The risk factors for postoperative delirium in adult patients after hip fracture surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Correlation of preoperative inflammatory factors and emotional disorders with postoperative delirium in patients with craniocerebral trauma

BACKGROUND

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) imposes a substantial societal and familial burden due to its high disability and fatality rates, rendering it a serious public health problem. Some patients with TBI have poor treatment outcomes and are prone to postoperative delirium (POD), which affects their quality of life. Anxiety has been linked to increased POD incidence in some studies, while others have found no correlation.

AIM

To investigate the correlation of POD risk factors, preoperative inflammatory factors, and mood disorders in patients with TBI.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected data on the treatment of 80 patients with TBI from November 2021 to September 2023. Patients were grouped as POD and non-POD, according to their POD status, and the general data of the two groups were compared. Inflammatory factor levels were detected preoperatively, and the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) were used to investigate the risk factors associated with POD in these patients. Logistic regression was used to identify the independent risk factors.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients (26.25%) developed POD, including 7, 10, and 4 cases of the excitatory, inhibitory, and mixed types, respectively. There were 59 cases (73.75%) in the non-POD group. Compared with the non-POD group, the POD group had a significantly higher proportion of patients with low Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores before admission, unilateral mydriasis, preoperative hemorrhagic shock, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), and postoperative hyperglycemic hyperosmolar disease (P < 0.05). In the POD group, interleukin-6 (IL-6), human tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), myeloperoxidase levels, HAMA, and HAMD scores were higher than those in the non-POD group (all P < 0.05). Logistic multivariate analysis showed that GCS score at admission, IVH, IL-6, TNF-α, HAMA, and HAMD were independent risk factors for POD in patients with TBI (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Low GCS score at admission, IVH, elevated IL-6 and TNF-α, other inflammatory indicators, anxiety, and depression, can increase the risk of POD in patients with TBI after surgery.

Delirium diagnostic tools in the postoperative setting: A scoping review protocol

BACKGROUND

Delirium is an acute and fluctuating disturbance in attention, awareness, and cognition, commonly observed in hospital settings, particularly among older adults, critically ill and surgical patients. Delirium poses significant challenges in patient care, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, prolonged hospital stays, and functional decline.

AIM

The aim of this review is to map existing evidence on delirium diagnostic tools suitable for use in patients treated surgically due to hip fracture, to inform clinical practice and enhance patient care protocols in the postoperative setting.

METHOD

We will conduct a scoping review on delirium diagnostic tools used for adult patients in the postoperative setting according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Eligibility criteria encompass all languages, publications dates, and study designs, with exception of case-reports. We will systematically search multiple databases and include unpublished trials, ensuring a comprehensive review based on a predefined protocol.

RESULTS

Results will be presented descriptively, with supplementary tables and graphs. Studies will be grouped by design, surgical specialties, and diagnostic tools to identify potential variations.

CONCLUSION

This scoping review will provide an overview of existing delirium diagnostic tools used in the postoperative setting and highlight knowledge-gaps to support future research. Due to the large number of patients affected by postoperative delirium, evidence mapping is much needed to facilitate evidence-based practice.

Incidence and Risk Factors for ICU-Associated Delirium in the Alert Geriatric Trauma Population

BACKGROUND

This study analyzed the overall incidence of delirium, comorbid conditions, injury patterns, and pharmacological risk factors for the development of delirium in an alert, geriatric trauma population.

METHODS

IRB-approved, prospective, consecutive cohort series at two Southeastern Level 1 trauma centers from June 11 to August 15, 2023. Delirium was assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) score. Comorbidities and medications were detailed from electronic medical records. Inclusion criteria: age ≥55, GCS ≥14, and ICU admission for trauma. Patients on a ventilator were excluded. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 28 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp).

RESULTS

In total, 196 patients met inclusion criteria. Incidences of delirium for Hospital 1 (n = 103) and Hospital 2 (n = 93) were 15.5% and 12.9%, respectively, with an overall incidence of 14.3% and with no statistical differences between hospitals (P = .599). CAD, CKD, dementia, stroke history, and depression were statistically significant risk factors for developing delirium during ICU admission. Inpatient SSRI/SNRIs, epinephrine/norepinephrine, and lorazepam were significant risk factors. Injury patterns, operative intervention, and use of lidocaine infusions and gabapentin were not statistically significant in delirium development. Using binary linear regression (BLR) analysis, independent risk factors for delirium were dementia, any stage CKD, home SSRI/SRNI prescription, any spine injury and cerebrovascular disease, or injury.

