scholarly journals Delirium in the elderly: A systematic review of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 270-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecília Carboni Tardelli Cerveira ◽  
Cláudia Cristina Pupo ◽  
Sigrid De Sousa dos Santos ◽  
José Eduardo Mourão Santos

ABSTRACT Delirium is a common disorder associated with poor prognosis, especially in the elderly. The impact of different treatment approaches for delirium on morbimortality and long-term welfare is not completely understood. OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments in elderly patients with delirium. METHODS: This systematic review compared pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments in patients over 60 years old with delirium. Databases used were: MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL and LILACS from inception to January 6th, 2016. RESULTS: A total of ten articles were selected. The six non-pharmacological intervention studies showed no impact on duration of delirium, mortality or institutionalization, but a decrease in severity of delirium and improvement in medium-term cognitive function were observed. The most commonly used interventions were temporal-spatial orientation, orientation to self and others, early mobilization and sleep hygiene. The four studies with pharmacological interventions found that rivastigmine reduced the duration of delirium, improved cognitive function and reduced caregiver burden; olanzapine and haloperidol decreased the severity of delirium; droperidol reduced length of hospitalization and improved delirium remission rate. CONCLUSION: Although the pharmacological approach has been used in the treatment of delirium among elderly, there have been few studies assessing its efficacy, involving a small number of patients. However, the improvements in delirium duration and severity suggest these drugs are effective in treating the condition. Once delirium has developed, non-pharmacological treatment seems less effective in controlling symptoms, and there is a lack of studies describing different non-pharmacological interventions.

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 249-262
Author(s):  
Sang Bin You ◽  
Ju Hee Lee

Purpose: The study was aimed to examine components and provider’s characteristics of non-pharmacological intervention that affect delirium prevention in elderly inpatients. Additional effects on delirium prevention based on identified characteristics were explored.Methods: Studies were searched by using seven electronic databases and examined through Preferred Reporting Items Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) flow diagram. The Risk of Bias (ROB) and the Risk of Bias Assessment tool for Non-randomized Study (RoBANS) were used to evaluate the quality of each included study.Results: Seven studies were selected for the systematic review. Most of the selected studies had a low risk of bias. Interventions of each study and delirium outcome were heterogeneous. Each multi-component non-pharmacological intervention consisted on average of five interventions. Giving orientation and promoting early mobilization were included in every study. Interventions that included giving orientation, promoting early mobilization, and supporting nutrition significantly decreased delirium incidence. Moreover, when health care providers who have an intimate relationship with patients provided non-pharmacological interventions, delirium incidence has significantly decreased.Conclusion: Non-pharmacological intervention, such as giving orientation, promoting early mobilization, should be included to prevent delirium for elderly inpatients. It is important to include healthcare providers who have an intimate relationship or regular contact with patients in order to decrease delirium incidence.


2017 ◽  
Vol 46 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Stuhec ◽  
J. Keuschler ◽  
J. Serra-Mestres ◽  
M. Isetta

AbstractBackground:Chronic hypertension has been associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline. Although a link between hypertension and cognitive decline has been established, there is less evidence supported by systematic reviews. The main aim was to compare different antihypertensive drug groups in relation to their effect on cognition in older patients without established dementia using a systematic review.Method:A systematic search in Medline and Embase through to January 2017 was used to identify randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) studying the impact of different antihypertensives on cognition in older patients without dementia. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-Is), beta-blockers (BBs), diuretics, and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) were included in this review.Results:The systematic search identified 358 studies. The full text of 31 RCTs was reviewed and a total of 15 RCTs were included in the review. Most studies reported an improvement in episodic memory in patients treated with ARBs versus placebo or other types of antihypertensive drugs. No study showed an improvement in cognition in patients who received diuretics, BBs, or CCBs. Heterogeneity was high in most trials (predominantly in the blinding of participants and investigators).Conclusion:This review suggests that ARBs can improve cognitive functions in the elderly, especially episodic memory. ACE-Is, diuretics, BBs and CCBs did not seem to improve cognitive function in the elderly but were similarly effective in blood pressure lowering as ARBs.


Author(s):  
J. M. Glanville ◽  
A. E. Perry ◽  
M. Martyn-St James ◽  
C. Hewitt ◽  
S. Swami ◽  
...  

