Table 3 Delirium severity, core features, mortality, adverse events, and discharge disposition (including coma).

From: Delirium severity does not differ between medical and surgical intensive care units after adjusting for medication use

Clinical values

Total sample (n = 474)

SICU (n = 121)

MICU (n = 353)

P value

Mean [SD]

Delirium severity (CAM-ICU-7)a

3.74 [2.30]

4.15 [2.20]

3.60 [2.32]

0.02

Acute onset/fluctuation (F1)

0.60 [0.34]

0.65 [0.31]

0.58 [0.35]

0.06

Inattention (F2)a

0.99 [0.72]

1.11 [0.71]

0.95 [0.72]

0.03

Altered level of consciousness (F3)a

1.14 [0.66]

1.27 [0.61]

1.10 [0.66]

0.01

Disorganized thinking (F4)a

1.04 [0.73]

1.17 [0.69]

1.00 [0.74]

0.03

RASSa

1.59 [1.28]

− 1.79 (1.28]

− 1.53 [1.27]

0.03

Coma days

1.48 [1.82]

1.69 [1.89]

1.41 [1.79]

0.12

No. (%) with data

ICU mortality

53 (11)

10 (8)

43 (12)

0.32

In-hospital mortality

62 (13)

11 (9)

51 (14)

0.16

30-day mortality

74 (16)

14 (12)

60 (17)

0.20

Adverse eventsb

204 (43)

47 (39)

157 (44)

0.29

Discharge to home

174 (37)

44 (36)

130 (37)

1.00

  1. This table presents the delirium severity, core features, mortality, adverse events and discharge disposition compared between SICU and MICU setting, utilizing imputed coma scores as delirium severity of 7 days.
  2. CAM-ICU-7 confusion assessment method for intensive care unit-7, F feature, RASS Richmond agitation and sedation scale.
  3. aStatistically significant differences between MICU and SICU.
  4. bDelirium-related adverse events included falls, use of physical restraints, injuries such as pulling out IV lines or urinary catheters, re-intubations, and pressure ulcers.
Back to article page