J Korean Geriatr Psychiatry.  2021 Oct;25(2):65-69. 10.47825/jkgp.2021.25.2.65.

A Short Review of Delirium in Patients With COVID-19

• Han MI
• Kim Y
• Kim CE
• Choi MR

• KMID: 2522237
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.47825/jkgp.2021.25.2.65

Abstract

We reviewed the clinical features, prevalence, pathophysiology, and prevention and treatment of delirium in patients with coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID-19, has neurotropic properties, and can penetrate the central nervous system and affect brain neurons. These characteristics may explain the fact that COVID-19 patients may be particularly susceptible to delirium. COVID-19 delirium occurred more frequently in intensive care unit and emergency room settings. Patients with neurologic disorders and the elderly were more vulnerable to delirium. Clinical symptoms of COVID-19 delirium may manifest as a hyper/hypoactive type. Prevention and treatment appear to be similar to conventional treatment strategies. And the patient’s feeling of isolation due to social distancing and a highly intensive labor force of medical personnel must be overcome. Melatonin, alpha-2 agonist, antipsychotics, and valproic acid have been recommended for the treatment of delirium symptoms. However, this article did not go through a systematic literature review.

Keyword

Delirium; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Aged; Confusion