What are the risk factors for delirium?
The commonest factors significantly associated with delirium were dementia, older age, co-morbid illness, severity of medical illness, infection, ‘high-risk’ medication use, diminished activities of daily living, immobility, sensory impairment, urinary catheterisation, urea and electrolyte imbalance and malnutrition.
Who is at greatest risk of developing delirium post hip surgery?
Its incidence increases with age, and it can reach 14 % in people over 85 years of age[23]. In the surgical field, patients with hip fractures over 65 years of age have a higher incidence of postoperative delirium[24]. This study also confirmed that age is a risk factor for postoperative delirium.
What are the major contributing factors to delirium in geriatrics patients?
These risk factors include dementia, advanced age, and medical illness. Other risk factors appear to play a contributory role in the development of delirium in elderly hospitalized patients.
Why does hip fracture cause delirium?
Hip fracture patients are at increased risk of confusion or delirium because of the trauma associated with the injury and the rapid progression to hospitalization and surgery, in addition to the pain and loss of function experienced (10,11).
What are the causes and risk factors of delirium?
Delirium can often be traced to one or more contributing factors, such as a severe or chronic illness, changes in metabolic balance (such as low sodium), medication, infection, surgery, or alcohol or drug intoxication or withdrawal.
Which patient has the greatest risk of developing delirium?
Pre-existing cognitive impairment such as dementia, and older age, represent the most significant risks for a person developing delirium (up to two-thirds of all people affected by delirium will be in these categories).
Is confusion normal after hip surgery?
A new study presented at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) found that 48 percent of hip fracture patients, age 65 and older, had delirium, or acute confusion, before, during and after surgery (perioperative), resulting in significantly longer hospital stays and higher costs …
What causes delirium after surgery?
Post-operative delirium is delirium that happens after an older adult has an operation (surgery) and is the most common post-operative complication in older adults. Delirium can have many causes – for example, drugs, infection, electrolyte imbalance, and not being able to move around (immobilization).
How can you reduce the risk of delirium?
Delirium prevention strategies include early and frequent mobility (particularly during the day), frequent orientation, sleep management, ensuring the patient has glasses and/or hearing aids on, fluid and electrolyte management, and effective pain management.
Can delirium be fatal?
In extreme cases, delirium can be fatal, so it’s vital that the person receives treatment as soon as possible.