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Differential characteristics in the management of acute confusional syndrome secondary to COVID-19 pneumonia

2021; Elsevier BV; Volume: 429; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.jns.2021.119855

1878-5883

Alba Llimona González, S. Oller Canet, Fernando Dinamarca Cáceres, Diego García Hernández, María Calls Samora, I. I.Contreras González,

Plant-based Medicinal Research

Acute Confusional Syndrome (ACS) is the most common neuropsychiatric complication in COVID-19 infection. Its management is still a challenge because the data and recommendations based on the evidence are limited. To describe the differential characteristics of the hospital management of ACS in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia compared to ACS secondary to other causes. An observational descriptive study has been carried out in patients with ACS who have required assessment by the liaison psychiatry service of Hospital del Mar between February to April 2020. The sample was divided in 2 groups (with and without COVID-19 pneumonia). Chi-square and Fisher's tests were used for comparisons. The total sample was 62 patients, 26 of them diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia. The duration of ACS was longer in COVID-19 patients, mean of 12.68 days (SD 13.64). Dexmetomidine (26 vs. 0) and olanzapine (13 vs. 3) were used more frequently in COVID-19 patients, p < 0.001. In COVID-19 patients a greater number of different antipsychotic drugs were used, mean of 2.40 (SD 1.323), and they received less family support (4) compared to non-COVID-19 (22), p < 0.005. ACS associated with COVID-19 pneumonia in the patients in our sample is more difficult to manage than ACS associated with other pathologies, similar to which described in other series. It is related to a longer duration of the confusional symptoms and difficulties for control it.