Delirium in the intensive care unit: medications as risk factors.

摘要

Delirium is a clinical syndrome characterized by a disturbance in consciousness, attention, cognition, and perception. It may develop over a period of hours to days and is the most common clinical neuropsychi-atric condition, occurring in 26% to 44% of hospital admissions. An alarmingly high incidence of up to 80% has been reported in critically ill patients. Delirium is associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation, self-extubations, and the need for reintubation, which have led to increased hospital stay, mechanical ventilator days, and mortality risk.