Delirium in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit

Effect of Morphine Used to Relieve Dyspnea Due to Heart Failure on Delirium

Background: Delirium management is crucial in palliative care. Morphine effectively relieves dyspnea due to heart failure. However, the effect of morphine, which is used to relieve dyspnea due to heart failure, on the incidence of delirium has not been examined to date. Objective: To evaluate the effect of morphine, which is used to relieve dyspnea due to heart failure, on delirium. Design: Retrospective observational study. Setting/Subjects: Subjects were identified from Osaka University Hospital records, located in Japan, from January 1, 2010, to September 30, 2021. The case group consisted of admissions for heart failure or cardiomyopathy registered in electronic medical records. Morphine was administered to relieve dyspnea due to heart failure, and no surgeries or procedures were performed. The control group consisted of admissions for heart failure or cardiomyopathy in the Diagnosis Procedure Combination (DPC) database, which did not include administration of morphine, oxycodone, or fentanyl during the hospitalization period and patients did not undergo surgery or any other procedure. Measurements: The incidence of delirium was assessed. Results: The odds ratios for morphine in the multivariate logistic regression analysis with propensity score and univariate logistic regression analysis after propensity score matching were 1.406 (95% confidence interval (CI) [0.249-7.957]) and 1.034 (95% CI [0.902-1.185]), respectively. Conclusions: Morphine, which is used to relieve dyspnea due to heart failure, had minimal effect on the incidence of delirium. This information is likely to be beneficial for the future use of morphine in the management of dyspnea in patients with heart failure.

The impact of delirium on clinical and functional outcomes in hospitalized patients with acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Delirium, which is prevalent in critical care settings, remains underexplored in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients in the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU).

AIMS

To investigate the prevalence and clinical significance of delirium in patients with ACS admitted to the CICU.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective study (n = 106, mean age 74.2 ± 5.7 years) assessed delirium using the confusion assessment method-intensive care unit (CAM-ICU) tool in 21.7% of ACS patients during their CICU stay. Baseline characteristics, geriatric conditions and clinical procedures were compared between delirious and nondelirious patients. The outcomes included in-hospital mortality, 30-day and 6-month mortality, acute adverse events and length of CICU stay and hospital stay (LOS).

RESULTS

Delirious patients who were older and had a higher incidence of coronary artery disease underwent more complex procedures (e.g., pacemaker placement). Multivariate analysis identified central venous catheter insertion, urinary catheterization and benzodiazepine use as independent predictors of delirium. Delirium was correlated with prolonged LOS (p < .001) and increased in-hospital, 30-day and 6-month mortality (p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Delirium in ACS patients in the CICU extends hospitalization and increases in-hospital, 30-day and 6-month mortality. Early recognition and targeted interventions are crucial for mitigating adverse outcomes in this high-risk population.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

This study highlights the critical impact of delirium on outcomes in hospitalized patients with ACS in the CICU. Delirium, often overlooked in ACS management, significantly extends hospitalization and increases mortality rates. Nurses and physicians must be vigilant in identifying delirium early, particularly in older ACS patients or those with comorbidities. Recognizing independent predictors such as catheterization and benzodiazepine use allows for targeted interventions to reduce delirium incidence. Integrating routine delirium assessments and preventive strategies into ACS management protocols can improve outcomes, optimize resource utilization and enhance overall patient care in the CICU setting.

Effect of Optimizing Regional Cerebral Oxygen Saturation during Infant Cardiac Surgery on the Incidence of Postoperative Delirium: A Retrospective Study

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of optimizing regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO2) on the incidence of postoperative delirium and surgical outcome in infants with congenital heart disease.

METHODS

Sixty-one infants experienced desaturation in rScO2 of 10% from baseline for more than 30 seconds during surgery between January 2020 and January 2022. Among them, 32 cases (Group A) received the corresponding treatment in the process of desaturation and 29 cases (Group B) were observed without receiving any treatment. General information, cerebral oxygen saturation, the incidence of postoperative delirium, and other relevant clinical data were collected.

RESULTS

The duration and severity of intraoperative rScO2 desaturation in Group A were significantly lower than those in Group B. The incidence of postoperative delirium in Group A was significantly lower than that in Group B. There was no significant difference in the positive screening score for delirium between the two groups. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that the aortic cross-clamp time, mechanical ventilation duration, and severity of intraoperative rScO2 desaturation were significantly correlated with the occurrence of postoperative delirium.

CONCLUSION

Aggressive rScO2 desaturation treatment is associated with a lower incidence of postoperative delirium and improved surgical outcomes.

Delirium is associated with failure to rescue after cardiac surgery

Objective

Postoperative delirium after cardiac surgery is associated with long-term cognitive decline and mortality. We investigated whether increased ICU Confusion Assessment Method scores were associated with greater 30-day mortality and failure to rescue after cardiac surgery.

