Relationship Between Minor Developmental Physical Anomalies and Delirium Among Geriatric Inpatients.

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Neurology
• Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

• Delirium is a common complication in hospitalized older adults.
• The neuropathogenesis of delirium is not fully understood.
• Minor physical anomalies (MPAs) may reflect early developmental aberrations affecting neurological function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the relationship between head and limb MPAs and delirium in geriatric inpatients.
• To explore the potential of MPAs as markers for delirium's underlying neuropathogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Assessed 311 general medical inpatients (≥60 years, no dementia) using standardized tools.
• Utilized Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98, Delirium Frontal Index (DFI), and Waldrop Developmental Anomalies Tool.
• Employed multivariate logistic regression and point-biserial correlations to analyze data.

Main Results:

• 12% of participants experienced delirium.
• Small head circumference and curved fifth digit were significantly more frequent in the delirium group.
• The presence of any MPA was associated with a 3.38-fold increased odds of delirium, even after controlling for covariates.

Conclusions:

• Head and limb MPAs are associated with delirium in older adults.
• Early developmental aberrations may impact neurological structures, lowering the threshold for delirium.
• Further research is needed to delineate specific neurological pathways involved.