Delirium in children and adolescents: A systematic review of the literature
Received 26 April 2009; received in revised form 6 October 2009; accepted 30 October 2009. published online 11 January 2010.
Abstract
Objectives
The purpose of this study was to collate all works relating to delirium and probable delirium in children and adolescents published since 1980.
Methods
A systematic review of the literature in all languages published between 1980 and March 2009 was conducted.
Results
The literature is limited to small case series and case reports including a total of 217 children or adolescents with definite delirium and a further 136 children and adolescents with “probable delirium.” These articles, in addition to unsystematic reviews, overviews, editorials, journal commentaries, and pertinent book chapters, are discussed in relation to prevalence, predisposing and precipitating factors, phenomenology, residual psychopathology, mortality, management, and prevention of delirium in childhood and adolescence.
Conclusions
Delirium is an important but neglected disorder of childhood associated with significant morbidity and high mortality. Current clinical practice for management is based on slim empirical evidence.
ABSTRACT