DISCUSSION

Comorbidities of CAD, CHF, CKD, and depression, and these medications: home lorazepam and ICU epinephrine/norepinephrine statistically are more common in patients developing delirium. Dementia, CKD, home SSRI/SRNI and stroke/cerebrovascular disease/injury, and spine injuries are independent predictors by BLR.

Preoperative Delirium Risk Screening in Patients Undergoing a Cardiac Surgery: Results from the Prospective Observational FINDERI Study

OBJECTIVE

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common complication of cardiac surgery that is associated with higher morbidity, longer hospital stay, cognitive decline, and mortality. Preoperative assessments may help to identify patients´ POD risk. However, a standardized screening assessment for POD risk has not been established.

DESIGN

Prospective observational FINd DElirium RIsk factors (FINDERI) study.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients aged ≥50 years undergoing cardiac surgery.

MEASUREMENTS

The primary aim was to analyze the predictive value of the Delirium Risk Screening Questionnaire (DRSQ) prior to cardiac surgery. Secondary aims are to investigate cognitive, frailty, and geriatric assessments, and to use data-driven machine learning (ML) in predicting POD. Predictive properties were assessed using receiver operating characteristics analysis and multivariate approaches (regularized LASSO regression and decision trees).

RESULTS

We analyzed a data set of 504 patients (68.3 ± 8.2 years, 21.4% women) who underwent cardiac surgery. The incidence of POD was 21%. The preoperatively administered DRSQ showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.68 (95% CI 0.62, 0.73), and the predictive OR was 1.25 (95% CI 1.15, 1.35, p <0.001). Using a ML approach, a three-rule decision tree prediction model including DRSQ (score>7), Trail Making Test B (time>118), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (score ≤ 22) was identified. The AUC of the three-rule decision tree on the training set was 0.69 (95% CI 0.63, 0.75) and 0.62 (95% CI 0.51, 0.73) on the validation set.

CONCLUSION

Both the DRSQ and the three-rule decision tree might be helpful in predicting POD risk before cardiac surgery.

Potential mechanism of Taohong Siwu Decoction in preventing and treating postoperative delirium in intertrochanteric fracture patients based on retrospective analysis and network pharmacology

OBJECTIVE

Elderly patients with hip fractures are at a greater risk of developing postoperative delirium (POD), which significantly impacts their recovery and overall quality of life. Neuroinflammation is a pathogenic mechanism of POD. Taohong Siwu Decoction (THSWD), known for its ability to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, can effectively reduce inflammation in the nervous system. Therefore, the objective of this article is to provide a comprehensive summary of the clinical efficacy of THSWD in the prevention of POD. Additionally, it aims to investigate the underlying mechanism of THSWD in the prevention and treatment of POD using network pharmacology and molecular docking.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with intertrochanteric fractures between January 2016 and October 2021. The patients were divided into two groups: the control and THSWD group. We performed a comparative analysis of hemoglobin (HB), albumin (ALB), C-reactive protein (CRP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and the blood urea nitrogen to creatinine ratio (BCR) on two different time points: the day before surgery (D0) and the third day after surgery (D3). Furthermore, we examined the incidence and duration of delirium, as well as the Harris Hip Score (HHS) at 3 months and 12 months post-surgery. Network pharmacology was employed to identify the primary targets and mechanisms of THSWD in the management of delirium. Molecular docking was employed to confirm the interaction between active ingredients and COX-2. Inflammatory cytokines, including cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-α), were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The cognitive status of the patients was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scoring system.

RESULTS

Regardless of whether it is in D0 or D3, THSWD treatment can increase HB levels while decreasing BCR. In D3, the THSWD group demonstrated a significant reduction in the expression of CRP and BUN when compared to the control group. However, there were no significant differences in ABL levels, surgery duration, and blood loss between the two groups. Additionally, THSWD treatment requires fewer blood transfusions and can reduce the incidence and duration of POD. The results of the logistic analysis suggest that both CRP levels and BCR independently contribute to the risk of POD. Network pharmacology analysis indicates that THSWD has the potential to prevent and treat POD possibly through inflammatory pathways such as IL-17 signaling pathways and NF-kappa B signaling pathways. Molecular docking validated the interaction between the active ingredient of THSWD and COX-2. Furthermore, THSWD treatment can reduce the levels of COX-2, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, BUN and CRP in the blood of patients with POD, increase HB levels, and enhance MMSE scores. The expression of COX-2 is positively associated with other inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP), and inversely associated with MMSE.

