Síndrome confusional agudo y confusional subsindromático en terapia intensiva: evolución intrahospitalaria y a los tres meses del alta / Delirium and subsyndromal delirium in the intensive care unit: In-hospital outcomes and prognosis at discharge

Antecedentes y objetivo Las características y la evolución de los pacientes con confusional subsindromático (CSS) en la internación aún continúa en discusión. El objetivo fue describir la incidencia de síndrome confusional agudo (SCA) y CSS en terapia intensiva (UTI), analizar su asociación con la presencia de factores de riesgo y explorar diferencias en la evolución hospitalaria y a los tres meses del alta. Pacientes y métodos Estudio prospectivo con seguimiento telefónico tres meses luego del alta. Se aplicó el CAM-ICU para definir tres grupos: sin delirio (de referencia), CSS y SCA. Resultados En 270 pacientes, el 22,96% presentaron SCA y el 17,03%, CSS. Factores relacionados con mayor riesgo de SCA: deterioro cognitivo (p=0,000), edad ≥75años (p=0,019), motivo de ingreso neurológico (p=0,003), shock (p=0,043), escaras (p=0,010), polifarmacia (0,017), ARM (p=0,001) y reposo digestivo (p=0,028); con mayor riesgo de CSS: baja escolaridad (p=0,014), Charlson >5 (p=0,028), AIVD <8 (p=0,001), alimentación enteral (p=0,000) y motivo de ingreso no cardiovascular (p=0,019). La mortalidad global fue del 6% en el grupo sin delirio, del 8% en CSS (p=0,516) y del 30% en SCA (p=0,000). La mediana de internación en UTI fue de 2días (rango 1-2) en el grupo sin delirio, 3 (2-4) días en CSS (p=0,0001) y 3 (2-7) días en SCA (p=0,0001). A los tres meses del alta, las AIVD estaban conservadas en el 50% del grupo sin delirio, en el 30% de CSS (p=0,026) y en el 26% de SCA (p=0,005). Conclusiones El CSS presentó un pronóstico intermedio entre el grupo sin delirio y el SCA. Se aconseja su diagnóstico para mejor clasificación de riesgo (AU)

Background and objective The characteristics and outcomes of patients with subsyndromal delirium (SSD) at hospitalization are still under discussion. The objectives were to describe the incidence of delirium and SSD in the intensive care unit (ICU), to analyze the association with risk factors and to explore outcomes of delirium and SSD at hospitalization and three months after discharge. Patients and methods A prospective study, with telephone follow-up three months after discharge. The study included 270 patients over one year. Delirium and SSD were assessed with the CAM-ICU. Results 22.96% developed delirium and 17.03% SSD. The main risk factors associated with the development of delirium were cognitive impairment (P=.000), age ≥75years (P=.019), neurological admission (P=.003), shock (P=.043), bedsores (P=.010), polypharmacy (P=.017), ARM (P=.001) and fast (P=.028), and with the development of SSD were low schooling (P=.014), Charlson >5 (P=.028), AIVD <8 (P=.001), enteral feeding (P=.000) and non-cardiovascular admission (P=.019). Overall mortality was 6% in the group without delirium (reference), 8% in SSD (P=.516) and 30% in delirium (P=.000). Median ICU length of stay was 2 (IQR, 1-2) days in the group without delirium, 3 (IQR, 2-4) days in SSD (P=.0001), and 3 (IQR, 2-7) days in delirium group (P=.0001). Three months after discharge, instrumental ADL were preserved in 50% of the group without delirium, 30% of SSD (P=.026) and 26% of delirium (P=.005). Conclusions The SSD group presented an intermediate prognosis between no delirium and delirium groups. It is advisable to promote its diagnosis for better risk classification (AU)

