POST-OPERATIVE DELIRIUM IN ELDERLY

Abstract

Abstract : INTRODUCTIONDelirium,defined as an acute
disorder of attention and global cognitive function, is a
common, serious, and potentially preventable source of
morbidity and mortality for hospitalized older persons. It
occurs in 14 to 56 of such persons and represents the most
frequent complication of hospitalization for this group. AIMS
AND OBJECTIVESThe purpose of the study was to describe
the natural history, identify risk factors and determine
outcomes in the development of postoperative delirium in the
elderly.METHODOLOGY 100 patients (50 males and 50
females) aged 65 and above in surgical and orthopaedics
preoperative and postoperative wards at Rajiv Gandhi
Government General Hospital, Chennai were selected and
preoperative risk factors like anemia, raised total leucocyte
count, cognitive impairment (using MMSE), type of surgery
done and anaesthesia were identified and patients were
screened for delirium on the first three postoperative days
using Confusion Assessment Method (CAM). RESULTSOut
of 100 patients, 12 develoed delirium, of which 3 were males
and 9 were females. Pre-operative anemia and elevated total
leucocyte count had a statistically significant association with
postoperative delirium. The focus of the study was to evaluate
baseline vulnerability, characteristics that could be helpful in
identifying patients at risk for developing postoperative
delirium.