Delirium is a common, acute confusional state that is associated with adverse patient, caregiver, and health system outcomes. All patients are at risk for delirium, although those with advanced age or acute infection and those taking sedatives and anticholinergics are at greater risk. The pathophysiology of delirium is complex and includes neuronal injury, inflammation, metabolic imbalance, and blood–brain barrier disruption. It is important to note that delirium is preventable; recognizing people at risk and identifying and addressing predisposing and precipitating factors is paramount. No single intervention or medication has been shown to be effective in treating delirium; therefore, standard-of-care treatments rely on multifaceted strategies to address contributing factors.
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Annals in the Clinic
Annals In the Clinic is a monthly feature in Annals of Internal Medicine introduced in January 2007 that focuses on practical management of patients with common clinical conditions. It offers evidence-based answers to frequently asked questions about screening, prevention, diagnosis, therapy, and patient education and provides physicians with tools to improve the quality of care.