Delirium and subsyndromal delirium in the intensive care unit: In-hospital outcomes and prognosis at discharge. / Síndrome confusional agudo y confusional subsindromático en terapia intensiva: evolución intrahospitalaria y a los tres meses del alta.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The characteristics and outcomes of patients with subsyndromal delirium (SSD) at hospitalization are still under discussion. The objectives were to describe the incidence of delirium and SSD in the intensive care unit (ICU), to analyze the association with risk factors and to explore outcomes of delirium and SSD at hospitalization and three months after discharge. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study, with telephone follow-up three months after discharge. The study included 270 patients over one year. Delirium and SSD were assessed with the CAM-ICU. RESULTS: 22.96% developed delirium and 17.03% SSD. The main risk factors associated with the development of delirium were cognitive impairment (P=.000), age ≥75years (P=.019), neurological admission (P=.003), shock (P=.043), bedsores (P=.010), polypharmacy (P=.017), ARM (P=.001) and fast (P=.028), and with the development of SSD were low schooling (P=.014), Charlson >5 (P=.028), AIVD <8 (P=.001), enteral feeding (P=.000) and non-cardiovascular admission (P=.019). Overall mortality was 6% in the group without delirium (reference), 8% in SSD (P=.516) and 30% in delirium (P=.000). Median ICU length of stay was 2 (IQR, 1-2) days in the group without delirium, 3 (IQR, 2-4) days in SSD (P=.0001), and 3 (IQR, 2-7) days in delirium group (P=.0001). Three months after discharge, instrumental ADL were preserved in 50% of the group without delirium, 30% of SSD (P=.026) and 26% of delirium (P=.005). CONCLUSIONS: The SSD group presented an intermediate prognosis between no delirium and delirium groups. It is advisable to promote its diagnosis for better risk classification.

Estudio del síndrome confusional agudo en los registros de enfermería en pacientes geriátricos hospitalizados con interconsulta a psiquiatría / Study of delirium based on nursing records in hospitalized geriatric patients with psychiatric interconsultation

Objetivos: Analizar, a partir de los registros de enfermería, las variables asociadas con la aparición del síndrome confusional agudo (SCA) en pacientes geriátricos de un hospital general.Metodología:Estudio descriptivo transversal y retrospectivo realizado en el Hospital Royo Villanova, de Zaragoza, entre 2011-2014. Población de estudio: N = 881 diagnosticados de SCA (2,2% del total de ingresos); se obtuvo una muestra total de n = 79 pacientes de 60 años o más, con diagnóstico de SCA por psiquiatría de enlace.Resultados:La edad media de los pacientes fue de 82,8 años. La detección de SCA se realizó en los pacientes tras 1,1 a 3,5 días de media desde el ingreso. Las puntuaciones del Índice de Barthel fueron de 40,9 a 60,8. Los fallecimientos durante el episodio de SCA fueron entre el 10,3% y el 15%. El cuadro de SCA fue mayoritariamente de tipo hiperactivo y se inició por la noche y por la tarde. Los síntomas más frecuentes de SCA registrados por enfermería fueron alteraciones motoras (agitación, inquietud) y desorientación.Conclusión:Enfermería registra el SCA antes de la petición de colaboración al servicio de psiquiatría, la cual se da en escaso número. Estos registros son precisos y certeros y coinciden con los términos médicos. Serían necesarios nuevos estudios de investigación que permitan minimizar el infradiagnóstico y no solo detectar SCA del tipo hiperactivo, ya que todos conducen a aumentar la morbimortalidad de nuestros pacientes. (AU)

Objectives: To analyze, from the nursing records, the variables associated with the appearance of Acute Confusional Syndrome (here after SCA) in geriatric patients of a general hospital in the city of Zaragoza.Methodology:Descriptive cross-sectional and retrospective study conducted at the Royo Villanova hospital in Zaragoza between 2011-2014. Study population: N = 881 diagnosed with ACS (2.2% of total income). A total sample of n = 79 was obtained, patients ≥ 60 years, with a diagnosis of ACS by Link Psychiatry.Results:The average age of the patients was 82.8 years. The detection of ACS was performed in patients after 1.1 to 3.5 days on average from admission. Barthel Index scores were 40.9 to 60.8. The exitus during the episode of ACS were 10.3% / 15%. The SCA chart was mostly hyperactive and debuted at night and in the afternoon. The most frequent symptoms of ACS recorded by nursing were motor disorders (agitation, restlessness) and disorientation.Conclusions:Nursing usually register ACS before the request for collaboration to the psychiatry service, which occurs rarely. Besides these records are accurate and match with the medical terms. New research studies are required to minimize underdiagnosis and not only to detect hyperactivity ACS because all types lead to increased morbidity and mortality of our patients. (AU)

Prospective Study of Factors Associated With Postoperative Delirium After Urgent Abdominal Surgery. / Estudio prospectivo de los factores asociados al delirium en el postoperatorio de la cirugía abdominal urgente.

