A Clinical Profile of Delirium in Patients Admitted to Medical Intensive Care Unit

Dr. S. Hema Kumar | Dr. Dhananjaya P.E | Dr. P. Prasanth Kumar

Abstract: Background: Delirium, an acute and fluctuating disturbance of consciousness and cognition, is a common manifestation of acute brain dysfunction in critically ill patients, occurring in upto 80% of the sickest intensive care unit populations. Hence the study was undertaken to determine the predisposing factors, precipitating factors and clinical outcome among the patients admitted to medical intensive care unit1. Methodology & Results: This was an observational cross-sectional study done on 100 patients with delirium admitted to medical intensive care unit. Among them 71 (71%) patients were males and 29 (29%) patients were females. The most common affected were in the age group of 40-59 years which accounts for 40 (40%) patients followed by ?60 years accounts for 37 (37%) of patients. Diabetes mellitus 51 (51%), Hypertension 33 (33%) and renal failure 15 (15%) being the most commonly associated comorbidities. Male gender 71 (71%) was the commonest predisposing factor followed by Hypoalbuminemia 39 (39%), Visual impairment 35 (35%) and Age >60 years. Precipitating factors include IV lines/ Ryle?s tube insertion/ Foley?s catheterization 64 (64%) being the most common followed by Medications (like sedative-hypnotics, anticholinergics), Dehydration 39 (39%), Hyponatremia 33 (33%) and Alcohol withdrawal 29 (29%). Conclusion: Male gender formed the largest group among study population 71 (71%). Delirium has more predilection towards elderly population. Multiple predisposing, precipitating factors and comorbidities associated with delayed recovery, prolonged ICU stay and poorer outcome.

Keywords: Delirium, Precipitating factors and Predisposing factors

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 3, March 2023,

Pages: 618 - 620