Incidence and risk factors of delirium in the intensive care unit of SIUT Karachi.

Objective: To estimate the incidence and risk factors of delirium in intensive care unit (ICU) of Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT), Karachi. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: The ICU of SIUT, Karachi, Pakistan. Period: February 2023 to August, 2023. Methods: Patients over 18 years of age who were admitted to the ICU for more than 24 hours were analyzed. Patient with Richmond agitation sedation score (RASS >-2) were assessed for delirium using the confusion assessment method (CAM)-ICU method. Delirium subtypes were also evaluated. Domographic and clinical risk factors were evaluated for possible relationship with the existence of delirium. Results: Total 96 patient were enrolled in the study, 64 (66.7%) were male and 32 (33.3%) female. The mean age was 49.1±17.3 years. Mean RASS and CAM-ICU scores were 0.53±1.31 and 1.0±1.42 respectively. Delirium was present in 32 (33.3%) patients. It was noted that 45.4% patients had hypoactive delirium, 31.8% hyperactive delirium, and 22.7% mixed type. Patients aged 50 years or above had higher odds of delirium (OR: 0.41 [0.17-0.98], p=0.045), On multivariable regression model, BMI <25 Kg/m2, coexistence of ischemic heart disease and chronic kidney disease, patients with septic shock, post-operative patients, need of sedation were significantly associated with higher odds of delirium. Conclusion: Delirium is a frequent condition in ICU patients, with a higher occurrence of hypoactive delirium. The leading risk factors associated with delirium were older age, ischemic heart disease, chronic kidney disease and use of sedative drugs.