Patient selection: critical illness
Outcome: onset of new cognitive impairment within 3-24 months after ICU discharge
Risk factors for persistent cognitive impairment:
(1) greater comorbidity (higher Charlson Comorbidity Index)
(2) history of multiple ICU admissions
(3) history of acute brain failure in the ICU (delirium, reduced GCS in absence of deep sedation)
(4) severe hypotension (mean arterial pressure < 50 mm Hg)
(5) hypoxemia (SpO2 < 90%)
(6) hyperthermia
(7) greater fluctuations in serum glucose
(8) therapy with quinolones or vancomycin
Other concerns:
(1) transient cognitive impairment
(2) pre-existing cognitive impairment
(3) traumatic brain injury
(4) stroke and other intracranial problems
