Volume :

3

Issue :

1

Abstract :

Aim To study the prevalence of various base line risk factors, precipitating and iatrogenic factors in the study population and the effect of delirium on the outcome of patients admitted to the MICU. Methods This is a cross sectional, descriptive study conducted for a period of six months in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU). Socio-demographic data sheet, risk factor checklist, confusion assessment method (CAM), and Simplified acute physiology score (SAPS -II) were the instruments used in the study. Results Majority of the study group (63%) were males and uneducated. Mean days spent in delirium were high for males (4.92 days) when compared to females (3.72 days). The mean score of SAPS-II for development of delirium is 27 (26.95). Mean days spent in delirium (5.95 days) was high when there is no visible day light. 60% of study population were hyperactive and were forcibly restrained to cots. From the total study population, 18 were discharged from MICU (M=14, F=37); 62 were transferred to medical wards (M=37, F=25); 9 were transferred to other wards (M=5, F=4) and11 patients were dead (M=7, F=4). Conclusion Being male, lower socio-economic statuses, substance abuse (57%) were found as significant predisposing factors. Type of delirium had no statistically significant effect over outcome. Delirium outcomes were either in higher number of deaths or prolonged hospital stay. The mean SAP score was considerably higher in the death group compared to the other groups and the differences are also significant with P