Methods

We studied 4030 patients who underwent a Society of Thoracic Surgeons index operation at the University of Virginia Health System from 2011 to 2021. We obtained all ICU Confusion Assessment Method scores recorded during patients' admission and summarized scores for the first 7 postoperative days. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyzed the association between ICU Confusion Assessment Method score/delirium presence and postoperative complications, operative mortality, and failure to rescue.

Results

Any episode of ICU Confusion Assessment Method screen-positive delirium and nearly all components of the score were associated with increased 30-day mortality on univariate analysis. We found that a single episode of delirium was associated with increased mortality. Feature 2 (inattention) had the strongest association with poorer outcomes, including failure to rescue in our analysis, as were patients with higher peak Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale scores. Patients with higher mean Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale scores had an association with decreased failure to rescue.

Conclusions

A single episode of delirium, as measured using ICU Confusion Assessment Method scores, is associated with increased mortality. Inattention and higher peak Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale scores were associated with failure to rescue. Screening may clarify diagnosing delirium and assessing its implications on mortality and failure to rescue. Our findings suggest the importance of identifying and managing risk factors for delirium to improve patient outcomes and reduce mortality and failure to rescue rates.

Association between preoperative on-site CCU visits and postoperative delirium in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common complication after cardiac surgery (CS), with symptoms like attention disorders and even delays patients' recovery.

AIMS

To evaluate the impact of preoperative on-site visits in the cardiac care unit (CCU) on POD after CS.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients admitted to the CCU with extracorporeal CS were included in the visiting or non-visiting group according to whether they were on visiting week. The visiting group received a preoperative visit from a nurse-led multidisciplinary visiting team (including CCU nurses and physicians) 1 week before surgery in addition to standard care. The non-visiting group received standard care like unstructured information from the CS team and anesthesiologists and so on. The Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU) and the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC) were used to evaluate the POD severity. The incidence, occurrence and duration of POD, as well as the CCU length of stay, postoperative mechanical ventilation duration and length of hospital stay were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

A total of 735 participants (369 in the visited group and 366 in the unvisited group) were included in this study. Preoperative on-site visits were associated with a decreased POD incidence (odds ratio [OR]: 0.524, 95% CI: 0.336-0.817), an improved POD severity (OR: 0.578, 95% CI: 0.359-0.932) and a shortening POD duration (OR: 0.972, 95% CI: 0.951-0.994). There was a significant difference between the visiting and non-visiting groups in the mechanical ventilation duration (OR: 0.987, 95% CI: 0.978-0.996).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative on-site visits are associated with a reduction in the incidence, duration, and severity of POD, as well as the mechanical ventilation duration of patients.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

This study found that preoperative on-site visits were associated with the onset, duration, severity and duration of mechanical ventilation of POD. Although many factors influence the occurrence of POD, a multidisciplinary visiting team led by a nurse (including CCU nurses and physicians) can provide early nursing interventions through preoperative visits, better obtain postoperative cooperation from patients, establish a good nurse-patient relationship and provide better health services to patients. In a realistic CCU setting, nurses and physicians can act as educators, assessing patients before surgery, enhancing preoperative education, improving patient familiarity with the CCU environment and teaching sign language communication skills when patients are mechanically ventilated. These findings can therefore provide the basis for effective clinical care to prevent postoperative POD.

To evaluate serum cortisol levels in patients with alcohol withdrawal delirium v/s patients with delirium due to any other disorder

Background

Delirium is an acute confusional state characterized by changes in the mental status, level of consciousness, impaired cognition, and inattention. It can develop within hours or days. Cortisol release from the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) is vital for the host survival in stress. Biomarkers are used as an indicator of pathogenic processes or to assess the responses to a therapeutic intervention. To improve delirium recognition and care, investigators have identified possible biomarkers that may help in diagnosing individuals with delirium, assessing the severity of delirium. Cortisol has been suggested as biomarker for the diagnosis of delirium.

Aims and Objectives

To evaluate and compare levels of serum cortisol in patients with alcohol withdrawal delirium with delirium due to other disorders.

Materials and Methods

It was a cross-sectional prospective observational study. A total of 30 patients in Group A and 32 in Group B were included. The participants were evaluated based on delirium rating scale (DRS).

Results

It was seen that in alcohol withdrawal delirium group, there was significant positive correlation between DRS score and serum cortisol level, i.e., with increase in DRS score, there was increase in serum cortisol levels and vice versa.

Conclusion

Serum cortisol levels are associated and directly correlate with the occurrence and severity of delirium. Further studies are needed to elucidate the implications of this association for diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnostic accuracy of the "4 A's Test" delirium screening tool for the postoperative cardiac surgery ward

BACKGROUND

Delirium is prevalent and underdetected among cardiac surgery patients on the postoperative ward. This study aimed to validate the 4 A's Test delirium screening tool and evaluate its accuracy both when used by research assistants and when subsequently implemented by nursing staff on the ward.

