Delirium in CCU

In this study, the frequency of delirium syndrome was surveyed in 245 patients who admitted in CCU of Dr. Heshmat hospital in Rasht. For this reason trained nurses visited all patients in every morning and evening and one psychiatrist visited them on every evening, from the first day of admission till the end of their staying in CCU. Data were obtained by structured Nursing report and clinical examination. The diagnosis was based on DSM IV criteria for delirium due to general medical condition. According to nursing reports, 33 patients (13.4%) suffered from delirium and 22 patients (67%) belonged to the above 65 years age group. There was a significant relationship between age and the occurrence of delirium with sex (p=0.0001) but not with history of admission in any CCU ward. This study confirms that delirium with a significant frequency was seen in CCU, and elders appear to be more prone to this syndrome.