Effect of Seasonal Variation in the Occurrence of Delirium in Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Units of a Tertiary Care Centre in North India

Abbas Mehdi | Rishabh Chandra | Nirnay Sachdeva | Tarun Tripathi

Abstract: Introduction: Delirium is a quite common entity in critically ill patients and known to have several predisposing and precipitating factors. Clinically we have seen a strong relationship between delirium occurrence and season. The observation that the general morbidity of the patients varies according to seasonal factors may suggest the possible existence of seasonal differences regarding delirium. Aims and objectives: The aim of current study was to determine the effect of seasonal variation in occurrence of delirium in patients admitted to intensive care units of tertiary care centre. Material and methods: We conducted a prospective study of patients admitted to intensive care units of tertiary care centre in north India, between July 2021 and June 2022. Patients were screened using RASS (Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale) and DOSS (delirium observation screening scale). Confusion Assessment Method Intensive Care Unit (CAM - ICU) was used to assess delirium. The incidence of delirium and LOS were summarised by season and statistically analysed. Result: Total 720 patients admitted to intensive care units, 158 (21.94%) had delirium, 64 of whom in females (40.5%) and 94 in males (59.5%). Incidence of delirium was more in winter (57%) than in summer (43%). Conclusion: The study indicates higher rates of occurrence of delirium in the winter than in the summer months. The role of possible underlying favouring or triggering factors deserves further research.

Keywords: Delirium, Seasonal variation, Intensive care unit, critically ill, tertiary care centre

Edition: Volume 11 Issue 12, December 2022,

Pages: 736 - 738