Delirium in cancer patient

Paulina Dębowska; Michael Kozlowski; Aneta Słowik; Iwona Filipczak-Bryniarska

doi:10.5114/pm.2022.126740

eISSN: 2081-2833
ISSN: 2081-0016

Medycyna Paliatywna/Palliative Medicine

Current issue Archive Manuscripts accepted About the journal Editorial board Abstracting and indexing Subscription Contact Instructions for authors Publication charge Ethical standards and procedures

Editorial System

Submit your Manuscript

3/2022
vol. 14

Send email

Copy url:

abstract:

Review paper

Delirium in cancer patient

Paulina Dębowska

¹

,

Michael Kozlowski

²

,

Aneta Słowik

³

,

Iwona Filipczak-Bryniarska

²

Oddział Medycyny Paliatywnej, Szpital Uniwersytecki w Krakowie, Kraków, Polska
Klinika Leczenia Bólu i Opieki Paliatywnej, Katedra Chorób Wewnętrznych i Gerontologii, Collegium Medicum Uniwersytet Jagielloński, Kraków, Polska
Centrum Onkologiczne, Wojewódzki Szpital im. Zofii z Zamoyskich Tarnowskiej, Tarnobrzeg, Polska

Medycyna Paliatywna 2022; 14(3): 142–154

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/pm.2022.126740

Online publish date: 2023/04/18

View full text Get citation

PlumX metrics:

Delirium is an acute disturbance of consciousness usually occurring in elderly patients and secondary to worsening somatic condition. Dementia is the main risk factor. Delirium may be a symptom of infection, electrolyte disturbances, changes in pharmacologic treatment, or as a response to pain or hypoxaemia. In patients with diagnosed neoplastic disease, it is more commonly caused by hypercalcaemia, primary and secondary neoplasms in the CNS, or treatment (glucocorticosteroids, chemotherapy, radiotherapy of the head and neck region). The main management strategy in delirium is the identification and treatment of its causes. Pharmacological interventions should be administered rarely and for as short a time as possible. Prevention plays a critical role and includes avoiding drugs contraindicated in elderly patients (e.g. anticholinergics) and polypharmacy, promoting proper circadian rhythm, avoiding immobilization, correcting sensory deficits (audio and visual impairment), and proper hydration.

keywords:

Delirium in cancer patient

Paulina Dębowska 1 , Michael Kozlowski 2 , Aneta Słowik 3 , Iwona Filipczak-Bryniarska 2

elderly patients, neoplasm, delirium, palliative care

Paulina Dębowska

¹

,

Michael Kozlowski

²

,

Aneta Słowik

³

,

Iwona Filipczak-Bryniarska

²