2-72.8) cases and considered 2/10 (20.0%) safe to discharge. Median confidence in their delirium diagnosis for patients with unrecognized delirium was 8.0/10. Fifteen patients with unrecognized delirium were sent home: 6.7% died at 1week follow-up vs. none in those with recognized delirium and 1.1% in the rest of the cohort. Delirium recognition by nurses and physicians was sub-optimal at ~50% and may be associated with increased mortality. Research should explore root causes of unrecognized delirium, and novel strategies to systematically improve delirium recognition and patient outcomes.