Elsevier

Psychosomatics

Volume 50, Issue 3, May–June 2009, Pages 234-238
Psychosomatics

Original Research Reports
Impact of Delirium on Short-Term Mortality in Elderly Inpatients: A Prospective Cohort Study

https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.psy.50.3.234Get rights and content

Background

Delirium is an important problem especially in older medical inpatients.

Objective

The authors asked whether delirium and its duration are associated with higher mortality in a 3-month follow-up period.

Method

In this prospective cohort study, inpatients age 65 and older were assessed every 48 hours with the Confusion Assessment Method.

Results

Of 542 patients enrolled, 192 (35.4%) developed delirium. After 3 months, mortality in the delirium cohort was 25.9%, and in the nondelirium cohort was 5.8%. Delirium was independently associated with mortality, and increased by 11% for every 48 hours of delirium.

Conclusion

Delirium and increased delirium durations are significantly associated with higher mortality.

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