Korean J Anesthesiol.  2013 Sep;65(3):195-202. 10.4097/kjae.2013.65.3.195.

Delirium in the intensive care unit

• Choi JG

• KMID: 2239717
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2013.65.3.195

Abstract

Delirium is a serious complication that commonly occurs in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Delirium is frequently unrecognized or missed despite its high incidence and prevalence, and leads to poor clinical outcomes and an increased cost by increasing morbidity, mortality, and hospital and ICU length of stay. Although its pathophysiology is poorly understood, numerous risk factors for delirium have been suggested. To improve clinical outcomes, it is crucial to perform preventive measures against delirium, to detect delirium early using valid and reliable screening tools, and to treat the underlying causes or hazard symptoms of delirium in a timely manner.

Keyword

Delirium; Intensive care unit; Outcome

MeSH Terms

Critical Illness
Delirium
Humans
Incidence
Critical Care
Intensive Care Units
Length of Stay
Mass Screening
Prevalence
Risk Factors