Topic: Low levels of brain tissue oxygenation during critical illness may be associated with the subsequent development of delirium and cognitive impairment.
Overview: Survivors of life support often develop newly-acquired impairments that reduce their quality of life (e.g., ability to live independently). An early indicator of neurological dysfunction while on life support is the onset of delirium, which is characterized by inattention, altered levels of consciousness, or disorganized thinking. However, the underlying cause of delirium, as well as long-term cognitive dysfunction, remains poorly understood. Approximately 230,000 Canadians are cared for in ICUs annually, and the majority of these patients will experience delirium. As the mere presence of delirium has been associated with debilitating outcomes, delirium represents a major public health concern.