Delirium Frequently Occurs in ICU Patients Following Stroke

Recent research highlights that delirium is a common complication among critically ill stroke patients in intensive care units (ICUs). A study conducted at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that 44% of stroke patients admitted to the neurosciences critical care unit experienced delirium during their stay. The incidence was notably higher in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (60%) who experienced delirium for at least one day.

The study, titled "Delirium Among Critically Ill Patients With Stroke: Prevalence, Severity, and Outcomes," is one of the first to focus exclusively on critically ill stroke patients. Led by researchers from OSU and the College of Nursing, the study underscores the significant impact of delirium on stroke recovery.

The research employed the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU-7) to assess delirium severity daily over the first week of ICU admission. Findings revealed that even a single day of delirium correlated with longer durations of mechanical ventilation, increased hospital stays, and a reduced likelihood of discharge home. Furthermore, patients with higher delirium severity faced worse functional outcomes at discharge, as indicated by higher scores on the modified Rankin Scale.

Interestingly, mortality rates during ICU and hospital stays did not significantly differ between patients who experienced delirium and those who did not. The study analyzed data from 169 patients, most of whom suffered from acute ischemic stroke (54.7%), followed by intracerebral hemorrhage (34.7%) and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (11.2%).

The findings emphasize the importance of early detection and management of delirium to improve outcomes in stroke patients. Delirium, a state of acute confusion, is associated with adverse effects including extended ventilation and hospitalization, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies in neurological critical care settings.

This research provides valuable insights into the relationship between delirium and stroke recovery, advocating for routine delirium screening and intervention to enhance patient outcomes in ICU settings.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-delirium-common-icu-patients.html