title: Delirium in liver transplantation candidates: discriminant analysis of multiple test variables.
abstract: We report the results of electroencephalograms, Mini-Mental State exam, Trailmaking Tests A and B, and serum albumin levels in 108 consecutive liver transplantation candidates. We compared test results to a clinical DSM-III diagnosis of delirium. Although each variable could differentiate between the two groups (delirium n = 18; nondelirium n = 90) at a statistically significant level, a discriminant analysis involving either all variables or only three particular variables (Trailmaking B, EEG code, and albumin) resulted in the highest specificity (97.8%) and sensitivity (83.3%), with a correct classification of 95.4% of subjects. The analysis also generates an equation that can be applied to clinical situations to enhance the accurate recognition of delirium. In addition, to explain abnormal Trailmaking B scores and/or EEGs in subjects who did not otherwise meet DSM-III criteria for delirium, we suggest the presence of a "subclinical delirium."
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, PA.
authors.forename: P T
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Trzepacz
authors.forename: R P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Brenner
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Coffman
authors.forename: D H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: van Thiel
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003693:Delirium / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D006501:Hepatic Encephalopathy / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008370:Manuals as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D012307:Risk Factors; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D012709:Serum Albumin