Delirium incidence, predictors and outcomes in the intensive care unit: A prospective cohort study.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence, predictors, and outcomes of delirium in intensive care units. Background: Delirium is a common complication in intensive care units. In developing countries, it can be misdiagnosed or unrecognised. Design: Prospective cohort study reported according to the strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology criteria. Methods: We included patients who were conscious, >18 years old, and admitted to the intensive care units for at least 8 h between December 2019 and February 2020. Patients with a Richmond score of −4 or −5, mental disability, receptive aphasia and/or visual or auditory impairment were excluded from the study. Delirium was assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM‐ICU), whereas the functional outcome was assessed by the Katz Activity of Daily Living Index. Results: This study included 111 patients with a delirium incidence of 31.5%. The severity of illness was the only significant predictor of delirium. Patients with delirium had longer intensive care unit and in‐hospital stays in contrast to those without delirium. Delirium was associated with in‐hospital and 4‐month mortality but not the activities of daily living. Conclusions: Delirium is associated with increased length of stay and mortality. Further investigation to determine whether delirium management can improve outcomes is warranted. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Delirium is a common complication in the intensive care unit and can affect patients' outcomes.The incidence and the effect of delirium on patients' outcomes in low‐resource countries remain largely unexplored. Delirium is potentially underdiagnosed and commonly undetected in these countries. What this paper adds? Delirium is associated with a longer duration of stay in the hospital and the intensive care unit as well as mortality in the hospital and 4 months after discharge.Delirium may not affect long‐term functional outcomes after discharge.The severity of illness is an independent predictor of delirium. The implications of this paper In low‐resource countries, the increased length of stay can add a significant burden on healthcare systems.Proper management of delirium will potentially maximise resource utilisation.Delirium affects mortality and length of stay, thus investigating the effect of the current management protocols on these outcomes is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]