Abstract This updated systematic review assesses the effects of pharmacological interventions for drug-using offenders. Methods Systematic review protocols and conventions of the Cochrane Collaboration were followed to identify eligible studies. Studies were pooled in a meta-analysis to assess the impact of pharmacological interventions on drug use and criminal activity. An economic appraisal was conducted. Results The search strategies identified 22 studies containing 4372 participants. Meta-analyses revealed a small statistically significant mean difference favouring pharmacological interventions relative to psychological interventions in reducing drug use and criminal activity. When comparing the drugs to one another there were no significant differences between those included (methadone versus buprenorphine, naltrexone and cyclazocine). Conclusion Overall, the findings of this review suggest that methadone and naltrexone may have some impact on reducing drug use and reincarceration. Individual pharmacological drugs had differing (generally non-significant) effects. One study identified serious adverse events. Three studies reported cost and consequences information sufficient to conduct a full economic analysis but this was not comprehensive enough to be able to make judgements across all treatment options. Full economic analyses should be encouraged. The study findings were limited mainly to male adult offenders.


Stroke ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Whaley ◽  
Wendy Dusenbury ◽  
Andrei V Alexandrov ◽  
Georgios Tsivgoulis ◽  
Anne W Alexandrov

Background: Recent nursing initiatives encourage early mobilization of neurocritical care patients, but whether this intervention can be safely generalized to acute stroke is debatable. We performed a systematic review of findings from recent studies to provide direction for patient management and future research. Methods: An exhaustive literature search was performed in Medline, SCOPUS and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify published clinical trial research using a very early mobility intervention (within 24 hours) in acute ischemic stroke patients. The primary efficacy outcome supporting the search was neurologic disability reduction or improved functional outcomes, and the primary safety outcome was neurologic deterioration. Studies were critically reviewed for inclusion by 3 separate investigators, findings were synthesized, and an overall recommendation for very early mobilization use in acute stroke was assigned according to GRADE criteria. Results: We initially identified 12 papers focused on early mobilization in acute stroke; of these, 6 observational studies were excluded, 1 study was excluded due to an ambiguous population, and 3 studies were excluded due to first initial mobilization out of bed occurring greater than 24 hours after admission. Two prospective randomized outcome blinded evaluation (PROBE) studies were retained, consisting of a total 2160 patients; ischemic stroke subtype was not disclosed in either study, limiting an understanding of the impact of very early mobilization on small versus large artery occlusion. Slower mobilization occurring beyond the first 24 hours was associated with higher rates of favorable outcome (mRS 0-2) at 90 days, whereas very early mobilization within the first 24 hours was associated with a number needed to harm of 25. Conclusions: In acute stroke, evidence supports a rested approach to care within the first 24 hours of hospitalization (GRADE: Strong recommendation, high quality of evidence). Similar to acute myocardial infarction, vascular insufficiency experienced in stroke likely warrants a more guarded approach to mobility. Additional studies exploring timing beyond 24 hours and dose of mobility interventions are warranted in discreet populations.


1998 ◽  
Vol 4 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 36-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Ball ◽  
Alison Puffett

People over the age of 65 were recruited from an inner-city old-age psychiatry service. Subjects had a structured interview (the CAMCOG test) by videoconferencing, and also face to face, by an investigator blind to the results of the test in the other mode. Reassessments were carried out within one week of the initial assessment. Eleven subjects were initially enrolled in the study and eight completed both modes. The number of patients in this study is very small but the results suggest that the CAMCOG test can be used reliably over a videoconferencing system without major modification.


2021 ◽  
pp. 108482232110588
Author(s):  
Jihye Kim ◽  
Jiyeong Lee ◽  
Jihye Park ◽  
Hakseong Kim ◽  
Ingyu Yoo

This review examined whether the physical environment can change the cognitive function of the elderly and categorized the specific environmental types. Four databases, CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, and PsycINFO, were searched for relevant literature published as of December 2020. The framework used was proposed by Arksey and O’Malley, which includes a 5-stage review process. A total of 12 studies were examined. The physical environments with similar characteristics, among all the environmental elements, were grouped together into 4 categories: residential density and road connectivity, limited living space, urban/rural, and care facilities. Residential density and road connectivity, limited living space, and care facilities were found to have a significant effect on the cognitive function of the elderly. However, there was no significant effect on the cognitive function of the elderly when comparing the urban and rural environments. Although studies on environments that affect the cognitive function of the elderly are still ongoing, the ones analyzing specific environments in detail are insufficient. With the increasing importance of the role played by the environment in the cognitive impairment of the elderly, detailed studies on specific environments among the various environmental factors surrounding the elderly, such as this study, should be conducted more actively.


