Delirium in hospitalized patients: Cohort observational in infirmary of medical clinic

Objectives: To determine prevalence, incidence and risk factors of delirium in hospitalized patients in the infirmary of medical clinic of the Lauro Wanderley University Hospital. Method: An observational cohort study evaluating 140 patients over 18 years between admission and discharge. The survey instrument was the Confusion Assessment Method. Results: The prevalence of delirium was 5.7% (8/140) and the incidence, 2.1%. In patients with delirium were observed alteration of sleep-wake cycle (6/75%), altered level of consciousness (6/75%), disorganized thinking (5/62, 5%) and psychomotor retardation (5/62 5%). There was a significant association of delirium and age, mechanical restraint in bed, prior history of cognitive impairment, auditory and visual sensory deficit, psychiatric hospitalization, poor health status and mortality. Conclusions: The prevalence of delirium at admission was lower than that found in other studies, but it was a predictor factor of hospital mortality.