Pediatric delirium: Evaluating the gold standard Journal Article


Authors: Silver, G.; Kearney, J.; Traube, C.; Atkinson, T. M.; Wyka, K. E.; Walkup, J.
Article Title: Pediatric delirium: Evaluating the gold standard
Abstract: Objective: Our aim was to evaluate interrater reliability for the diagnosis of pediatric delirium by child psychiatrists. Method: Critically ill patients (N = 17), 0-21 years old, including 7 infants, 5 children with developmental delay, and 7 intubated children, were assessed for delirium using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV (DSM-IV) (comparable to DSM-V) criteria. Delirium assessments were completed by two psychiatrists, each blinded to the other's diagnosis, and interrater reliability was measured using Cohen's kappa coefficient along with its 95% confidence interval. Results: Interrater reliability for the psychiatric assessment was high (Cohen's kappa = 0.94, CI [0.83, 1.00]). Delirium diagnosis showed excellent interrater reliability regardless of age, developmental delay, or intubation status (Cohen's k range 0.81-1.00). Significance of results: In our study cohort, the psychiatric interview and exam, long considered the "gold standard" in the diagnosis of delirium, was highly reliable, even in extremely young, critically ill, and developmentally delayed children. A developmental approach to diagnosing delirium in this challenging population is recommended.
Keywords: adult; delirium; infant; phenomenology; management; illness; intensive-care-unit; rating-scale; critical; pediatric critical care; child psychiatry; refractory agitation; ill children
Journal Title: Palliative and Supportive Care
Volume: 13
Issue: 3
ISSN: 1478-9515
Publisher: Cambridge University Press  
Date Published: 2015-06-01
Start Page: 513
End Page: 516
Language: English
ACCESSION: WOS:000356539900012
DOI: 10.1017/s1478951514000212
PROVIDER: wos
PUBMED: 24762563
PMCID: PMC4968931
Notes: Article -- Source: Wos
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  1. Thomas Michael Atkinson
    155 Atkinson
  2. Julia A Kearney
    32 Kearney