INTRODUCTION: Delirium is a frequent complication in elderly patients after urgent abdominal surgery. METHODS: Prospective study of consecutive patients aged ≥65years who had undergone urgent abdominal surgery from 2017-2019. The following variables were recorded: age, sex, ASA, physiological state, cognitive impairment, frailty (FRAIL Scale), functional dependence (Barthel Scale), quality of life (Euroqol-5D-VAS), nutritional status (MNA-SF), preoperative diagnosis, type of surgery (BUPA Classification), approach and diagnosis of postoperative delirium (Confusion Assessment Method). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to analyze the correlation of these variables with delirium. RESULTS: The study includes 446 patients with a median age of 78years, 63.6% were ASA ≥III and 8% had prior cognitive impairment. 13.2% were frail and 5.4% of the patients had a severe or total degree of dependence. 13.6% developed delirium in the postoperative period. In the univariate analysis, all the variables were statistically significant except for sex, type of surgery (BUPA) and duration. In the multivariate analysis the associated factors were: age (P<.001; OR: 1,08; 95%CI: 1,038-1,139), ASA (P=.026; OR: 3.15; 95%CI: 1.149-8.668), physiological state (P<.001; OR: 5.8; 95%CI: 2.176-15.457), diagnosis (P=.006) and cognitive impairment (P<.001; OR: 5.8; 95%CI: 2.391-14.069). CONCLUSION: The factors associated with delirium are age, ASA, physiological state in the emergency room, preoperative diagnosis and prior cognitive impairment.

Electroencephalographic monitoring in the critically ill patient: What useful information can it contribute? / Monitorización electroencefalográfica en el paciente crítico: ¿qué información útil puede aportar?

Monitoring is a crucial part of the care of the critically ill patient. It detects organ dysfunction and provides guidance on the therapeutic approach. Intensivists closely monitor the function of various organ systems, and the brain is no exception. Continuous EEG monitoring is a noninvasive and uninterrupted way of assessing cerebral cortical activity with good spatial and excellent temporal resolution. The diagnostic effectiveness of non-convulsive status epilepticus as a cause of unexplained consciousness disorder has increased the use of continuous EEG monitoring in the neurocritical care setting. However, non-convulsive status epilepticus is not the only indication for the assessment of cerebral cortical activity. This study summarizes the indications, usage and methodology of continuous EEG monitoring in the intensive care unit, with the aim of allowing practitioners to become familiarized the technique.

Emergency electroencephalogram: Usefulness in the diagnosis of nonconvulsive status epilepticus by the on-call neurologist. / Uso de la electroencefalografía urgente por el neurólogo de guardia: utilidad en el diagnóstico del estatus epiléptico no convulsivo.

INTRODUCTION: We aim to describe the use of emergency electroencephalogram (EmEEG) by the on-call neurologist when nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is suspected, and in other indications, in a tertiary hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Observational retrospective cohort study of emergency EEG (EmEEG) recordings with 8-channel systems performed and analysed by the on-call neurologist in the emergency department and in-hospital wards between July 2013 and May 2015. Variables recorded were sex, age, symptoms, first diagnosis, previous seizure and cause, previous stroke, cancer, brain computed tomography, diagnosis after EEG, treatment, patient progress, routine control EEG (rEEG), and final diagnosis. We analysed frequency data, sensitivity, and specificity in the diagnosis of NCSE. RESULTS: The study included 135 EEG recordings performed in 129 patients; 51.4% were men and their median age was 69 years. In 112 cases (83%), doctors ruled out suspected NCSE because of altered level of consciousness in 42 (37.5%), behavioural abnormalities in 38 (33.9%), and aphasia in 32 (28.5%). The EmEEG diagnosis was NCSE in 37 patients (33%), and this was confirmed in 35 (94.6%) as the final diagnosis. In 3 other cases, NCSE was the diagnosis on discharge as confirmed by rEEG although the EmEEG missed this condition at first. EmEEG performed to rule out NCSE showed 92.1% sensitivity, 97.2% specificity, a positive predictive value of 94.6%, and a negative predictive value of 96%. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience finds that, in an appropriate clinical context, EmEEG performed by the on-call neurologist is a sensitive and specific tool for diagnosing NCSE.