METHODS

This single-center, prospective observational study evaluated the performance of the 4 A's Test administered by research assistants (phase 1) and nursing staff (phase 2). Assessments were undertaken during the patients' first 3 postoperative days on the postcardiac surgery ward along with previous routine nurse-led Confusion Assessment Method assessments. These index tests were compared with a reference standard diagnosis of delirium based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition criteria. Surveys regarding delirium screening were administered to nurses pre- and postimplementation of the 4 A's Test in phase 2 of the study.

RESULTS

In phase 1, a total of 137 patients were enrolled, of whom 24.8% experienced delirium on the postoperative cardiac ward. The 4 A's Test had a sensitivity of 85% (95% confidence interval, 73-93) and a specificity of 90% (95% confidence interval, 85-93) compared with the reference standard. The nurse-assessed Confusion Assessment Method had a sensitivity of 23% (95% confidence interval, 13-37) and specificity of 100% (95% confidence interval, 99-100). In phase 2, nurses (n = 51) screened 179 patients for delirium using the 4 A's Test. Compared with the reference rater, the 4 A's Test had a sensitivity of 58% (95% confidence interval, 28-85) and specificity of 94% (95% confidence interval, 85-98). Postimplementation, 64% of nurses thought that the 4 A's Test improved their confidence in delirium detection, and 76% of nurses would consider routine 4 A's Test use.

CONCLUSIONS

The 4 A's Test demonstrated moderate sensitivity and high specificity to detect delirium in a real-world setting after cardiac surgery on the postoperative ward. A modified model of use with less frequent administration, along with increased engagement of the postoperative team, is recommended to improve early delirium detection on the cardiac surgery postoperative ward.

Associations of albumin and nutritional index factors with delirium in patients admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit

Background

Limited data are available on the association of malnutrition with the occurrence of delirium in the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU). Thus, we aimed to analyze whether nutritional indices and their components can predict the development of delirium in CICU.

Methods

We enrolled 2,783 patients admitted to the CICU of Samsung Medical Center for more than 24 h between September 2012 and December 2018. We assessed the nutritional status at admission using three indices, the Prognostic Nutrition Index (PNI), the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), and the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT). Then, we compared predictive performances for the occurrence of delirium among nutritional indices using Delong's test.

Results

Delirium developed in 678 patients (24.3%) assessed three times daily for 7 days of CICU stay. Nutritional indices had fair predictive performance for development of delirium in critically ill cardiac patients using the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUROC: 0.729 for the GNRI, 0.728 for PNI, and 0.762 for CONUT). Furthermore, the AUROC of albumin alone (0.77, 95% CI, 0.75-0.79) was significantly greater than that of either GNRI (p < 0.001) or PNI (p < 0.001). In a multivariable analysis including each component of nutritional indices, albumin was a significant predictor for delirium but not absolute lymphocyte count, bodyweight/ideal bodyweight, or total cholesterol level as a component of nutritional indices.

Conclusion

Predictive performances of nutritional indices for the occurrence of delirium were acceptable in patients admitted to CICU. Albumin alone might be a helpful and straightforward indicator for the occurrence of delirium.

Rationale and Design of the TARGET-EFT Trial: Multicomponent Intervention for Frail and Pre-frail Patients Hospitalized with Acute Cardiac Conditions

BACKGROUND

With the aging population and rising rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD), cardiologists and cardiac surgeons are encountering a growing number of frail older patients that have complex cardiac and non-cardiac issues. Measuring frailty provides valuable prognostic information to help personalize treatment decisions. However, there is minimal evidence on multicomponent frailty interventions in this setting. The TARGET-EFT (The MulTicomponent Acute Intervention in FRail GEriatric PaTients with cardiovascular disease using the Essential Frailty Toolset) trial aims to target physical and non-physical frailty deficits to improve health-related quality of life and hospital-acquired disability in frail patients hospitalized with CVD.

METHODS

The TARGET-EFT trial is a single-center parallel-group randomized clinical trial in frail and pre-frail older adults ≥65 years admitted to the cardiovascular unit (CVU) at the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec. The trial will compare usual inpatient care to a multicomponent intervention targeting physical weakness, cognitive impairment, malnutrition, and anemia. Outcomes of interest in both groups will be assessed at three time points: (1) study enrollment, (2) discharge from the CVU, and (3) 30 days after hospital discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

The overarching goal is to treat patients' frailty in parallel with their CVD, and in doing so, optimize patient functional losses while in-hospital and shortly thereafter. The results of this trial will inform best practices for patient-centered care in this vulnerable patient group.

Understanding the Barriers in Delirium Care in an Intensive Care Unit: A Survey of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Current Practices among Medical Professionals Working in Intensive Care Units in Teaching Hospitals of Central Province, Sri Lanka

Background

Delirium is a common, underdiagnosed, and undertreated condition that increases morbidity and mortality in ICU patients which has an incidence up to 80%. Barriers that hinder optimum care of delirium include inadequate knowledge, poor attitudes, and low perceived importance of delirium care.

