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Multiple studies have demonstrated that delirium is an independent risk factor for morbidity and mortality. These studies, however, have been performed largely in medical patients, rather than trauma patients; trauma patients generally are healthier and have fewer risk factors for delirium.
This case-control study, performed at two level 1 trauma centers, involved 134 mechanically ventilated surgical and trauma patients who were admitted to surgical intensive care units; 84 patients (63%) developed delirium. The remaining 50 patients constituted the normal group. Patients in the delirium group stayed in the ICU significantly longer than did those in the normal group (mean, 10.0 vs. 5.0 days) and had a longer mean hospital length of stay (LOS…