Utilidad de la punción lumbar en el paciente con síndrome confusional agudo y fiebre / Usefulness of the lumbar puncture in patients with acute confusional state and fever

Los estados confusionales agudos son motivo de consulta frecuente en pacientes añosos. Se evaluó la utilidad de la punción lumbar en pacientes con fiebre y síndrome confusional agudo (SCA) cuando existe un origen extrameníngeo que explique la fiebre. Criterios de inclusión: pacientes mayores de 50 años, de ambos sexos, con fiebre y SCA admitidos entre junio de 2005 y noviembre de 2006. Se excluyeron pacientes con infección por HIV o que hubieren estado internados en las últimas 72 horas. Se realizó punción lumbar (previa realización de TAC) y se analizó el líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR). Se incluyeron 30 pacientes. 20 pacientes tuvieron una causa extrameníngea demostrada de la fiebre (66.6%). Se diagnosticaron 6 pacientes con meningitis (20%). El análisis bacteriológico directo del LCR fue positivo en 3 pacientes (10%): en 2 casos se aisló un coco gram positivo y en el restante un bacilo gram negativo. El cultivo de LCR fue positivo en dos casos (6.6%): en un caso se aisló un Streptococcus pneumoniae y en otro Escherichia coli. El hallazgo de una causa clara de fiebre no descarta la posibilidad de meningitis concomitante. Se encontró una asociación entre la presencia de hemocultivos positivos y la de meningitis, tanto en un caso de neumonía por Streptococcus neumoniae como en una infección urinaria por Escherichia coli (p=0.0022, test exacto de Fisher). Conclusión: los pacientes añosos con SCA y fiebre podrían requerir la realización de punción lumbar como parte de la evaluación inicial, independientemente de encontrarse una causa extrameníngea de la fiebre.

Acute Confusional State (ACS) is a frequent cause for seeking professional help among elderly patients. We evaluated the usefulness of lumbar puncture in patients with acute confusional state and fever, when an evident extrameningeal cause of fever is present. All patients over 50 years of age, from both sexes, with fever and ACS, who were admitted to hospital in a period between June 2005 and November 2006, were included. Patients with a history of HIV infection and patients who had been hospitalized within the previous 72 hours were excluded. Lumbar puncture was performed, and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was analyzed. Thirty patients were included. Twenty of the included patients (66.6%) had a demonstrable extrameningeal fever cause. Six patients (20%) with meningitis were detected. The CSF bacteriologic smear was positive in 3 patients (10%); in two cases a gram positive coccus was identified and in one case a gram negative bacillus. The CSF culture was positive in two patients (6.6%) for Escherichia coli (o and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The finding of a clear cause for fever does not rule out the possibility of meningitis. We found an association between the positive blood cultures and the presence of meningitis, both in a case of pneumococcal pneumonia and in a case of urinary tract infection due to Escherichia coli (p=0.0022, Fisher’s Exact test). We conclude that all elderly patients with ACS and fever may require performing a lumbar puncture as part of the initial assessment, regardless of the finding of a extrameníngeal cause of fever.

Síndrome confusional agudo postanestesia en el paciente geriátrico de urgencia / Acute confusional postanesthesia in geriatric patient emergency

Introducción: el Síndrome Confusional Agudo o delirio es una enfermedad frecuente, se encuentra entre el 10-15 por ciento de los pacientes médico-quirúrgicos y esta proporción se eleva al 30 por ciento en los pacientes geriátricos. Objetivo: valorar la presencia de Síndrome Confusional Agudo postanestésico o delirio en el geriátrico de urgencia. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, prospectivo en 100 pacientes ancianos atendidos en el servicio de anestesiología del Hospital Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima de Cienfuegos, durante el período enero del 2012 a Junio del 2013. Se identificaron las complicaciones perioperatorias y se aplicó el test de Pfeiffer a los pacientes antes y 1 horas de aplicado el proceder anestésico. Resultados: al aplicar el test de Pfeiffer en los pacientes que recibieron anestesia general se encontró que el mayor número de enfermos presentó deterioro leve en un 42 por ciento, seguido por el deterioro moderado para un 33 por ciento. La anestesia regional mostró mayor número de enfermo sin grado de deterioro. En la distribución de las complicaciones postoperatorias se evidenció que predominó la confusión mental en 30 por ciento de los casos, seguidas de hipotensión, hipertensión y taquicardia en un mayor número de pacientes. Conclusiones: el estado confusional agudo en el paciente atendido por los servicios de urgencia obedece a varios factores en los que el estado previo del enfermo y las diferentes modificaciones a que es sometido el mismo a punto de partida de las exigencias de la intervención quirúrgica son elementos favorecedores de su aparición(AU)

