The Impact of Delirium on Hospitalized Patients With COPD Exacerbation: Insights From the National In-Patient Sample

<b>Background:</b> Delirium in hospitalized patients has been consistently associated with worse clinical outcomes, including increased mortality and prolonged hospital stays. COPD exacerbation is a common reason for hospitalization, and understanding the impact of delirium on this population is crucial for improving patient care and outcomes. <b>Methods:</b> We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the National In-Patient Sample dataset to assess the impact of delirium on patients hospitalized with COPD exacerbation. Subjects were identified using International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, codes for COPD exacerbation and delirium. Baseline characteristics and outcomes, including in-patient mortality and the use of invasive mechanical ventilation, were compared between subjects with and without delirium using chi-square analysis. Multivariate regression analysis was used to adjust for potential confounders. <b>Results:</b> A total of 8,062,333 subjects hospitalized with COPD exacerbation were included, of whom 574,005 (7.2%) had a diagnosis of delirium. Most subjects in both groups were white, covered by Medicare, and treated in large urban teaching hospitals. Subjects with delirium had higher rates of dementia, malnutrition, and chronic kidney disease. The rates of in-patient mortality (13.85% vs 4.29%, <i>P</i> < .01) and use of invasive mechanical ventilation (26.7% vs 7.79%, <i>P</i> < .01) were significantly higher in the delirium group. Delirium was associated with higher odds of mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.48, <i>P</i> < .01) and use of mechanical ventilation (aOR 3.92, <i>P</i> < .01). Subjects with delirium had longer and more costly hospital stays. <b>Conclusions:</b> Delirium was associated with worse outcomes in subjects hospitalized with COPD exacerbation.