Download Delirium Acute and subacute disturbance in cognition

Delirium
Acute and sub acute disturbance in cognition, with evidence of an underlying medical etiology.
Types: Hyperactive, Hypoactive, mixed form.
Predisposing Factors for Delirium
 Advanced age
Cognitive status: dementia, depression, history of delirium
Functional status: falls, low level of activity, immobility, functional
dependence
Sensory impairment: Visual, hearing impairment
Decreased oral intake: weight loss-malnutrition, dehydration
Drugs 4 or more medications, especially if psychoactive*
Coexisting Medical conditions/severity of diseases
Past stroke, neurological diseases
Precipitating Factors of Delirium
Medications: new, multiple or psychoactive drugs *
Surgery (time under anesthesia)
Environmental: ICU, physical restraints, bladder catheter, multiple
procedures
Sleep deprivation, pain, emotional stress, constipation
 Inter-current illnesses, Metabolic derangements/electrolyte
imbalances, infections
*Medications: Sedative-hypnotics – Benzodiazepines (Long acting > Short acting ), barbiturates, sleeping meds. Narcotics. Anticholinergic drugs – Antihistamines (diphenhydramine/hydroxyzine),
antispasmodics, TCA, antiparkinsonian agents (Benztropine). Others: H2 blockers (Ranitidine, famotidine), steroids, metoclopramide, lithium, anticonvulsants, NSAIDS.
The Diagnosis is Clinical
Use the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM )
1.Acute onset and fluctuating course
2.Inattention: lack of eye contact, easily distractible
3. Disorganized thinking: Switching topics fast, illogical or unclear flow of ideas
4.Altered level of consciousness: Hyper-alert/Vigilant, drowsy/lethargic, stupor,
coma
1 and 2 plus either 3 or 4
Can observe these features while doing digit span, MiniCOG or SWEET 16 but
cognitive testing not valid for dementia screening if patient is delirious.
Inouye SK, vanDyck CH, Alessi CA, Balkin S, Siegal AP, Horwitz RI. Clarifying confusion: The Confusion Assessment Method. A
new method for detection of delirium. Ann Intern Med. 1990; 113: 941-948.
Defillo, JD; Drickamer, M (Yale School of Medicine, Geriatric Department)
Yale Delirium Prevention Program
Cognitive impairment Reality orientation, therapeutic activities protocol (e.g.
word games, puzzles),
Sleep deprivation Non-pharmacologic sleep protocol, sleep enhancement
protocol
Immobilization Early mobilization protocol (PT/OT, Nursing), minimizing
immobilizing equipment.
Vision impairment Vision aids, adaptive equipment
Hearing impairment Amplifying devices, adaptive equipment
Dehydration Early recognition and volume repletion
A multicomponent intervention to prevent delirium in hospitalized older patients. Inouye SK, F; Bogardus ST Jr, Charpentier PA, et all. Department of
Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn . The New England Journal of Medicine [1999, 340(9):669-676]
For acute agitation or aggression accompanying delirium not
responding to above measures:
Least sedating (Most EPS)--------------------------------------- Most Sedating (Least EPS)
Haloperidol (Haldol)– Risperidone (Risperdal)– Olanzapine (Zyprexa)– Quetiapine (Seroquel)