Introduction: The Syndrome Sharp Confusional (SCA) or delirium is a frequent illness, it is among 10-15 percent of the medical patients - surgical, and this proportion rises to 30 percent in the patient geriatrics.Objective: To value the presence of Syndrome Confusional Sharp postanestésico or delirium in the geriatric of urgency. Method: He/she was carried out a descriptive study, prospective in 100 old patients assisted in the service of anesthesiology of the Hospital Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima of Cienfuegos, during the period January of the 2012 to June of the 2013. The complications perioperatorias were identified and the test was applied before from Pfeiffer to the patients and 1 hours of having applied proceeding anesthetic. Results: When applying the test of Pfeiffer in the patients that received general anesthesia it was found that the biggest number of sick persons presented light deterioration in 42 percent, continued by the moderate deterioration for 33 percent. The regional anesthesia howed bigger number of sick without grade of deterioration. In the distribution of the postoperative complications it was evidenced that the mental confusion prevailed in 30 percent of the cases, followed by hypotension, hypertension and taquicardia in a bigger number of patient. Conclusions: The state sharp confusional in the patient assisted by the services of urgency obeys several factors in those that the sick person's previous state and the different modifications to that it is subjected the same one about to departure of the demands of the surgical intervention is elements favorecedores of its appearance(AU)

Comportamiento del Delirium en el anciano. Policlínico "Pedro Fonseca", La Lisa, 2012 / Delirium behavior in the elder. Policlínico "Pedro Fonseca", La Lisa, 2012

Introducción: el Síndrome Confusional Agudo o Delirium es un síndrome cerebral orgánico de etiología multifactorial, caracterizado por alteraciones fluctuantes de la conciencia, atención, percepción, pensamiento, memoria, con incremento o reducción de la actividad psicomotora y un desorden en el ciclo sueño-vigilia. Objetivo: caracterizar los ancianos con delirium, según grupo de edades, sexo y manifestaciones clínicas e identificar las principales causas que le dieron origen. Material y Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo de los pacientes con 60 años o más, quienes asistieron a la consulta de Medicina Interna presentando manifestaciones clínicas de delirium, desde enero hasta diciembre de 2012. La información fue obtenida de las hojas de cargo, así como de entrevistas realizadas a pacientes o familiares, en planillas previamente diseñadas. Universo de estudio 894 pacientes y la muestra 43. Se estudiaron las variables edad, sexo, sus manifestaciones clínicas, exámenes complementarios y las causas que provocaron el delirium. A partir de una hoja de cálculo Excel 2007, se establece la frecuencia por sexos de las variables estudiadas. Resultados: existe un aumento del delirium asociado al factor edad, predominando el sexo femenino; los síntomas de mayor referencia estuvieron relacionados con la actividad motora, trastornos de la memoria, el lenguaje, alucinaciones y obnubilación. Conclusión: el diagnóstico de esta entidad es clínico y se corrobora por complementarios.

Introduction: the Acute confusion syndrome or Delirium is an organic cerebral syndrome with multi causal aetiology characterized fluctuating disorder of consciousness, attention, perception, thinking and memory, with increment or reduction of psychomotor activity and a cycle dream-wakefulness. Objective: to characterize the elder with delirium according to age, gender and clinical manifestation as well as identify the main original causes. Material and Methods: a descriptive trial including patient with 60 year old and elder attended to the Internal Medicine outpatient consult showing clinical manifestation of Delirium from January to December 2012. Information was obtained from the appointment list as well as the forms previously designed. The study´s Universe was 894 patients and the sample included 43 patients. Variables studied were: age, sex, clinical manifestation, lab test and causes that provoking Delirium. From the Excel 2007 calculation sheet were determined the frequency by sex of the studied variables. Results: there is an increasing number of Delirium associated to the age factor mainly represented by female, the main referred clinical symptom were related to the motor activity, memory disorder, language, hallucination and obnubilation. Conclusion: the diagnosis of this entity is clinical and it is prove by complementary test.

