Mortality Rates during Hospitalization and Affecting Factors in Geriatric Delirium Patients: a Retrospective Cohort...

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Psychiatry
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Delirium is a common and serious condition in hospitalized elderly patients.
• Mortality rates associated with delirium in this population require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the in-hospital mortality rate among geriatric patients diagnosed with delirium.
• To identify factors influencing mortality in these patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of electronic medical records for 200 geriatric patients who received psychiatric consultations for delirium.
• Data collected included demographics, length of hospital stay, comorbidities, medications, and consultation details.

Main Results:

• In-hospital mortality was associated with longer length of hospital stay and delayed consultation.
• Higher numbers of comorbid diseases and daily medications were observed in patients who died.
• Male gender, increased comorbidities, and polypharmacy were identified as predictors of mortality.

Conclusions:

• Early identification of delirium is critical for improving short-term patient outcomes.
• Comprehensive medication review during patient evaluation may positively impact disease outcomes.