[Delirium in older medical inpatients: a one year follow up study]

Delirium is an important problem in older medical inpatients.

To assess if delirium is associated with higher mortality, functional decline or higher rates of readmission or institutionalization in a one year follow-up period.

Prospective cohort study of consecutive patients 65 years and older, admitted to a general hospital medical ward. A psychogeriatric team assessed patients every 48 h using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM), functionality, acute severity and comorbidity scores. Analysis of one year mortality and telephone functional assessment was performed.

Five hundred forty two patients were enrolled and 35.4% had delirium. After one year, mortality was 34.9 and 13% in delirium and non-delirium cohorts, respectively (p < 0.01). After adjustment for covariates, delirium was independently associated with higher mortality, and higher functional decline and institutionalization. No significant differences were seen in readmission rates.

Delirium was significantly associated with higher mortality and functional decline over a one year follow up period in geriatric inpatients.