CONCLUSION

THSWD has been found to have a preventive and therapeutic effect on POD in intertrochanteric fracture patients possibly through inflammatory pathways. This effect may be attributed to its ability to increase hemoglobin levels and reduce the levels of certain detrimental factors, such as blood urea nitrogen and inflammatory factors.

The influence of sleep disorders on perioperative neurocognitive disorders among the elderly: A narrative review

This review comprehensively assesses the epidemiology, interaction, and impact on patient outcomes of perioperative sleep disorders (SD) and perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) in the elderly. The incidence of SD and PND during the perioperative period in older adults is alarmingly high, with SD significantly contributing to the occurrence of postoperative delirium. However, the clinical evidence linking SD to PND remains insufficient, despite substantial preclinical data. Therefore, this study focuses on the underlying mechanisms between SD and PND, underscoring that potential mechanisms driving SD-induced PND include uncontrolled central nervous inflammation, blood-brain barrier disruption, circadian rhythm disturbances, glial cell dysfunction, neuronal and synaptic abnormalities, impaired central metabolic waste clearance, gut microbiome dysbiosis, hippocampal oxidative stress, and altered brain network connectivity. Additionally, the review also evaluates the effectiveness of various sleep interventions, both pharmacological and nonpharmacological, in mitigating PND. Strategies such as earplugs, eye masks, restoring circadian rhythms, physical exercise, noninvasive brain stimulation, dexmedetomidine, and melatonin receptor agonists have shown efficacy in reducing PND incidence. The impact of other sleep-improvement drugs (e.g., orexin receptor antagonists) and methods (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia) on PND is still unclear. However, certain drugs used for treating SD (e.g., antidepressants and first-generation antihistamines) may potentially aggravate PND. By providing valuable insights and references, this review aimed to enhance the understanding and management of PND in older adults based on SD.

Effect of different anesthetic modalities on postoperative delirium in elderly hip fractures: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Previous findings on the effect of general versus spinal anesthesia on postoperative delirium in elderly people with hip fractures are somewhat controversial. This article included the latest randomized controlled study for meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of general anesthesia (GA) and spinal anesthesia (SA) on delirium after hip fracture surgery in the elderly, so as to guide the clinical.

METHODS

Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web Of Science, and Embase were searched from inception up to January 16, 2024. Randomized controlled trial (RCT) was included to evaluate the postoperative results of GA and SA in elderly patients (≥50 years old) undergoing hip fracture surgery. Two researchers independently screened for inclusion in the study and extracted data. Heterogeneity was assessed by the I²and Chi-square tests, and P < .1 or I² ≥ 50% indicated marked heterogeneity among studies. The Mantel-Haenszel method was used to estimate the combined relative risk ratio (RR) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) for the binary variables.

RESULTS

Nine randomized controlled trials were included. There was no significant difference (RR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.774-1.111, P > .05) in the incidence of postoperative delirium between the GA group and the SA group. In intraoperative blood transfusion (RR = 1.0, 95% CI = 0.77-1.28, Z = 0.04, P = .971), pulmonary embolism (RR = 0.795, 95% CI = 0.332-1.904, Z = 0.59, P = .606), pneumonia (RR = 1.47, 95% CI = 0.75-2.87, P = .675), myocardial infarction (RR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.24-3.86, Z = 0.05, P = .961), heart failure (RR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.26-2.42, Z = 0.40, P = .961), urinary retention (RR = 1.42, 95% CI = 0.77-2.61, Z = 1.11, P = .267) were similar between the 2 anesthetic techniques.

CONCLUSION

There is no significant difference in the effect of GA and SA on postoperative delirium in elderly patients with hip fracture, and their effects on postoperative complications are similar.

Development and validation of a new drug-focused predictive risk score for postoperative delirium in orthopaedic and trauma surgery patients

BACKGROUND

Postoperative delirium (POD) is the most common complication following surgery in elderly patients. During pharmacist-led medication reconciliation (PhMR), a predictive risk score considering delirium risk-increasing drugs and other available risk factors could help to identify risk patients.

METHODS

Orthopaedic and trauma surgery patients aged ≥ 18 years with PhMR were included in a retrospective observational single-centre study 03/2022-10/2022. The study cohort was randomly split into a development and a validation cohort (6:4 ratio). POD was assessed through the 4 A's test (4AT), delirium diagnosis, and chart review. Potential risk factors available at PhMR were tested via univariable analysis. Significant variables were added to a multivariable logistic regression model. Based on the regression coefficients, a risk score for POD including delirium risk-increasing drugs (DRD score) was established.

