ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Delirium, which is prevalent in critical care settings, remains underexplored in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients in the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU). AIMS: To investigate the prevalence and clinical significance of delirium in patients with ACS admitted to the CICU. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study (n = 106, mean age 74.2 ± 5.7 years) assessed delirium using the confusion assessment method-intensive care unit (CAM-ICU) tool in 21.7% of ACS patients during their CICU stay. Baseline characteristics, geriatric conditions and clinical procedures were compared between delirious and nondelirious patients. The outcomes included in-hospital mortality, 30-day and 6-month mortality, acute adverse events and length of CICU stay and hospital stay (LOS). RESULTS: Delirious patients who were older and had a higher incidence of coronary artery disease underwent more complex procedures (e.g., pacemaker placement). Multivariate analysis identified central venous catheter insertion, urinary catheterization and benzodiazepine use as independent predictors of delirium. Delirium was correlated with prolonged LOS (p < .001) and increased in-hospital, 30-day and 6-month mortality (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Delirium in ACS patients in the CICU extends hospitalization and increases in-hospital, 30-day and 6-month mortality. Early recognition and targeted interventions are crucial for mitigating adverse outcomes in this high-risk population. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study highlights the critical impact of delirium on outcomes in hospitalized patients with ACS in the CICU. Delirium, often overlooked in ACS management, significantly extends hospitalization and increases mortality rates. Nurses and physicians must be vigilant in identifying delirium early, particularly in older ACS patients or those with comorbidities. Recognizing independent predictors such as catheterization and benzodiazepine use allows for targeted interventions to reduce delirium incidence. Integrating routine delirium assessments and preventive strategies into ACS management protocols can improve outcomes, optimize resource utilization and enhance overall patient care in the CICU setting.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Pharmacosurveillance during the administration of antibiotics is of extreme importance in paediatric patients given their different physiology and adverse drug reaction (ADR) profile compared to the adult population. Systematic reviews show that one in ten hospitalised children will experience ADRs. Administration of antibiotics is among the leading causes of such ADRs. The aim of this study was to assess ADRs reporting related to the administration of antibiotics in hospitalized paediatric patients in Greece. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted over a seven month period (January to July 2012) in paediatric departments in Greece. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a total of 750 health professionals providing paediatric care in 3 specialized paediatric hospitals and 33 paediatric departments in general and university hospitals. Descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses were performed. Levels of significance were two-tailed and statistical significance was set at P =0.05. RESULTS: Overall, 576 out of 750 questionnaires were returned completed, at a response rate of 76.8%. ADRs related to antibiotics were reported by 44.8% of nurses and 23.7% of doctors as occurring often/very often during their practice. 45% of doctors reported amoxicillin/clavulanic acid as the drug with the most frequent ADRs. Overall, 63% of nurses and 32.7% of doctors stated they had never reported ADRs. Doctors used yellow cards more often than nurses (65.2% vs 33.9%). Only 48.4% of doctors and 35.9% of nurses knew that ADR reporting constitutes part of their professional duties. CONCLUSIONS: ADRs following antibiotic administration are common in paediatric practice in Greece; however, underreporting remains a significant problem.
