Delirium in palliative medicine: a review.
Delirium is a devastating complication of general medical and surgical populations but of particular importance in palliative medicine. It is a clinical syndrome that is often not recognized and, therefore, not treated appropriately. The presence of delirium is a predictor of increased morbidity and mortality, longer hospitalization, and more likely discharge to a nursing facility. This article reviews the pathophysiology, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of delirium in the palliative medicine population.
Section of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Oncology, The Harry R. Horvitz Center for Palliative Medicine, Department of Solid Tumor Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. legrans@ccf.org
Susan B
SB
LeGrand
D003693:Delirium / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000523:psychology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D019452:Terminally Ill / Q000523:psychology*