Delirium management in critically ill patients.
Delirium among critically ill patients is common. Presence of delirium imparts a poorer prognosis to patients, including longer ICU and hospital length of stay, increased risk of institutionalization, higher health related costs, and elevated mortality. Even with such grave consequences, the rates of delirium diagnosis are dire. The importance of early recognition through validated tools and appropriate management of this life-threatening condition cannot be over emphasized. This article provides an overview of delirium pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management with a focus on critically ill patients.
Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, Occupational and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN.
Enrique
E
Calvo-Ayala
Indiana University Center for Aging Research, Indianapolis, IN.
Babar
B
Khan
acute brain dysfunction; coma; critical illness; delirium; intensive care unit