Abstract

Delirium is a geriatric syndrome and a frequent complication in hospitalized elderly people with cancer, whose occurrence is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in this particularly vulnerable population. Aim: To determine the frequency of delirium and associated risk factors in older adults with cancer hospitalized in a Chilean cancer center. Material and methods: Retrospective cohort study. Patients aged 75 years or older hospitalized at the Fundaci & oacute;n Arturo L & oacute;pez P & eacute;rez (FALP) over a 6-month period were included. Data were obtained by reviewing anonymized clinical records. A uni-and bivariate study was performed, as well as multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: Retrospective cohort study. Patients aged 75 years or older hospitalized at the Fundaci & oacute;n Arturo L & oacute;pez P & eacute;rez (FALP) during a 6-month period were included. Data were obtained by reviewing anonymized medical records. A uni-and bi-variate study was performed, as well as a multiple logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: The frequency of delirium was 10.2%. The most significant risk factors were: emergency admission, patients at high risk of delirium, lack of previous geriatric evaluation and the presence of mood symptoms. This low frequency was obtained due to the correct implementation of the delirium preventive protocol in the oncology center.