[Delirium].
Delirium is very common in the elderly. It complicates both psychiatric and somatic disorders and is associated with reduced survival, poor functional results, increased duration of hospital stay, and institutionalization. Diagnosis remains difficult in spite of the improvement of the diagnostic criteria, due to the polymorphism of the clinical signs and fluctuation of vigilance and cognition. Age over 70 and previous cognitive impairment are the main risk factors. Precipitating factors are medical and surgical pathologies, intoxications, especially by therapeutic drugs. Delirium can reveal or complicate a previous dementia. Prevention of delirium and care of the delirious patient require the participation of both the medical and nursing staff.
Derouesné
Christian
C
Service de pharmacologie, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris. chderou@noos.fr
Lacomblez
Lucette
L
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003221:Confusion / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D003693:Delirium / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D000077265:Donepezil; D006801:Humans; D007189:Indans / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010880:Piperidines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012307:Risk Factors
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D007189:Indans; D010880:Piperidines; D000077265:Donepezil