Long-Term Outcomes in ICU Patients with Delirium: A Population-based Cohort Study

Delirium is common in the ICU and portends worse ICU and hospital outcomes. The effect of delirium in the ICU on post hospital discharge mortality and health resource use is less well known. 5 years after hospital discharge in critically ill patients admitted to the ICU. The secondary outcome was a composite measure of subsequent emergency department visits, hospital readmission, or mortality.Delirium was associated with increased mortality 0–30 days after hospital discharge (hazard ratio, 1.44). There was no significant difference in mortality more than 30 days after hospital discharge (delirium: 3.9%, no delirium: 2.6%). There was a persistent increased risk of emergency department visits, hospital readmissions, or mortality after hospital discharge (hazard ratio, 112). Conclusions: ICU delirium is associated with increased mortality 0–30 days after hospital discharge.