Table 2.

Risk factors for delirium

Preexisting conditions

Age >70 years

Transfer from a nursing home

Visual or hearing impairment

History of depression, dementia, cardiac insufficiency, stroke, epilepsy

Renal or liver disease

HIV infection

Alcohol abuse in previous month

Use of psychotropic drugs (anticholinergics, benzodiazepines, opiates)

Malnutrition

Acute conditions

Higher severity of illness score

Illicit drug use

Metabolic alterations (glycemia, natremia, thyroid dysfunction)

Hypothermia or fever

Sepsis

Hypoxemia

Urea:creatine ratio >18

Iatrogenic/environmental factors

Medications: anticholinergics, sedatives, analgesics

Physical restriction

Tube feeding

Urinary or rectal catheter

Central venous catheters