Assessment of delirium in the intensive care unit

Authors

  • T F Kallenbach University of the Witwatersrand
  • L A Amado Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital

Keywords:

biomarkers, checklist, critical care, delirium, intensive care units, medical staff, patient care, South Africa

Abstract

Delirium poses a significant burden on our healthcare, with patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) at an increased risk for developing this disorder. In addition, the ICU environment poses unique challenges in the assessment of delirium. It is paramount that the healthcare provider has an understanding of delirium in ICU, and monitors for it vigilantly. There have been various scoring systems developed to assist in this regard. However, the most commonly used and validated tools for the assessment of delirium are the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) and the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC). Biomarkers of delirium are emerging as tools to diagnose delirium, stratify severity, monitor progress, and predict outcomes, potentially changing the way we approach delirium in the future. (Full text available online at www.medpharm.tandfonline.com/ojaa) South Afr J Anaesth Analg 2017; DOI: 10.1080/22201181.2017.1332809

Author Biographies

T F Kallenbach, University of the Witwatersrand

Department of Anaesthesia Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital; and Faculty of Health Sciences University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg South Africa

L A Amado, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital

Department of Anaesthesia Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital Johannesburg South Africa

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Published

2017-06-23

Issue

Vol. 23 No. 3 (2017)

Section

Research Articles

License

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