RESULTS

POD occurred in 42/328 (12.8%) and 30/218 (13.8%) patients in the development and validation cohorts, respectively. Of the seven evaluated risk factors, four were ultimately tested in a multivariable logistic regression model. The final DRD score included age (66-75 years, 2 points; > 75 years, 3 points), renal impairment (eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73m2, 1 point), anticholinergic burden (ACB-score ≥ 3, 1 point), and delirium risk-increasing drugs (n ≥ 2; 2 points). Patients with ≥ 4 points were classified as having a high risk for POD. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the risk score model were 0.89 and 0.81 for the development and the validation cohorts, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The DRD score is a predictive risk score assessable during PhMR and can identify patients at risk for POD. Specific preventive measures concerning drug therapy safety and non-pharmacological actions should be implemented for identified risk patients.

Nomogram for predicting the risk of postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing orthopedic surgery

OBJECTIVE

To retrospectively analyze the risk factors for postoperative delirium (POD) after orthopedic surgery in elderly patients and establish an individualized nomogram to predict the risk of POD.

METHODS

The data of 1011 patients who underwent orthopedic surgery from January 2019 to January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic analyses were used to screen for independent risk factors. Stepwise regression was conducted to screen risk factors to construct a nomogram to predict the risk of POD after orthopedic surgery in elderly individuals, and nomogram validation analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The logistic regression results showed that age (≥ 75 years old vs. < 75 years old; odds ratio (OR) = 2.889; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.149, 7.264), sex (male vs. female, OR = 2.368; 95% CI, 1.066, 5.261), and preoperative cognitive impairment (yes vs. no, OR = 13.587; 95% CI, 4.360, 42.338) were independent risk factors for POD in elderly patients who underwent orthopedic surgery (P < 0.05). A nomogram was constructed using 7 risk factors, i.e., age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, sex, preoperative hemoglobin (Hb), preoperative pulmonary disease, cognitive impairment, and intraoperative infusion volume. The area under the curve (AUC) showed good discrimination (0.867), the slope of the calibration curve was 1.0, and the optimal net benefit of the nomogram from the decision curve analysis (DCA) was 0.01-0.58.

CONCLUSION

This study used 7 risk factors to construct a nomogram to predict the risk of POD after major orthopedic surgery in elderly individuals, and the nomogram had good discrimination ability, accuracy, and clinical practicability.

The Utilization of Preoperative Steroids Safely Decreases the Risk of Postoperative Delirium in Geriatric Patients After Hip Fracture Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVES

Postoperative delirium is an acute neurocognitive complication that can have adverse effects on outcomes of geriatric patients after undergoing hip fracture surgery. The objective of this study was to examine the efficacy of preoperative steroids in preventing postoperative delirium after hip fracture surgery.

METHODS

DATA SOURCES

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed using PubMed, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Web of Science from database inception until September 28, 2023.

STUDY SELECTION

Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials of patients who underwent surgical intervention for hip fracture, were examined for postoperative delirium, and used preoperative steroids.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data included the risk of postoperative delirium, postoperative all-cause infection, and postoperative hyperglycemia. Articles were graded via the Cochrane Collaboration's tool.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Statistical analysis included a random-effects binary model with relative risk, 95% confidence intervals along with a defined "number needed to treat" threshold (number needed to treat).

RESULTS

Four randomized controlled trials were included from 128 articles initially retrieved. Patients (n = 416; average age: 82.2 ± 2.2 years) underwent surgical intervention for hip fracture after receiving either preoperative steroids (n = 209) or control interventions (n = 207). There was a statistically significant decrease in the incidence of postoperative delirium among patients who received preoperative steroids (12.9%; 27 cases) as compared with patients who received control interventions (26.7%; 55 cases) after hip fracture surgery ( P < 0.001; RR: 0.84). The absolute risk difference was 13.8%, and the number needed to treat was 7.2 patients. There was no statistically significant difference in the risk of postoperative all-cause infection among patients who received preoperative steroids as compared with patients who received normal saline as placebo after hip fracture surgery ( P = 0.850; RR: 0.96).