Aim

To assess attitudes, knowledge, and current practices related to delirium care among medical professionals working in intensive care units (ICUs) in all teaching hospitals in Central Province, Sri Lanka, as there are no Sri Lankan studies on this regard.

Method

A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among all medical professionals working in nine ICUs in all (n = 5) teaching hospitals in Central Province. Data were collected using a pretested self-administered questionnaire. Responses to questions were compared between postgraduate trainee medical officers (PG-MOs) and non-postgraduate-trainee medical officers (non-PG-MOs).

Results

Eighty-eight questionnaires were analyzed. More than 80% of PGs and non-PG-MOs regarded ICU delirium as significant problem that should be screened and prevented. Forty-one percent stated confidence in diagnosing delirium. However, more than 75% of non-PG-MOs failed to recognize features of hypoactive delirium. Only 30–50% subjects in incorporated preventive methods in usual practice and more than 60% non-PG-MOs had poor knowledge and experience on delirium screening. More than 80% of the participants did not routinely screen their patients. More than 90% non-PG-MOs (p <0.05) had no recent educational exposure.

Conclusion

A positive attitude toward the importance of management of delirium was observed. However, there is a discrepancy between the perceived importance and the current practice related to screening and prevention. Participants, especially non-PG-MOs, lacked knowledge on delirium screening, diagnosis, and identification of risk factors, probably related to a lack of educational exposure.

How to cite this article

Arachchi TMJ, Pinto V. Understanding the Barriers in Delirium Care in an Intensive Care Unit: A Survey of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Current Practices among Medical Professionals Working in Intensive Care Units in Teaching Hospitals of Central Province, Sri Lanka. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(12):1413–1420.

Determining Factors for Independent Walking in Patients Undergoing Cardiovascular Surgery: Differences between Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting, Heart Valve Surgery, and Aortic Surgery

Physical deconditioning often occurs during the acute phase after cardiovascular surgery, and unassisted walking is required to achieve independence, to manage cardiac diseases, and to prevent recurrences. This study aims to investigate the characteristics of independent walking after cardiovascular surgery. We conducted a retrospective cohort study in patients who underwent cardiovascular surgeries (total of 567 patients): 153 in the coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) group, 312 in the heart valve surgery group, and 102 in the aortic surgery group. We evaluated the effect of each surgery group on the cardiac rehabilitation (CR) progression. The factors associated with independent walking were age, renal diseases, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, and post-operative respiratory complications in the CABG group. In the heart valve surgery group, the factors were New York Heart Association functional classification, renal and respiratory diseases, ICU length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilatory support, and post-operative cardiovascular and respiratory complications. In the aortic surgery group, these were ICU length of stay and acute kidney injury. The CR progression in patients who underwent aortic surgery was significantly longer than those who underwent CABG and heart valve surgery (p < 0.001). New intervention strategies are needed for patients with prolonged ICU stays.

Quality of Heart Failure Care in the Intensive Care Unit

Patients with heart failure (HF) who are seen in an intensive care unit (ICU) manifest the highest-risk, most complex and most resource-intensive disease states. These patients account for a large relative proportion of days spent in an ICU. The paradigms by which critical care is provided to patients with HF are being reconsidered, including consideration of various multidisciplinary ICU staffing models and the development of acute-response teams. Traditional HF quality initiatives have centered on the peri- and postdischarge period in attempts to improve adherence to guideline-directed therapies and reduce readmissions. There is a compelling rationale for expanding high-quality efforts in treating patients with HF who are receiving critical care so we can improve outcomes, reduce preventable harm, improve teamwork and resource use, and achieve high health-system performance. Our goal is to answer the following question: For a patient with HF in the ICU, what is required for the provision of high-quality care? Herein, we first review the epidemiology of HF syndromes in the ICU and identify relevant critical care and quality stakeholders in HF. We next discuss the tenets of high-quality care for patients with HF in the ICU that will optimize critical care outcomes, such as ICU staffing models and evidence-based management of cardiac and noncardiac disease. We discuss strategies to mitigate preventable harm, improve ICU culture and conduct outcomes review, and we conclude with our summative vision of high-quality of ICU care for patients with HF; our vision includes clinical excellence, teamwork and ICU culture.

A case of paroxysmal complete atrioventricular block in a COVID-19 patient

Many types of cardiac arrhythmias can occur in people with COVID-19, and these arrhythmias can affect the patient's outcomes. We have experienced paroxysmal complete atrioventricular block in a patient with COVID-19 and would like to share the course of treatment.

Prevalence and Prognosis Impact of Frailty Among Older Adults in Cardiac Intensive Care Units

Background

Whether frailty, defined as a biological syndrome that reflects a state of decreased physiological reserve and vulnerability to stressors, may impact the outcomes of elderly patients admitted to a cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) remains unclear. We aimed to determine the prevalence of frailty and its impact on mortality in patients aged ≥ 80 years admitted to a CICU.