Comportamiento del Delirium en el anciano. Policlínico Pedro Fonseca, La Lisa, 2012 / Delirium behavior in the elder. Policlínico Pedro Fonseca, La Lisa, 2012

Introducción: el Síndrome Confusional Agudo o Delirium es un síndrome cerebral orgánico de etiología multifactorial, caracterizado por alteraciones fluctuantes de la conciencia, atención, percepción, pensamiento, memoria, con incremento o reducción de la actividad psicomotora y un desorden en el ciclo sueño-vigilia.Objetivo: caracterizar los ancianos con delirium, según grupo de edades, sexo y manifestaciones clínicas e identificar las principales causas que le dieron origen.Material y Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo de los pacientes con 60 años o más, quienes asistieron a la consulta de Medicina Interna presentando manifestaciones clínicas de delirium, desde enero hasta diciembre de 2012. La información fue obtenida de las hojas de cargo, así como de entrevistas realizadas a pacientes o familiares, en planillas previamente diseñadas. Universo de estudio 894 pacientes y la muestra 43. Se estudiaron las variables edad, sexo, sus manifestaciones clínicas, exámenes complementarios y las causas que provocaron el delirium. A partir de una hoja de cálculo Excel 2007, se establece la frecuencia por sexos de las variables estudiadas. Resultados: existe un aumento del delirium asociado al factor edad, predominando el sexo femenino; los síntomas de mayor referencia estuvieron relacionados con la actividad motora, trastornos de la memoria, el lenguaje, alucinaciones y obnubilación. Conclusión: el diagnóstico de esta entidad es clínico y se corrobora por complementarios(AU)

Introduction: the Acute confusion syndrome or Delirium is an organic cerebral syndrome with multi causal aetiology characterized fluctuating disorder of consciousness, attention, perception, thinking and memory, with increment or reduction of psychomotor activity and a cycle dream-wakefulness. Objective: to characterize the elder with delirium according to age, gender and clinical manifestation as well as identify the main original causes. Material and Methods: a descriptive trial including patient with 60 year old and elder attended to the Internal Medicine outpatient consult showing clinical manifestation of Delirium from January to December 2012. Information was obtained from the appointment list as well as the forms previously designed. The study´s Universe was 894 patients and the sample included 43 patients. Variables studied were: age, sex, clinical manifestation, lab test and causes that provoking Delirium. From the Excel 2007 calculation sheet were determined the frequency by sex of the studied variables. Results: there is an increasing number of Delirium associated to the age factor mainly represented by female, the main referred clinical symptom were related to the motor activity, memory disorder, language, hallucination and obnubilation. Conclusion: the diagnosis of this entity is clinical and it is prove by complementary test(AU)

Prevalencia y factores de riesgo del síndrome confusional agudo en el adulto mayor en emergencias médicas / Risk Factors and Prevalence of the Acute Confusional Syndrome on Elders at Medical Emergencies

Introducción: el síndrome confusional agudo es un problema de salud que afecta al adulto mayor asociado a mayor mortalidad, estadía hospitalaria, y costo para el sistema de salud. Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia del síndrome confusional agudo y los factores predisponentes y precipitantes para su aparición en pacientes ancianos admitidos en el servicio de Medicina Interna. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo de todos los pacientes mayores de 60 años admitidos por el servicio de emergencia del Hospital Universitario Dr. Miguel Enríquez, durante el periodo: enero - diciembre del 2013 empleando el Confusion Assessment Method como instrumento para el diagnóstico del delirium, identificando los factores de riesgo y principales etiologías. Resultados: el delirium estuvo presente en un 22.5 por ciento de los pacientes principalmente entre los 75 - 89 años de edad, predominando entre los factores precipitantes la comorbilidad y la polimedicación y entre los factores desencadenantes las infecciones y los trastornos hidroelectrolíticos. Conclusiones: el síndrome confusional agudo constituyó un problema de salud en el paciente anciano admitido en emergencias(AU)

Introduction: the Acute Confusional Syndrome is a health problem that affects to elders and it is associated to a major mortality, hospital stay and cost to the Health System. Objective: to determine the prevalence of the acute Confusional syndrome and the rushing and tending factors for its appearance in elder patients admitted at Internal Medicine Service. Methods: a descriptive study was done to all the patients older than 60 years that were admitted at Emergencies from Dr. Miguel Enriquez University Hospital, during the period January December, 2013. It was used the Confusion Assessment Method as instrument for the diagnosis of delirium and the main etiologies and risk factors were identified. Results: Delirium was present in 22.5 percent of the patients mainly among the patients with 75 to 89 years old; prevailing the comorbidity and the polymedication and between the trigger factors the infections and hydroelectrolitic disorders. Conclusions: the Acute Confusional Syndrome was a health problem on the elder patient patients admitted at Emergencies(AU)