CONCLUSIONS

The utilization of preoperative steroids seems to decrease the risk of postoperative delirium after hip fracture surgery in elderly adults. Furthermore, this decreased risk of postoperative delirium was not associated with a significant increase in postoperative infection, indicating possible safety of preoperative steroid administration.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Study on the causal relationship between educational attainment and delirium: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study

This study aimed to investigate whether there is a causal relationship between educational attainment and delirium at the genetic level using the Mendelian randomization method, and provide new evidence for studies in this field. We found a causal relationship between educational attainment and delirium at the genetic level after excluding confounders using Mendelian randomization. The inverse variance weighting method of random effects was the main analysis method. The weighted median and Mendelian Randomization-Egger methods, as well as simple, and weighted modes were used as supplementary analysis methods. Additionally, horizontal pleiotropy tests were conducted, including the Mendelian Randomization-Egger intercept test and Mendelian Randomization Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier. Cochran's Q statistic was used to assess the size of heterogeneity. We retrieved all second single nucleotide polymorphism features and performed multivariate Mendelian randomization to adjust for the effect of potential confounders on our results. The inverse variance weighting suggested a negative correlation between genetically predicted educational attainment and delirium (0.67[0.49-0.92], p = 0.013); Mendelian Randomization Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier (0.67[0.49-0.92], p = 0.013) and multivariate Mendelian randomization (0.52[0.33-0.82], p = 0.005) results were generally consistent with the inverse variance weighting method. The Mendelian Randomization-Egger, simple, and weighted mode results were consistent with the inverse variance weighting results. Our results were not affected by pleiotropy or heterogeneity (p > 0.05, for both pleiotropy and heterogeneity). In addition, the "leave-one-out" analysis showed that the results of our Mendelian randomization analysis were not influenced by individual single nucleotide polymorphisms. Studies have found a causal relationship between educational attainment and delirium at the genetic level; higher educational attainment may be a protective factor against delirium. Clinically, more attention should be paid to patients at a high risk of delirium with low educational attainment.

Intertrochanteric (Reverse Oblique) Fracture Subclassifications AO/OTA 31-A3 Have No Effect on Outcomes or Postoperative Complications

Background

Reverse oblique intertrochanteric fractures (ROFs) are unstable extracapsular hip fractures that present a mechanical challenge. These fractures are classified as AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) 31-A3 according to the Trauma Association classification system and can further be subclassified into 3 subtypes based on their specific characteristics. The study aimed to evaluate and compare the radiographic and clinical outcomes of the 3 subtypes of ROFs.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted at a single high-volume, tertiary center, where data were collected from electronic medical records of consecutive patients who underwent surgical fixation of AO/OTA 31-A3 fractures. Patients with less than 1-year follow-up, pathological fractures, and revision surgery were excluded. The subtypes of fractures were classified as 31-A3.1 (simple oblique), 31-A3.2 (simple transverse), and 31-A3.3 (wedge or multi-fragmentary). The operation was done using 4 different fixation methods, and radiological evaluation was performed at routine intervals.

Results

The final population consisted of 265 patients (60.8% women) with a mean age of 77.4 years (range, 50-100 years) and the mean follow-up time was 35 months (range, 12-116 months). The incidence of medical complications was similar across the groups. However, there was a trend toward a higher incidence of orthopedic complications and revision rates in the 31-A3.2 group, although this was not statistically significant (p = 0.21 and p = 0.14, respectively).

Conclusions

Based on the findings of this study, no significant differences were observed between the groups, indicating that the subclassifications of AO/OTA 31-A3 fractures do not have a significant impact on surgical outcomes or the occurrence of postoperative complications.

Knowledge mapping and research trends on perioperative neurocognitive disorder from 1990 to 2022: a bibliometric analysis

Introduction

Perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) has attracted consistently increasing attention worldwide. However, there are few bibliometric studies that systematically evaluate this field. This study aimed to visualize the knowledge structure and research trends in PND through bibliometrics to help understand the future development of basic and clinical research.

Methods

Literature related to PND in Web of Science and PubMed from 1990 to 2022 were collected through keywords retrospectively. Additionally, the source information, citation information, etc. of these publications were extracted. Finally, bibliometric analysis was performed by visualization software and statistical software.

Results

There were 2837 articles and reviews in total. An exponential rise in PND-related publications was observed. China had the most publication, followed by the US and Germany. The institution with the most output and citations was Harvard University (149 papers, 8966 citations). The most prominent author was Marcantonio Edward R with 66 publications and 5721 citations. The journal with the highest productivity for PND research was Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience followed by Anesthesia and Analgesia. Keywords were identified as six topics, including postoperative delirium, postoperative neurocognitive disorder, cardiac surgery, anaesthesia, orthopedic surgery, and dementia. According to keyword analysis, the most recent popular keywords in PND research were prevention, older patients, emergence delirium, orthopedic surgery, and dexmedetomidine.