Methods

This prospective single-centre observational study was conducted among patients aged ≥ 80 years admitted to a CICU in a tertiary centre. Frailty was assessed using the Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS), which provides a score ranging from 0 (not frail) to 17 (very frail). The population was divided into 3 classes: EFS-score of 0-3, EFS-score of 4-6, and EFS-score > 7.

Results

A total of 199 patients were included, and median follow-up duration was 365 days. The mean age was 84.8 years, and 50 patients (25.1%) died during the follow-up period. In all, 45 (22.6%), 60 (30.2%), and 94 patients (47.2%) had an EFS-score of 0-3, 4-6, and ≥ 7, respectively. The all-cause mortality rate was 4.4%, 27.1%, and 37.2% in the 0-3, 4-6, and ≥ 7 EFS-score groups, respectively (P < 0.001). After multivariate analysis, frailty status remained associated with all-cause mortality: hazard ratio was 2.60 (95% confidence interval 0.54-12.45) within the 4-6 EFS-score group, and 5.46 (95% confidence interval 1.23-24.08) within the ≥ 7 EFS-score group.

Conclusions

Frailty is highly prevalent in older adults admitted to the population hospitalized in a CICU and represents a strong prognostic factor for 1-year all-cause mortality.

Incidence of delirium in the critical care unit and risk factors in the Central Region, Saudi Arabia

Objectives:

To determine the incidence and risk factors of delirium in the cardiac care unit (CCU) and intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods:

This multicenter prospective observational study was conducted between July 2019 and November 2019 in the central region of Saudi Arabia. All patients admitted to the critical care units were enrolled, and their demographic data and risk factors of delirium were reported.

Results:

A total of 165 patients were included: 76 (46.1%) admitted to the CCU and 89 (53.9%) admitted to the ICU. The mean age was 55.1±18 years, and 45 (27.3%) were women. We found that 24/165 (14.5%) patients developed delirium during admission. Importantly, variables significantly associated with delirium group were female gender: (24.5% versus 10.8%, p=0.028), malnutrition (29.2% versus 5%, p<0.001), the presence of urinary catheter (75% versus 30.5%, p=0.001), septicemia (50% versus 14.9%, p<0.001), intubation (41.7% versus 10.6%, p=0.001), low hemoglobin (10.79±2.91 versus 12.05±2.77, p=048), and prolonged prothrombin time (PT) (15.87±5.17 versus 13.60±3.28, p=0.011).

Conclusion:

The incidence of delirium was 14.5% among patients admitted to critical care units in the central region of Saudi Arabia. Septicemia, prolonged PT, malnutrition, and urinary catheter are significant predictors of delirium.

New challenges in cardiac intensive care units

Critical care cardiology is a steadily and rapidly developing sub-specialization within cardiovascular medicine, since the first emergence of a coronary care unit in the early 1960s. Today, modern cardiac intensive care units (CICU) serve a complex patient population with a high burden of cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular critical illnesses. Treatment of these patients requires a multidisciplinary approach, with a combination of highly specialized knowledge and skills in cardiovascular diseases, as well as emergency, critical-care and internal medicine. The CICU has always posed special challenges to both experienced intensivists as well as fellows-in-training (FIT) and is certainly one of the most demanding training phases. In recent years, these challenges have grown significantly owing to technological innovations, with new and steadily rising numbers of complex interventional procedures and new options for temporary circulatory support for critically ill patients, such as venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). Herein, we focus on the successful CICU management of these special patient cohorts, which must become an integral part of critical-care training.

Cardiac Delirium Index for Predicting the Occurrence of Postoperative Delirium in Adult Patients After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Background

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a serious complication of cardiac surgery. It is an acute neuropsychiatric syndrome. The aim of this study was to analyze the CARDEL Index, composed of advancing age, preoperative glycated hemoglobin and the platelet-to-WBC ratio (PWR) previously described and calculated, using a different patient database, to assess its usefulness as a marker for predicting postoperative delirium after coronary artery by-pass grafting (CABG).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 1098 patients who underwent, isolated CABG procedures between 2017 and 2019 was performed.

Results

Within the study group, 164/1098 (14.93%) patients were diagnosed with delirium. Preoperative inflammatory parameters were elevated in patients with delirium: White Blood Cell count (p=0.003), Neutrophil count (p=0.016) and C-reactive protein (p<0.001). A decrease in preoperative PWR was shown in patients with delirium (p=0.008). Delirious patients spent more time mechanically ventilated (p<0.001) and had longer hospitalization times (p=0.002). Mortality at 1 year was significantly higher in patients with POD (p<0.001). The CARDEL Index in this study group for POD detection has the largest area under the curve (AUC) of 0.664 (p<0.001) and a cut-off value of 8.08.

Conclusion

CARDEL Index may be treated as a potentially valuable tool for delirium prediction in patients after CABG.