Factores asociados a síndrome confusional agudo en adultos mayores internados en emergencia de un hospital terciario / Acute confusional state-associated factors in older adults admitted to a tertiary hospital emergency unit

Introducción: El síndrome confusional agudo es un problema frecuente en el adulto mayor, incrementado por patologías agudas. Objetivos: Determinar la frecuencia del síndrome confusional agudo en adultos mayores no críticos hospitalizados en un servicio de emergencia e identificar factores asociados. Diseño: Estudio transversal. Lugar: Servicio de Emergencia del Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins, Lima, Perú. Participantes: Pacientes de 60 años o más. Intervenciones: Siguiendo normas de buenas prácticas clínicas, se entrevistó entre mayo y agosto 2010 a paciente/cuidador de 172 pacientes de 60 años o más, hospitalizados en salas de emergencia; se revisó la historia clínica. Principales medidas de resultados: Detectar síndrome confusional agudo mediante el Confussion Assessment Method. Resultados: La frecuencia de síndrome confusional agudo fue 34,9%, según categoría de adulto mayor: enfermo 6%, frágil 28%, complejo 58% (p<0,001). Se encontró antecedente de demencia en 30% de pacientes con síndrome confusional, deterioro cognitivo previo en 45%, síndrome confusional previo en 40,2%, dependencia funcional parcial 46% y total 39%, deterioro cognitivo moderado 27% y severo 40%. El 41,7% de pacientes con síndrome confusional presentó deshidratación moderada-severa (p=0,001) y 20% sepsis, como diagnósticos de ingreso (p=0,003). Las patologías de ingreso más frecuentes fueron infecciosas, cardiovasculares y metabólicas. No se encontró diferencia significativa en sexo, grado de instrucción, estado civil, pluripatología, hospitalización previa, polifarmacia, estado nutricional, presencia de sonda urinaria o nasogástrica, destino al egreso de emergencia ni estancia hospitalaria. Conclusiones: Existe alta frecuencia de síndrome confusional agudo en adultos mayores hospitalizados en servicios de emergencia, siendo factores asociados la demencia, deterioro cognitivo previo, confusión previa, dependencia funcional, categoría geriátrico complejo, deshidratación moderada-severa y sepsis.

Introduction: Acute confusional state is a frequent problem in the elderly and is increased by acute pathologies. Objectives: To determine the frequency of acute confusional state in non-critical elderly emergency service inpatients and to identify associated factors. Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Emergency Unit, Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins, Lima, Peru. Participants: Sixty-year-old or older patients hospitalized in an emergency unit. Interventions: Between May and August 2010 and according to procedures of good clinical practices, 172 60-year-old or older patients hospitalized in an emergency unit or their caregivers were interviewed and clinical records were reviewed. Main outcome measures: Acute confusional state detection with the Confusion Assessment Method. Results: The frequency of acute confusional state according to category of elderly was 34.9%: ill 6%, fragile 28% and complex 58% (p <0,001). There was history of dementia in 30% of patients with acute confusional state, cognitive previous deterioration in 45%, previous acute confusional state in 40.2%, functional partial dependence in 46% and total dependence in 39%, cognitive moderate deterioration in 27% and severe in 40%; 41.7% of patients with acute confusional state presented moderate -severe dehydration (p=0.001) and 20% sepsis at admission (p=0.003). The most frequent pathologies at admission were infectious, cardiovascular and metabolic. There was no significant difference in sex, instruction degree, marital status, pluripathology, previous hospitalization, polymedication, nutritional condition, use of urinary or nasogastric tubes, destiny at discharge, or hospital stay. Conclusions: High frequency of acute confusional state existed in elderly patients, being associated factors dementia, previous cognitive deterioration, previous confusional state, functional dependence, complex geriatric category, moderate - severe dehydration and sepsis.

Incidence and predictive factors of delirium in hospitalised neurological patients.

