Serum Albumin Level and Delirium in Critically Ill Adults
Background
Low serum albumin levels (hypoalbuminemia) are linked to a higher risk of delirium in hospitalized patients. However, how these levels affect the duration and severity of delirium is not well understood.
Objective
The goal of this study was to explore the connection between serum albumin levels and the duration and severity of delirium in critically ill adults.
Methods
This study used data from a randomized controlled trial with adult patients (18 years and older) in intensive care units across three academic hospitals, focusing on data from 2009 to 2015. Patients who tested positive for delirium were assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit-7. The study measured delirium severity by averaging scores up to day 8 and defined delirium duration by counting the number of days without delirium or coma.
Results
The study included 237 patients, with an average age of 60.3 years. Among them, 52.7% were female, and 59.5% required mechanical ventilation. Patients were grouped based on their serum albumin levels:
- 3 g/dL or greater (13 patients)
- 2.5 to 2.99 g/dL (142 patients)
- Less than 2.5 g/dL (82 patients)
After adjusting for various factors, there were no significant links between albumin levels and the duration or severity of delirium. However, patients with normal albumin levels (≥3 g/dL) experienced shorter hospital stays compared to those with low albumin levels.
Conclusion
Patients with higher albumin levels had shorter hospital stays but similar durations and severities of delirium compared to those with lower levels.
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