Investigation of metabolic disorders in the etiology of delirium in geriatric patients

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine metabolic parameters, which are among the factors that promote delirium, in geriatric patients pre-diagnosed with delirium by the Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Unit of our medical school. Material and Methods: The diagnosis and treatment records of 1435 patients over 65 years of age were retrospectively screened. For patients diagnosed with delirium, demographic data, mode of presentation, leukocyte count, and levels of hematocrit, sodium, potassium, albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), urea, creatinine, glucose, vitamin B12, TSH, and T4 were recorded. Results: Of the 1435 patients screened, 1147 patients with available survival and laboratory data were included in the study. Of these, 285 patients were diagnosed with delirium and 861 patients were not. In the delirium group, 63% of the patients had anemia, 33% had leukocytosis, 28% had hyponatremia, 47% had elevated serum creatinine, 90% had elevated CRP, 60% had hypoalbuminemia, and 53% had hyperglycemia. Discussion: Our comparison of patients with and without delirium indicates that metabolic disorders such as hyponatremia, hypopotassemia, hypoalbuminemia, impaired renal function, hyperglycemia, presence of infection, and anemia are contributing factors in delirium. Delirium is a serious and common problem that increases morbidity and mortality in geriatric patients. Identifying metabolic markers of delirium can help diagnose delirium and predict mortality.