Conclusions

Publications on PND are increasing at an alarming rate from 1990 to 2022. Current research and future trends will concentrate on the prevention and treatment of PND, as well as PND associated with orthopedic surgery in older adults.

Intraoperative EEG-based monitors: are we looking under the lamppost?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

While electroencephalogram (EEG)-based depth of anesthesia monitors have been in use clinically for decades, there is still a major debate concerning their efficacy for detecting awareness under anesthesia (AUA). Further utilization of these monitors has also been discussed vividly, for example, reduction of postoperative delirium (POD).It seems that with regard to reducing AUA and POD, these monitors might be applicable, under specific anesthetic protocols. But in other settings, such monitoring might be less contributive and may have a 'built-it glass ceiling'.Recent advances in other venues of electrophysiological monitoring might have a strong theoretical rationale, and early supporting results, to offer a breakthrough out of this metaphorical glass ceiling. The purpose of this review is to present this possibility.

RECENT FINDINGS

Following previous findings, it might be concluded that for some anesthesia protocols, the prevailing depth of anesthesia monitors may prevent incidences of AUA and POD. However, in other settings, which may involve other anesthesia protocols, or specifically for POD - other perioperative causes, they may not. Attention-related processes measured by easy-to-use real-time electrophysiological markers are becoming feasible, also under anesthesia, and might be applicable for more comprehensive prevention of AUA, POD and possibly other perioperative complications.

SUMMARY

Attention-related monitoring might have a strong theoretical basis for the prevention of AUA, POD, and potentially other distressing postoperative outcomes, such as stroke and postoperative neurocognitive disorder. There seems to be already some initial supporting evidence in this regard.

The Effect of Dexmedetomidine as a Local Anesthetic Adjuvant for Iliac Fascia Compartment Block on Postoperative Delirium in Elderly Patients Undergoing Elective Hip Surgery

INTRODUCTION

We analyzed the effect of dexmedetomidine (DEX) as a local anesthetic adjuvant on postoperative delirium (POD) in elderly patients undergoing elective hip surgery.

METHODS

In this study, 120 patients undergoing hip surgery were enrolled and randomly assigned to two groups: fascia iliaca compartment block with DEX + ropivacaine (the Y group, n = 60) and fascia iliaca compartment block with ropivacaine (the R group, n = 60). The primary outcomes: presence of delirium during the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) period and on the first day (D1), the second day (D2), and the third day (D3) after surgery. The secondary outcomes: preoperative and postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), occurrence of insomnia on the preoperative day, day of operation, D1 and D2; HR values of patients in both groups before iliac fascia block (T1), 30 min after iliac fascia block (T2), at surgical incision (T3), 20 min after incision (T4), when they were transferred out of the operating room (T5) and after leaving the recovery room (T6) at each time point; VAS for T1, PACU, D1, D2; the number of patients requiring remedial analgesics within 24 h after blockade and related complications between the two groups.

RESULTS

A total of 97 patients were included in the final analysis, with 11 and 12 patients withdrawing from the R and Y groups, respectively. The overall incidence of POD and its incidence in the PACU and ward were all lesser in the Y group than in the R group (p < 0.05). Additionally, fewer cases required remedial analgesia during the PACU period, and more vasoactive drugs were used for maintaining circulatory system stability in the Y group as compared to the R group (p < 0.05). At the same time, the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative bradycardia in the Y group was higher than that in the R group, accompanied by lower postoperative CRP and ESR (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound-guided high fascia iliaca compartment block with a combination of ropivacaine and DEX can reduce the incidence of POD, the use of intraoperative opioids and postoperative remedial analgesics, and postoperative inflammation in elderly patients who have undergone hip surgery, indicating that this method could be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of POD.

Prevalence and risk factors of subsyndromal delirium among postoperative patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and risk factors for subsyndromal delirium in the postoperative patient.

DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

The Review Manager 5.3 statistics platform and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale were used for quality evaluation.

DATA SOURCES

The following databases were searched: PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, Scopus and EBSCO from January 2000 to December 2021. Additional sources were found by looking at relevant articles' citations.

RESULTS

A total of 1744 titles were originally identified, and five studies including 962 patients were included in the systematic review, with a pooled prevalence of postoperative subsyndromal delirium (PSSD) of 30% (95% CI: 0.28-0.32). Significant risk variables for PSSD were older age, low levels of education (≤9 years), cognitive impairment, higher comorbidity score, and the duration of operation.

