Chonita

BACKGROUND: Delirium is common, has multiple causes and causes distress to numerous patients and their relatives. METHOD: Selective review of the literature in PubMed and PsycINFO, with reference to selected national and international guidelines. RESULTS: The hypoactive subtype of delirium is commoner than the hyperactive type, and often overlooked. Delirium in an elderly individual is associated with an additional burden, a possible loss of potential for rehabilitation, and a marked increase in mortality...

Delirium is a common and serious acute neuropsychiatric syndrome with core features of inattention and cognitive impairment, and associated features including changes in arousal, altered sleep-wake cycle, and other changes in mental status. The main risk factors are old age, cognitive impairment, and other comorbidities. Though delirium has consistent core clinical features, it has a very wide range of precipitating factors, including acute illness, surgery, trauma, and drugs. The molecular mechanisms by which these precipitating factors lead to delirium are largely obscure...

Delirium is a frequent complication of advanced cancer. It is characterized by cognitive deficits and behavioral disturbance, and therefore can potentially result in severe symptom distress and impeded communication between patient and family and between patient and medical staff. The reversibility of delirium depends on its underlying causes. Delirium is multifactorial in origin, and precipitating or contributory factors include dehydration and hypovolemia. Much of the debate concerning the role of hydration in advanced cancer has centered on symptoms such as thirst, and ethical issues such as parenteral hydration and its association with prolongation of life, with the association between hydration status and delirium largely excluded...