Diagnosis, prevention, and management of delirium in the intensive cardiac care unit

Delirium is a frequent complication in patients admitted to intensive cardiac care units (ICCU) with potentially severe consequences including increased risks of mortality, cognitive impairment and dependence at discharge, and longer times on mechanical ventilation and hospital stay. Delirium has been widely documented and studied in general intensive care units and in patients after cardiac surgery, but it has barely been studied in acute nonsurgical cardiac patients. Moreover, delirium (especially in its hypoactive form) is commonly misdiagnosed. We propose a protocol for delirium prevention and management in ICCUs. A daily comprehensive assessment to improve detection should be done using validated scales (ie, confusion assessment method). Preventive measures are particularly relevance and constitute the basis of treatment as well, acting on reversible risk factors, including environmental interventions, such as quiet time, sleep promotion, family support, communication, and adequate treatment of pain and dyspnea. Pharmacological prophylaxis is not indicated with the exception of patients at risk of withdrawal syndrome but should only be used in patients with confirmed delirium. Dexmedetomidine is the drug of choice in patients with severe agitation, and those weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation. As the complexity of ICCUs increases, clinical scenarios posing challenges for the management of delirium become more frequent. Efforts should be done to improve the identification of patients at risk during admission in order to establish preventive interventions to avoid this complication. Patient-centered protocols will increase the awareness of the healthcare professionals for better prevention and earlier diagnosis and will positively impact on prognosis.

Delirium Among Hospitalized Older Adults With Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation

BACKGROUND

Delirium among older adults hospitalized with acute heart failure is associated with increased mortality. However, studies concomitantly assessing the association of delirium with both clinical and economic outcomes in this population, such as mortality, hospital cost, or length of stay, are lacking.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We conducted a retrospective observational study using National Inpatient Sample data from 2011 to 2014. Using multivariable logistic regression, we assessed the association of delirium with in-hospital mortality, then estimated the incremental hospital cost and excessive length of stay adjusting for demographic and clinical factors using multivariable generalized linear regression. The association of other medical complications on clinical and economic outcomes was also assessed. A total of 568,565 (weighted N = 2,826,131) hospitalizations of patients 65 years or older with acute heart failure from 2011 to 2014 were included in the final analysis. The reported prevalence of delirium was 4.53%. After multivariable adjustment, delirium was associated with a 2.35-fold increase in the odds of in-hospital mortality (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.23-2.47), which was lower than the odds ratio for sepsis/septicemia (5.36; 95% CI, 5.02-5.72) or respiratory failure (4.53; 95% CI, 4.38-4.69), but similar to that for acute kidney injury (2.39; 95% CI, 2.31-2.48) and higher than for non-ST elevation myocardial infarct (1.57; 95% CI, 1.46-1.68). Delirium increased the total hospital cost by $4,262 (95% CI, $4,002-4,521) and the length of stay by 1.73 days (95% CI, 1.68-1.78), which was slightly lower than, but similar to, acute kidney injury ($4,771; 95% CI, $4,644-4,897) and 1.82 days (95% CI, 1.79-1.84), and higher than non-ST elevation myocardial infarct ($1,907; 95% CI, $1,629-2,185) and 0.31 days (95% CI, 0.25-0.37).

CONCLUSIONS

Delirium was associated with increased in-hospital mortality, total hospital cost, and length of stay, and the magnitude of the effect was similar to that for acute kidney injury. Enhanced efforts to prevent delirium are needed to decrease its adverse impact on clinical and economic outcomes for hospitalized older adults with acute heart failure.

Intervenção não farmacológica no manejo de delirium: uma revisão bibliográfica integrativa

Resumo Introdução O delirium é um quadro clínico complexo caracterizado por uma expressão neuropsiquiátrica de doença orgânica, em que o indivíduo apresenta súbita alteração da capacidade cognitiva, possíveis flutuações do sono, consciência e atenção. O tratamento do delirium deve ser realizado por meio de uma abordagem multicomponente e interdisciplinar. Objetivo Conhecer as intervenções não farmacológicas para o manejo de delirium por equipe multiprofissional e aquelas conduzidas especificamente pelo terapeuta ocupacional. Método Revisão bibliográfica integrativa da literatura indexada nas bases Lilacs, Pubmed, Scopus e Web of Science e SciELO sem recorte temporal. Resultados As intervenções visavam o empoderamento e a participação de todos os agentes envolvidos no tratamento do paciente com delirium. Destacaram-se estratégias voltadas para: o aumento da autonomia e da independência do paciente; adequação das condições ambientais, de modo a promover segurança, conforto, familiaridade e orientação temporal-espacial; adaptação da rotina para favorecer o ciclo sono-vigília; estimulação física, cognitiva e sensorial; melhora do desempenho ocupacional e estímulo à realização de atividades significativas; prescrição de recursos de tecnologia assistiva e terapias complementares, quando indicado; avaliação e monitoramento constante do paciente; controle da dor, de sintomas emocionais e de condições clínicas que predispõem ao delirium; melhora da comunicação do paciente e sua vinculação com a equipe e com a rede de apoio; e educação em saúde. Conclusão As intervenções visam à integralidade do cuidado e devem, portanto, ser realizadas pelos diferentes profissionais que componham a equipe, destacando-se o papel que os terapeutas ocupacionais exercem no gerenciamento do delirium.

