Delirium

Abstract

Delirium is charaeterized by flucntation in the level of consciousness and cognitive impairment, with tree subtypes: «hyperactive», «hypoactive» and «mixed». For the diagnosis, clinical evaluation is enough. There are instnunents for screening and the follow up. The prevalence in the CUB in-patient service is 8.3%. Risk factors produce a misbalance between dopanúne and acetylcholine. For treatment: etiological factors should be modified, the location should be as familiar as possible and the proteetion of the patient and others should be guaranteed. Regarding to the pharmacological treatment, the most widen used drug is haloperidol which can be combined with lorazepam or midazolam, olanzapine is the second option. Delirium is associated to poor prognosis after a hospitalization with a huge risk of functional or cognitive damage, or even dying. From the economical point of view, this disorder is one of the medical complications that increases inpatients management costs.