Abuse and Addiction in ICU

Effect of Recent Alcohol, Smoking and Psychotropic Drug Use on Delirium in ICU

Investigators are seeking to determine the impact of recent alcohol, smoking or psychotropic drug use prior to intensive care unit (ICU) admission on incidence of delirium and sedation requirements.

Study design: A prospective observational study, in a medical ICU of a tertiary university hospital.

Methods: For all new ICU admissions, a 1-page questionnaire including Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C), smoking history and prior medication use was given to the patient or closest family members.

Delirium was assessed by trained ICU nurses using Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist and Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients who are older than 18 years of age
• New patients admitted to medical ICU for the 1st time during their stay in hospital

Exclusion Criteria:

• Had history of stroke or other primary neurologic disease
• GCS ≤ 8 prior to ICU admission
• Transferred from other ICU (except for emergency ICU stay which is limited to less than 36 hours)
• Not registered within 24 hours after admission
• Refused to participate
• If comatous state persists
• Delirium assessment is not possible due to newly developed neurologic disease, such as cerebral infarction
• Medical ICU stay less than 24 hours
• Readmission to medical ICU