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Risk factors for delirium in hospitalized elderly
J D Schor1, S E Levkoff, L A Lipsitz
1Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for Aged, Boston, Mass.
JAMA
|February 12, 1992
Summary
Prior cognitive impairment, advanced age, and fractures are key risk factors for delirium in elderly hospitalized patients. In-hospital factors like infection and certain medications also contribute to this condition.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Hospital Medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Delirium is a common and serious condition in elderly hospitalized patients.
- Identifying risk factors is crucial for prevention and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the risk factors associated with the development of delirium in elderly patients admitted to an acute care hospital.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort analytic study was conducted.
- Elderly patients (≥65 years) admitted to a tertiary-care hospital were followed.
- Data on potential risk factors were collected from medical records.
Main Results:
- Delirium developed in 91 out of 291 patients.
- Independent risk factors included prior cognitive impairment (OR, 8.97), age over 80 (OR, 5.22), fracture on admission (OR, 6.57), infection (OR, 2.96), and male sex (OR, 2.40).
- Neuroleptic (OR, 4.48) and narcotic use (OR, 2.54) were associated with delirium; anticholinergic use was not.
Conclusions:
- Delirium in hospitalized elderly patients is strongly linked to pre-admission factors like cognitive impairment, advanced age, and fractures.
- In-hospital factors such as infection and the use of neuroleptics and narcotics are also associated with delirium.
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