Preoperative Cognitive Impairment and Postoperative Delirium in Older Surgical Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Moellmann Henriette Louise, Alhammadi Eman, Olbrich Philipp, Frohnhofen Helmut
Primary Institution: University Hospital Düsseldorf
Hypothesis
Does preoperative cognitive impairment predict the risk of postoperative delirium in surgical patients?
Conclusion
Preoperative cognitive impairment is a significant risk factor for postoperative delirium in older surgical patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Preoperative cognitive impairment was found in 14.0% of patients using the Six-item screener.
- The delirium rate in the study cohort was 12.3%.
- Patients with a higher level of care had a significantly increased risk of delirium.
- Statutory care was associated with a 5.42-fold increased risk of delirium.
- Both SIS and CDT screening tools effectively identified patients at risk for delirium.
Takeaway
Older patients who have trouble thinking before surgery are more likely to get confused after surgery. We can use simple tests to find out who might be at risk.
Methodology
A comprehensive preoperative assessment was performed on 421 surgical patients to evaluate the impact of cognitive impairment on delirium risk using screening tools.
Potential Biases
Patients with more severe cognitive impairments may have been underrepresented due to refusal to participate.
Limitations
Selection bias may exist due to eligible patients refusing to participate, potentially affecting the sensitivity of cognitive impairment detection.
Participant Demographics
The cohort included 199 women and 222 men, aged over 70 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.001
Confidence Interval
[6.42; 24.4]
Statistical Significance
p < 0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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