Sepsis-Associated Delirium: A Narrative Review.

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Delirium presents as acute changes in mental status, cognitive function, and attention.
• Sepsis-associated delirium (SAD) has unique characteristics compared to other intensive care unit (ICU) delirium types.
• Both sepsis and delirium significantly increase patient morbidity and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the etiology, pathogenesis, risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of sepsis-associated delirium (SAD).
• To specifically address coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related delirium within the context of SAD.
• To highlight challenges in managing SAD, particularly in COVID-19 patients, and the need for adapted care strategies.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review on sepsis-associated delirium.
• Inclusion of studies on COVID-19-related delirium.
• Analysis of existing data on delirium management in intensive care settings.

Main Results:

• Sepsis-associated delirium (SAD) is linked to worse long-term outcomes and post-intensive care syndrome.
• Management of SAD, especially during pandemics like COVID-19, faces challenges like implementing the ABCDEF bundle and social isolation.
• There is a need for specialized care approaches for SAD in specific patient populations.

Conclusions:

• Prompt diagnosis and management of SAD are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
• The unique challenges posed by COVID-19 necessitate the adaptation of current care protocols for SAD.
• Further research and development of conventional care strategies are required for effective SAD management.