Peculiaridades del síndrome confusional agudo en el anciano / Peculiarities of the acute confusional syndrome in the elderly

El síndrome confusional agudo resulta una manifestación clínica frecuente de las enfermedades agudas o de la toxicidad por fármacos en el anciano, con elevadas morbilidad y mortalidad. Este se origina por discapacidad funcional y se caracteriza por un cambio agudo y fluctuante en el estado mental, con desatención y niveles de conciencia alterados por un periodo inferior a 3 meses, aunque puede prolongarse más tiempo. Se le considera una urgencia médica de causa orgánica demostrable y potencialmente reversible, con un diagnóstico eminentemente clínico. En la presente investigación se describe cómo se manifiesta la confusión aguda en los ancianos, cuáles son los factores predisponentes y desencadenantes en su aparición y cuál tratamiento puede ser adecuado si se diagnostica el cuadro clínico y sus factores causales de manera oportuna

The acute confusional syndrome is a frequent clinical feature of acute diseases or drug toxicity in elderly, with high morbidity and mortality. This originates due to functional disability and is characterized by an acute and fluctuating change in the mental state, with inattentiveness and altered conscience levels during less than 3 months, although it can be prolonged for longer time. It is considered a medical emergency of demonstrable and potentially reversible organic cause, with an essentially clinical diagnosis. In this investigation it is described how the acute confusion is manifested in elderly, which are the predisposing and triggering factors in its emergence and which treatment can be adequate if the clinical pattern and its causal factors are diagnosed in an appropriate way

Carbon monoxide toxicity with neurological and cardiac complications

A family suffered carbon monoxide toxicity, with cerebral and / or cardiac complications, while sleeping in the cabin on a recreational boat. This article describes a couple exposed to a malfunctioning air-conditioning system on the boat, which subsequently developed the unique combination of cerebral symptoms and a non Q/non-ST elevation myocardial infarction, with enzyme elevations and electrocardiographic abnormalities. This interesting complication of a myocardial infarction secondary to carbon monoxide toxicity, associated with neurological manifestations, is reviewed.