Analyzing Incidence and Risk Factors for Delirium in Non-intensive Care Pediatric Patients
Document Type
Conference Proceeding - Restricted Access
Publication Date
5-9-2025
Abstract
Delirium can affect children in the inpatient setting due to various risk factors and lead to increased length of stay and adverse long-term neuropsychiatric outcomes. Identifying and managing delirium early may be able to improve health outcomes. The incidence of delirium in the inpatient setting outside of intensive care has not been well established. Our study aimed to identify incidence in the inpatient setting and recognize risk factors that could lead to delirium.
We conducted a single center retrospective study analyzing all children admitted to the general pediatric floors between September 2022 and January 2024 who screened positively using the Cornell Assessment of Pediatric Delirium (CAPD) screen and determined if they had clinical delirium based on chart review. The incidence of delirium was calculated from the patient population and odds ratios were analyzed by logistic regression for associations with clinical delirium diagnosis.
Medical charts of 245 children with elevated CAPD scores were reviewed. Amongst them, 83 (33.9%) were found to have clinical delirium after analysis by two reviewers based on retrospective chart review. Odds of clinical delirium increase when exposed to midazolam (2.59(1.47-4.56)], diphenhydramine [3.40(1.59-7.30)], hydroxyzine [4.30(1.42-13.0)] during their hospital stay. Diagnosis with sepsis had a threefold increase in the odds of displaying clinical delirium [3.15 (1.46-6.81)]. Children were more likely to have longer length of stay if they were found to have clinical delirium.
In children who screened positive with the CAPD tool, 83 (33.9%) were found to have clinical delirium. Several risk factors were associated with delirium including exposure to midazolam, diphenhydramine and hydroxyzine and as well as having the diagnosis of sepsis. They were also more likely to have longer length of stay. Frequent screening in the non-intensive care setting is required to promptly treat pediatric delirium and limit complications.
Recommended Citation
George S, Leingang B, Dean L, Lemmen M, Adams S, Peterson K, Roldan R, Patel N, Emmadi S, Beam N. Analyzing incidence and risk factors for delirium in non-intensive care pediatric patients. Presented at: Research Day Corewell Health West; 2025 May 9; Grand Rapids, MI.
Comments
2025 Research Day Corewell Health West, Grand Rapids, MI, May 9, 2025. Abstract 1655