Abstract
Background
This study evaluates the incidence of delirium and risk factors associated with delirium
in elderly patients admitted to a general surgical ward.
Methods
Patients aged over 60 years who were admitted with an acute or elective general surgical
diagnosis were eligible for this prospective cohort study. Risk factors associated
with delirium were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis to identify
those independently associated with delirium.
Results
A total of 209 patients were included in the study. The incidence of delirium was
16.9% (23.2% for acute admission, P < .001). Variables associated with delirium were dementia, presence of an urinary
catheter, cognitive decline at admission measured with the mini-mental state examination,
white blood cell count >10.0 × 109/L, and urea >7.5 mmol/L. Median length of hospital stay was 13 days (range 3–85)
for patients with delirium versus 7 (range 1–54) for patients without (P = .002).
Conclusions
The incidence of delirium is high in elderly patients, especially after an acute admission,
leading to an increase in length of hospital stay. To minimize delirium, associated
risk factors must be identified and, if possible, treated.
Keywords
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: March 28, 2014
Received in revised form:
November 19,
2013
Received:
February 6,
2013
Identification
Copyright
© 2014 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
