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[Delirium: The 7th Vital Sign?]
Rita Prayce1, Filipa Quaresma1, Isabel Galriça Neto2
1Unidade Funcional Medicina 1.2. Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central. Lisboa. Portugal.
Acta Medica Portuguesa
|March 26, 2018
Summary
Delirium, a common neuropsychiatric syndrome, is under-recognized and impacts patients and healthcare systems significantly. Prevention through multidisciplinary interventions is key, as treatment evidence is limited.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Neuropsychiatry
- Palliative Care
Background:
- Delirium is an acute, fluctuating neuropsychiatric syndrome frequently observed in medical settings.
- It disproportionately affects geriatric and palliative care populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the definition, pathophysiology, etiology, diagnosis, and management of delirium.
- To explore the social and economic impact of delirium.
- To emphasize the importance of delirium recognition and prevention.
Main Methods:
- A literature review was conducted.
- Key aspects of delirium including its impact were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Delirium is under-recognized by healthcare professionals, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and economic burden.
- Prevention strategies, focusing on multidisciplinary interventions targeting risk factors, are the most effective treatment.
- Non-pharmacological approaches are primary, with antipsychotics reserved for preventing self-harm.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced recognition and prevention of delirium are critical.
- Mandatory elements include healthcare professional education, patient monitoring, and family support.
- Considering its profound impact, delirium should be considered the 7th vital sign.
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