INTRODUCTION: Delirium is a condition with a high prevalence in hospitalised patients (10%-30%), and it has important prognostic implications. There are few prospective studies of the incidence of delirium in Spain, and most of these were carried out in surgical wards or intensive care units. Our objective is to calculate the incidence of delirium in a neurological department and describe characteristics of affected patients. METHODS: Longitudinal descriptive study including all patients admitted to the neurology department in an 8-week period. The CAM score for diagnosing delirium was recorded on the first, second and fifth day of hospitalisation and we recorded demographic data, medical history, analytical data (including inflammatory markers), use of anticholinergic treatments, cognitive and functional state at admission, reason for admission, length of stay, and other events during hospitalisation. RESULTS: We studied 115 patients and found an incidence of delirium of 16.52%. There was a significant correlation between delirium and age, cognitive state at admission according to the Pfeiffer test, functional situation at admission according to the Canadian Neurological Scale, kidney failure, history of stroke, anticholinergic treatment, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein. These patients were also hospitalised for longer periods of time. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm a high incidence of delirium in our geographical area. Although additional studies with larger samples are needed, we would like to emphasise the importance of several risk factors which may enable early detection of patients who are at risk for developing delirium during hospitalisation. This would permit preventive action and early treatment for these patients.

Delirium en ancianos hospitalizados: Seguimiento de 18 meses / Delirium in elderly inpatients: An 18 month follow-up

El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir la prevalencia de síndrome confusional agudo en ancianos hospitalizados, la evolución durante la internación y a los 18 meses. Se evaluó en forma prospectiva a pacientes de 70 años de edad o mayores, internados en el Servicio de Clínica Médica de nuestro hospital, entre septiembre de 2005 y mayo de 2006. Se utilizó una versión validada en español del Confussion Assessment Method para diagnosticar delirium. A los 18 meses se evaluó el estado vital, lugar de residencia, actividades de la vida diaria, dependencia de cuidadores y reinternaciones. Se evaluaron 194 pacientes y 74 fueron excluidos. De los 120 casos incluidos, 52 (43.3%) presentaron delirium. La edad media fue de 82.6 años (DS: 7.4) en el grupo de pacientes con síndrome confusional agudo y de 80.4 años (DS: 5.6) en el grupo de pacientes sin delirium. Al comparar estos dos grupos encontramos diferencias significativas en las características, siendo más frecuentes en el grupo con delirium la residencia previa en un centro de tercer nivel (17.3% vs. 1.5%; p < 0.002), la demencia (40.4% vs. 8.8%; p < 0.001), menor puntaje en la evaluación de las actividades de la vida diaria (5 vs. 6; p < 0.001), más días de internación (7 vs. 5; p = 0.04) y mayor mortalidad intrahospitalaria (21.2% vs. 1.5%; p < 0.001). A los 18 meses de seguimiento después del alta, el desarrollo de delirium durante la internación se asoció a mayor grado de dependencia evidenciado por el peor puntaje en las actividades de la vida diaria (mediana 1/6 vs. 5/6) y a menor sobrevida actuarial 35.3% (CI 95%: 24-49%) a los 569 días y 49% (CI 95%: 32.9-65.4%) a los 644 días (p=0.027).

Delirium usually hardens care during hospitalization and increases morbidity during hospital stay and after discharge. The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of delirium in elderly inpatients in a Buenos Aires hospital, its morbidity and mortality during hospital stay and the next 18 month follow-up. Patients aged 70 or older admitted to internal medicine unit between September 2005 and May 2006 were enrolled. Delirium was assessed with the Spanish version of Confusion Assessment Method. Demographic data, cause of admition and length of stay, destination after discharge and mortality were registered. A new evaluation was made 18 months after discharge. We evaluated 194 patients and 74 were excluded. Of the 120 included, 52 (43.3%) presented delirium. We found significant differences between patients with and without delirium in previous placement in nursing home (17.3% vs. 1.5%; p < 0.002), dementia (40.4% vs. 8.8%; p < 0.001), median activity of daily living (5 vs. 6; p < 0.001), length-of-stay (7 vs. 5; p = 0.04) and mortality rate (21.2% vs. 1.5%; p < 0.001). Evaluation 18 months later showed differences between patients with and without delirium in median of activity of daily living (1/6 vs. 5/6), patients living in nursing homes (27.5% vs. 7.9%), estimated survival 35.3% (CI 95%: 24-49%) at day 569 and 49% (CI 95%: 32.9-65.4%) at day 644. The difference between survival curves was statistically significant (p = 0.027). Delirium increases morbidity and mortality during hospital stay. Elderly with delirium are at risk of worsening disability and of becoming dependent after discharge and it is a risk factor for higher mortality during the following months after discharge.