DELIRIUM AS A CONSEQUENCE OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION IN THE ELDERLY: DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Objective: Analyze the impact of urinary tract infection on the development of delirium in elderly patients. Method: An integrative bibliographic review of the literature was carried out using the VHL, MEDLINE, PubMed and Google Scholar databases. 23 studies were selected based on defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Delirium, a common neuropsychiatric syndrome in the elderly, is often precipitated by UTIs. The prevalence of delirium is high in hospital settings such as ICUs and palliative care. The systemic inflammatory response during UTI causes brain neurochemical dysfunction, leading to delirium. Diagnosis requires a detailed clinical evaluation and laboratory tests. Interdisciplinary management is crucial to optimize treatment. Prevention includes adequate water intake, perineal hygiene and medication review. Conclusion: Delirium associated with UTI in the elderly requires an integrated and multidisciplinary approach. Early detection and appropriate management are essential to prevent complications, and preventive strategies are vital to improve the quality of life of older adults.