CONCLUSION

PSSD is prevalent and is associated with a variety of risk factors as well as low academic performance.

IMPACT

Identification and clinical management of patients with PSSD should be improved. Future research on PSSD risk factors should look at a wider range of intraoperative and postoperative risk factors that can be changed.

PATIENT AND PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

No Patient or Public Contribution.

Impact of Prefracture Cognitive Impairment and Postoperative Delirium on Recovery after Hip Fracture Surgery

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to examine the impact of prefracture cognitive impairment (CI) severity and postoperative delirium on recovery after hip fracture surgery in older patients.

DESIGN

Prospective study with a 1-year follow-up.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

We included 355 patients aged ≥80 years from 2 acute hospitals in Japan.

METHODS

Barthel Index (BI) ambulation scores were assessed prefracture and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The score at each time point minus the prefracture score was used as the ambulation recovery variable. The 21-item Dementia Assessment Sheet for the Community-based Care System (DASC-21) and Confusion Assessment Method were used to assess CI severity and delirium, respectively. The impacts of CI severity and delirium on recovery at 1 month and by 12 months postoperatively were examined. Linear multiple regression and linear mixed effects models were used.

RESULTS

BI ambulation scores remained the same or improved from prefracture levels in 26.8%, 34.4%, 33.0%, and 30.4% of patients at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Ten patients (2.8%) had fall-related hip fractures, 20 (5.6%) were rehospitalized, and 43 (12.1%) died during this period. Although DASC-21 CI severity significantly affected the recovery both at 1 month and by 12 months postoperatively [standardized β (Stdβ) = -0.39, P < .0001, and Stdβ = -0.37, P < .0001, respectively], delirium did not. Other variables affecting recovery by 12 months postoperatively included prefracture BI ambulation scores, Mini Mental State Examination scores, age, fracture type, place of residence, and time.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Postoperative ambulation recovery, excluding the effect of death and other poor outcomes, is influenced by prefracture CI severity, and the presence of delirium itself may not be the moderating variable. These results emphasize the importance of treatment planning based on prefracture CI severity and indicate that assessments such as the DASC-21 may be useful in implementing such a plan.

Efficacy of Supplemental Ultrasound-Guided Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) Block Combined with Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Block in Patients Receiving Local Infiltration Analgesia after Hip Fracture Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and Objectives: Local infiltration analgesia (LIA) represents a potential approach to reducing pain in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). The pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block also provides adequate analgesia for fractures and THA. As most hip surgeries use a lateral incision, affecting the cutaneous supply by branches of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN), the LFCN block can contribute to postoperative analgesia. However, no studies have investigated the effectiveness of supplemental PENG block combined with LFCN block in patients undergoing LIA after hip fracture surgery. Our study aimed to assess the effectiveness of PENG combined with LFCN block following hip fracture surgery in patients who underwent LIA. Materials and Methods: Forty-six patients were randomly assigned to LIA or PENG + LFCN + LIA groups. The primary outcome was the pain score at rest and during movement at 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h postoperatively. The total opioid dose for postoperative analgesia was also measured at the same time points. Secondary outcomes included postoperative cognitive function assessment. Results: The median pain scores at rest and during movement were lower in the PENG + LFCN + LIA group throughout the study periods compared to the LIA group, except at 2 h (at rest) and 48 h (during movement) after surgery. The total fentanyl dose was lower in the PENG + LFCN + LIA group at all time points after surgery when compared to the LIA group. Postoperative delirium incidence and the median abbreviated mental test scores were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions: The combination of PENG and LFCN blocks may contribute to enhanced recovery for patients undergoing LIA after hip fracture surgery. However, further well-controlled research is necessary to determine the effectiveness of supplemental PENG combined with LFCN block in addressing cognitive deficits in these patients.

Increased IgA-mediated responses to the gut paracellular pathway and blood-brain barrier proteins predict delirium due to hip fracture in older adults

Introduction

Delirium is accompanied by immune response system activation, which may, in theory, cause a breakdown of the gut barrier and blood-brain barrier (BBB). Some results suggest that the BBB is compromised in delirium, but there is no data regarding the gut barrier. This study investigates whether delirium is associated with impaired BBB and gut barriers in elderly adults undergoing hip fracture surgery.

Methods

We recruited 59 older adults and measured peak Delirium Rating Scale (DRS) scores 2-3 days after surgery, and assessed plasma IgG/IgA levels (using ELISA techniques) for zonulin, occludin, claudin-6, β-catenin, actin (indicating damage to the gut paracellular pathway), claudin-5 and S100B (reflecting BBB damage), bacterial cytolethal distending toxin (CDT), LPS-binding protein (LBP), lipopolysaccharides (LPS), Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Helicobacter pylori.