Prevention of Complications in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Contemporary cardiac intensive care units (CICUs) have an increasing prevalence of noncardiovascular comorbidities and multisystem organ dysfunction. However, little guidance exists to support the development of best-practice principles specific to the CICU. This scientific statement evaluates strategies to avoid the potentially preventable complications encountered within contemporary CICUs, focusing on those that are most applicable to the CICU environment. This scientific statement reviews evidence-based practices derived in non–CICU populations, assesses their relevance to CICU practice, and highlights key knowledge gaps warranting further investigation to attenuate patient risk.

Cardiopulmonary Arrest Following a Single 25 Mg Dose of Quetiapine: A Case Report

Introduction

Quetiapine is commonly used in intensive care units (ICU) to treat delirium. Cardiopulmonary arrest caused by low dose quetiapine is unreported. Only two cases in the literature have reported acute respiratory failure after single doses of 50mg and 100mg respectively. We report a case of cardiopulmonary arrest in a patient after the administration of a single 25mg dose of quetiapine.

Case presentation

A 72-year-old Chinese female with multiple cardiovascular co-morbidities was admitted to the ICU intubated, following complications from an elective endovascular repair of an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. She was alert and extubated the following day. She subsequently showed signs of delirium and was administered a single 25mg dose of oral quetiapine. Seven hours after ingestion, she developed type 2 respiratory failure and eventually cardiopulmonary arrest. She was successfully resuscitated and other causes for cardiopulmonary arrest were excluded. Twenty-four hours following her cardiopulmonary arrest, her respiratory failure had completely reversed and she was extubated uneventfully.

Conclusion

This case report demonstrates that a single dose of oral quetiapine 25mg is sufficient to cause respiratory failure and cardiopulmonary arrest. Caution is advised when prescribing quetiapine in the elderly, especially in those with impaired drug clearance.

Prolonged Refractory ICU Delirium Successfully Treated With Valproic Acid: Case Report and Literature Review

Intensive care unit (ICU) delirium is characterized by acute onset of cerebral dysfunction with a change or fluctuation in baseline mental status. Delirium management includes non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment. However at times, alternative pharmacologic treatment is warranted. Valproic acid (VPA) is a potential pharmacologic agent that can be utilized to treat ICU delirium, though there is a paucity of evidence for its use, especially in patients with a history of substance abuse. We review the literature on VPA use in ICU delirium, and describe a challenging case of a 27-year-old female with a history of substance abuse experiencing hyperactive ICU delirium for greater than a month, refractory to multiple treatment modalities, and successfully treated with VPA therapy.

Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Delirium in Elderly Surgical Patients: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this meta-analysis is to assess the effect of dexmedetomidine on delirium in elderly surgical patients.

DATA SOURCES

The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were searched (January 1, 2000, to February 4, 2020) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

RCTs without language restrictions were included if delirium incidence was assessed in elderly surgical patients receiving dexmedetomidine. Intervention and basic information were extracted.

DATA SYNTHESIS

21 studies were included. Dexmedetomidine reduced delirium occurrence (risk ratio [RR] = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.45 to 0.67) in elderly surgical patients with sufficient evidence from trial sequential analysis. Dexmedetomidine did not prevent delirium incidence for cardiac surgery (RR = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.44 to 1.15) with insufficient evidence. Dexmedetomidine decreased mortality incidence (RR = 0.47; 95% CI = 0.25 to 0.89), shortened the length of intensive care unit (ICU; standard mean difference [SMD] = -0.46) and hospital stays (SMD = -0.41), and increased bradycardia incidence (RR = 1.60).

RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE

This review revealed that dexmedetomidine could reduce delirium incidence for elderly noncardiac surgical patients, and the effect of dexmedetomidine on delirium for elderly cardiac surgical patients needs further studies to guide clinicians.

CONCLUSION

Dexmedetomidine reduced delirium incidence in elderly surgical patients. The efficacy of dexmedetomidine on delirium for elderly cardiac surgical patients warrants further studies. Furthermore, dexmedetomidine was associated with an increased bradycardia incidence, shorter length of ICU/hospital stays, and a lower incidence of mortality.

Delirium in Cardiac Intensive Care Unit

Delirium is a multifactorial syndrome and is described as an acute brain dysfunction seen commonly in post-cardiac surgery patients. The prevalence of post-operative Delirium (POD) ranges from 11.4% to 55%, depending on the diagnostic tool and type of study. Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) and the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC) are the two most used and recommended tools by the Society of Intensive Care Medicine. Annual delirium-related healthcare costs in the United States (US) range from 6.6 to 20.4 billion USD in ICU patients. However, delirium in cardiac ICU (CICU) is underdiagnosed and warrants vigorous workup. The risk factors for delirium in CICU can be classified as modifiable, non-modifiable, and cardiac surgical causes. After cardiac procedures, delirium is associated with increased mortality, increased length of hospital stay, loss of functional independence, increased hospital costs, and an independent predictor of death 10 years postoperatively. Non-pharmacological measures such as avoiding delirium-risk medications, early physical rehabilitation, occupational therapy, and sleep improvement strategies have shown significant benefits in decreasing delirium. Pharmacological options are limited for use in CICU, and a need for future studies in this topic is in demand.

