Bowman EML, Brummel NE, Caplan GA, Cunningham C, Evered LA, Fiest KM, Girard TD, Jackson TA, LaHue SC, Lindroth HL, Maclullich AMJ, McAuley DF, Oh ES, Oldham MA, Page VJ, Pandharipande PP, Potter KM, Sinha P, Slooter AJC, Sweeney AM, Tieges Z, Van Dellen E, Wilcox ME, Zetterberg H, Cunningham EL. Advancing specificity in delirium: The delirium subtyping initiative.
Alzheimers Dement 2024;
20:183-194. [PMID:
37522255 PMCID:
PMC10917010 DOI:
10.1002/alz.13419]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Delirium, a common syndrome with heterogeneous etiologies and clinical presentations, is associated with poor long-term outcomes. Recording and analyzing all delirium equally could be hindering the field's understanding of pathophysiology and identification of targeted treatments. Current delirium subtyping methods reflect clinically evident features but likely do not account for underlying biology.
METHODS
The Delirium Subtyping Initiative (DSI) held three sessions with an international panel of 25 experts.
RESULTS
Meeting participants suggest further characterization of delirium features to complement the existing Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision diagnostic criteria. These should span the range of delirium-spectrum syndromes and be measured consistently across studies. Clinical features should be recorded in conjunction with biospecimen collection, where feasible, in a standardized way, to determine temporal associations of biology coincident with clinical fluctuations.
DISCUSSION
The DSI made recommendations spanning the breadth of delirium research including clinical features, study planning, data collection, and data analysis for characterization of candidate delirium subtypes.
HIGHLIGHTS
Delirium features must be clearly defined, standardized, and operationalized. Large datasets incorporating both clinical and biomarker variables should be analyzed together. Delirium screening should incorporate communication and reasoning.
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