Delirium Incidence, Duration, and Severity in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov January 29, 2021

Delirium without coma occurred in 29.1% of patients admitted to the ICU. Delirium persisted for a median of 5 days and was severe.

Mechanical ventilation was significantly associated with odds of delirium even after adjustment for sedatives.

Clinical attention to manage delirium duration and severity, and deeper understanding of the virus’ neurologic effects is needed for patients with COVID-19.

Primary outcomes were delirium rates and duration, and the secondary outcome was delirium severity.

268 consecutive patients were included in the analysis with a mean age of 58.4 years (sd, 15.6 yr), 40.3% were female, 44.4% African American, 20.7% Hispanic, and a median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score of 18 (interquartile range, 13-25).

Delirium without coma occurred in 29.1% of patients, delirium prior to coma in 27.9%, and delirium after coma in 23.1%.