The prevalence rates and adversities of delirium: Too common and disadvantageous

Objective

The prevalence rates and adversities of delirium have not yet been systematically evaluated and are based on selected populations, limited sample sizes, and pooled studies. Therefore, this study assesses the prevalence rates and outcome of and odds ratios for managing services for delirium.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) 5, the Delirium Observation Screening (DOS) scale, and the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC) construct, 28,118 patients from 35 managing services were included, and the prevalence rates and adverse outcomes were determined by simple logistic regressions and their corresponding odds ratios (ORs).

Results

Delirious patients were older, admitted from institutions (OR 3.44–5.2), admitted as emergencies (OR 1.87), hospitalized twice longer, and discharged, transferred to institutions (OR 5.47–6.6) rather than home (OR 0.1), or deceased (OR 43.88). The rate of undiagnosed delirium was 84.2%. The highest prevalence rates were recorded in the intensive care units (47.1–84.2%, pooled 67.9%); in the majority of medical services, rates ranged from 20% to 40% (pooled 26.2%), except, at both ends, palliative care (55.9%), endocrinology (8%), and rheumatology (4.4%). Conversely, in surgery and its related services, prevalence rates were lower (pooled 13.1%), except for cardio- and neurosurgical services (53.3% and 46.4%); the lowest prevalence rate was recorded in obstetrics (2%).

Significance of results

Delirium remains underdiagnosed, and novel screening approaches are required. Furthermore, this study identified the impact of delirium on patients, determined the prevalence rates for 32 services, and elucidated the association between individual services and delirium.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivorship: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Cardiac arrest systems of care are successfully coordinating community, emergency medical services, and hospital efforts to improve the process of care for patients who have had a cardiac arrest. As a result, the number of people surviving sudden cardiac arrest is increasing. However, physical, cognitive, and emotional effects of surviving cardiac arrest may linger for months or years. Systematic recommendations stop short of addressing partnerships needed to care for patients and caregivers after medical stabilization. This document expands the cardiac arrest resuscitation system of care to include patients, caregivers, and rehabilitative healthcare partnerships, which are central to cardiac arrest survivorship.

Age, preoperative higher serum cortisol levels, and lower serum acetylcholine levels predict delirium after percutaneous coronary intervention in acute coronary syndrome patients accompanied with renal dysfunction

BACKGROUND

The objective of the study is to investigate the incidence and risk factors of delirium after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients accompanied with renal dysfunction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a prospective and cohort study, performed in a medical center from July 2014 to June 2017, which enrolled ACS patients accompanied with renal dysfunction who were treated with PCI. Univariate analysis and binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine the incidence and risk factors of delirium.

RESULTS

Data were analyzed from 119 patients. The 7-day incidence of delirium after PCI in ACS patients accompanied with renal dysfunction was 15.97% (n = 19/119). The binary logistic regression analysis results indicate that age (odd ratio [OR] 1.463; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.070-2.001; P = 0.017), preoperative higher serum cortisol (COR) (OR 1.025; 95% CI 1.002-1.048; P = 0.030), and lower serum acetylcholine (Ach) (OR 0.965; 95% CI 0.937-0.993; P = 0.016) were significant differences in delirium and nondelirium groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Age, preoperative higher serum COR levels, and lower serum Ach levels were independent risk factors for delirium after PCI in ACS patients accompanied with renal dysfunction.

Older Adults in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit: Factoring Geriatric Syndromes in the Management, Prognosis, and Process of Care: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Longevity is increasing, and more adults are living to the stage of life when age-related biological factors determine a higher likelihood of cardiovascular disease in a distinctive context of concurrent geriatric conditions. Older adults with cardiovascular disease are frequently admitted to cardiac intensive care units (CICUs), where care is commensurate with high age-related cardiovascular disease risks but where the associated geriatric conditions (including multimorbidity, polypharmacy, cognitive decline and delirium, and frailty) may be inadvertently exacerbated and destabilized. The CICU environment of procedures, new medications, sensory overload, sleep deprivation, prolonged bed rest, malnourishment, and sleep is usually inherently disruptive to older patients regardless of the excellence of cardiovascular disease care. Given these fundamental and broad challenges of patient aging, CICU management priorities and associated decision-making are particularly complex and in need of enhancements. In this American Heart Association statement, we examine age-related risks and describe some of the distinctive dynamics pertinent to older adults and emerging opportunities to enhance CICU care. Relevant assessment tools are discussed, as well as the need for additional clinical research to best advance CICU care for the already dominating and still expanding population of older adults.