Incidence and risk factors of sepsis-associated delirium in the intensive care unit: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Intensive Crit Care NursJun 2, 2026 (epub)
Tian Hao, Haohao Xie, Donghui Jia et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the incidence and risk factors of sepsis-associated delirium (SAD) in ICU patients, analyzing data from 52 studies with 89,789 patients. The pooled incidence of SAD was found to be 43% (95% CI: 39%-47%). Key risk factors included higher APACHE II and SOFA scores, advanced age, and mechanical ventilation, with mechanical ventilation showing the strongest association (OR = 2.623).
Key findings
- The pooled incidence of sepsis-associated delirium in ICU patients was 43% (95% CI: 39%-47%).
- Mechanical ventilation was associated with SAD, showing an odds ratio of 2.623.
- Seventeen significant risk factors for SAD were identified, including higher APACHE II and SOFA scores.
- Protective factors included history of surgery and total bilirubin, though evidence was limited.
Why it matters
Understanding the high incidence of sepsis-associated delirium and its risk factors is crucial for clinicians to implement early identification and targeted interventions, potentially improving patient outcomes in the ICU setting.