Author(s):  
Fernando Magro ◽  
Maria Manuela Estevinho ◽  
Cláudia Camila Dias ◽  
Luís Correia ◽  
Paula Lago ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and Aims Interest in histology for ulcerative colitis [UC] has increased recently. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess, for the first time, whether histological outcomes are more informative than endoscopic and clinical outcomes in distinguishing the impact of intervention over placebo in induction trials. Methods MEDLINE, ScienceDirect and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched to identify randomized placebo-controlled trials [RCTs] enrolling moderate-to-severe UC patients. Studies were assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Studies with Diverse Designs. We analysed the pooled proportion of patients achieving clinical, endoscopic and histological remission and response after a pharmacological intervention and compared the results with those of placebo-treated patients by using a random-effects model. Results From 889 identified records, 13 RCTs were included. The odds ratio [OR] for remission was higher in patients receiving intervention than in those under placebo for clinical (OR 2.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.33–3.43), endoscopic [OR 1.46, 95% CI 0.19–11.18] and histological remission [OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.20–2.84]. Significant differences were observed for all response outcomes [clinical: OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.84–2.85; endoscopic: OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.51–3.10; histological: OR 3.63, 95% CI, 1.41–9.36]. No significant heterogeneity existed; no subgroup effects were found for duration of the induction or histological scale [p > 0.05]. Clinical and histological remission and endoscopic response were concordant in discriminating interventions from placebo. Conclusion Histological outcomes are informative in trials of moderate-to-severe UC. Further studies analysing histology at the end of induction are needed to confirm its relevance in distinguishing the efficacy of an intervention over placebo in comparison to clinical and endoscopic outcomes and to explore its prognostic value.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. e035155
Author(s):  
Erin Forbes ◽  
Amanda L Baker ◽  
Ben Britton ◽  
Kerrie Clover ◽  
Eliza Skelton ◽  
...  

IntroductionProcedural anxiety relates to an affective state of anxiety or fear in relation to a medical procedure. Various treatment-related factors may elicit anxiety among oncology patients, including fear of diagnostic imaging (such as MRI scans) and impending treatment and medical procedures (such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy). It is common in oncology settings to manage acute anxiety relating to medical procedures with anxiolytic medication. However, pharmacological approaches are not suitable for many patients. Despite this, non-pharmacological interventions are infrequently used. The aim of this systematic review is to determine whether non-pharmacological interventions delivered prior to, or during, radiotherapy are effective in reducing procedural anxiety.Methods and analysisData sources will include the bibliographic databases CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials (CENTRAL) (from inception onward). Eligible studies will include adult patients with cancer undergoing radiotherapy treatment. Included studies will be those which employ a non-pharmacological intervention, delivered within existing radiotherapy appointments, with the aim of reducing procedural anxiety related to radiotherapy. All research designs with a control or other comparison group will be included. The primary outcome will be change in levels of self-reported procedural anxiety. Secondary outcomes will be changes in scores on physiological measures of anxiety and/or changes in treatment completion and/or changes in treatment duration and/or changes in psychological distress. Two investigators will independently complete title and abstract screening, full-text screening, data extraction and assessment of methodological quality. If appropriate, a meta-analyses will be performed. Any important amendments to this protocol will be updated in the PROSPERO registration and documented in the resulting review publication.Ethics and disseminationNo ethical issues are anticipated from this review. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication and at conferences by presentation.Systematic review registrationCRD42019112941.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 812 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jolijn Vanderauwera ◽  
Elisabeth Hellemans ◽  
Nicolas Verhaert

Neuroplasticity following bilateral deafness and auditory restoration has been repeatedly investigated. In clinical practice, however, a significant number of patients present a severe-to-profound unilateral hearing loss (UHL). To date, less is known about the neuroplasticity following monaural hearing deprivation and auditory input restoration. This article provides an overview of the current research insights on the impact of UHL on the brain and the effect of auditory input restoration with a cochlear implant (CI). An exhaustive systematic review of the literature was performed selecting 38 studies that apply different neural analyses techniques. The main results show that the hearing ear becomes functionally dominant after monaural deprivation, reshaping the lateralization of the neural network for auditory processing, a process that can be considered to influence auditory restoration. Furthermore, animal models predict that the onset time of UHL impacts auditory restoration. Hence, the results seem to advocate for early restoration of UHL, although further research is required to disambiguate the effects of duration and onset of UHL on auditory restoration and on structural neuroplasticity following UHL deprivation and restoration. Ongoing developments on CI devices compatible with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examinations will provide a unique opportunity to investigate structural and functional neuroplasticity following CI restoration more directly.


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