Delirium in Internal Medicine Intensive Care: An Overlooked Complication

Abstract

Objectives: The aetiology and risk factors of the patients that were diagnosed with delirium were investigated in thisstudy. We aimed at revealing the risk factors for the development of delirium in intensive care unit.Methods: Patients that were participated in our study were assessed with the Confusion Assessment Method and examined by a neurologist for the existence of delirium. Patients with and without delirium were statistically compared withStudent’s T-test and Chi-square test. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine independent risk factors.Results: All of 283 patients with 143 (51%) female and 140 (49%) male were included in this study. Delirium was detected in 144 (51%) patients. Delirium was higher in patients with the history of neurological diseases and the usage ofmedications for the central nervous system (p=0.012). The most common reasons of the delirium were infections (97%)and electrolyte imbalances (80%). The length of stay was longer in the delirium group (p