Subsyndromal delirium in older people: a systematic review of frequency, risk factors, course and outcomes. (5th November 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cole, Martin G.; Ciampi, Antonio; Belzile, Eric; Dubuc‐Sarrasin, Marika
• Is Part Of: International journal of geriatric psychiatry. Volume 28:Number 8(2013:Aug.)
• Page Start: 771
• Page End: 780
• Publication Date: 2012-11-05
• Subjects: Geriatric psychiatry -- Periodicals; Geriatric Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 618.97689
• DOI: 10.1002/gps.3891
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0885-6230

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="gps3891-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objective</title> <p>To determine the frequency, risk factors, course and outcomes of subsyndromal delirium (SSD) in older people by systematically reviewing evidence on these topics.</p> </sec> <sec id="gps3891-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>Subsyndromal delirium was defined as the presence of one or more symptoms of delirium, not meeting criteria for delirium and not progressing to delirium. MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and the Web of Science were searched for potentially relevant articles published from 1996 to June 2011. The bibliographies of relevant articles were searched for additional references. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. The validity of included studies was assessed according to Evidence‐Based Medicine criteria. Information about the study population and methods, age, gender, proportion with dementia, diagnostic criteria, period and frequency of observation, and the topics above was systematically abstracted, tabulated and synthesized using standard meta‐analysis techniques.</p> </sec> <sec id="gps3891-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>The combined prevalence of SSD was 23% (95% CI, 9–42%); the combined incidence was 13% (95% CI, 6–23%). Risk factors were similar to those for delirium. Episodes lasted up to 133 days and were often recurrent. Outcomes were poor and often intermediate between those of older people with or without delirium. Of note, there was significant unexplained heterogeneity in the results of studies of prevalence, incidence and some risk factors.</p> </sec> <sec id="gps3891-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>SSD in older people may be a frequent and clinically important condition that falls on a continuum between no symptoms and full delirium. Because of significant unexplained heterogeneity in the results of studies of SSD, however, the results of this review must be interpreted cautiously. Further research is necessary. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.</p> </sec> </abstract>