Results

Results from univariate analyses showed that delirium is linked to increased IgA responses to all the self-epitopes and antigens listed above, except for LPS. Part of the variance (between 45-48.3%) in the peak DRS score measured 2-3 days post-surgery was explained by independent effects of IgA directed to LPS and LBP (or bacterial CDT), baseline DRS scores, and previous mild stroke. Increased IgA reactivity to the paracellular pathway and BBB proteins and bacterial antigens is significantly associated with the activation of M1 macrophage, T helper-1, and 17 cytokine profiles.

Conclusion

Heightened bacterial translocation, disruption of the tight and adherens junctions of the gut and BBB barriers, elevated CDT and LPS load in the bloodstream, and aberrations in cell-cell interactions may be risk factors for delirium.

Anesthetic Methods for Hip Fracture

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the benefits, risks, and contraindications of traditional and new anesthesia approaches for hip fracture surgery and describe what is known about the impact of these approaches on postoperative outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

This review describes general and spinal anesthesia, peripheral nerve block techniques used for pain management, and novel, local anesthesia approaches which may provide significant benefit compared with traditional approaches by minimizing high-risk induction time and decreasing respiratory suppression and short- and long-term cognitive effects. Hip fracture surgery places a large physiologic stress on an already frail patient, and anesthesia choice plays an important role in managing risk of perioperative morbidity. New local anesthesia techniques may decrease morbidity and mortality, particularly in higher-risk patients.

Risk factors for postoperative delirium in orthopaedic hip surgery patients: a database review

BACKGROUND

Postoperative delirium is a common problem affecting admitted patients that decreases patient satisfaction and increases the cost and complexity of care. The purpose of this study was to use the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database to compare rates and risk factors of postoperative delirium for total hip arthroplasty (THA) and hemiarthroplasty patients indicated for osteoarthritis or proximal femur fracture.

METHODS

The 2021 NSQIP database was queried for patients using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for THA and hemiarthroplasty and ICD-10 codes for osteoarthritis or proximal femur fracture. Demographic, past medical history, preoperative labs, and functional status data were recorded. Procedural data were also collected. Finally, postoperative outcomes and complications were reviewed.

RESULTS

Overall, 16% of patients had postoperative delirium. Delirium patients were older on average (82.4 years vs. 80.7 years, p < 0.001), had a lower BMI (19.5 vs. 24.8, p < 0.001), were more likely to have a history of dementia (54.6% vs. 13.6%, p < 0.001), were less likely to have an independent functional status (p < 0.001) or live alone (p < 0.001), and were more likely to have sustained a recent fall (p < 0.001). Delirium patients were more likely to be hyponatremic or hypernatremic (p = 0.002), anemic (p < 0.001), and severely dehydrated (p < 0.001), among other lab abnormalities. Delirium patients were also more likely to experience additional postoperative complications, including pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, urinary tract infection, stroke, cardiac arrest, sepsis, and unplanned reoperation and readmission after discharge (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, factors associated with postoperative delirium in patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty and THA were identified, including older age, lower BMI, certain medical conditions, decreased functional status, certain lab abnormalities, and postoperative complications. These findings can be used by clinicians to better inform care and to determine when orthopaedic joint replacement patients may be at an increased risk for postoperative delirium.

Hospital admission and the occurrence of delirium in older adults with physical frailty: cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the relationship between hospitalization and the occurrence of delirium in older adults with physical frailty.

METHOD

Cross-sectional study carried out in a public hospital in southern Brazil. Hospitalized older adults aged ≥ 60 years participated. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, physical frailty phenotype tests were performed and the Confusion Assessment Method was used. Descriptive analyzes were carried out and odds ratio values were estimated for the frailty and delirium variables.

RESULTS

Of the 320 older adults evaluated, 21.14% presented delirium, 49% were identified as pre-frail and 36.2% as frail. Of those affected by delirium, 71.6% were classified as frail and 28.3% as pre-frail (p < 0.001). An association was observed between the occurrence of delirium and frailty (OR 1.22; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.38), age ≥ 80 years (OR 1.14; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.32), epilepsy (OR 1.38; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.76), dementia (OR 1.58; 95% CI 1.37 to 1.82), and history of stroke (OR 1.14; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.26).

CONCLUSION

There was a high frequency of pre-frail and frail older adults, and the occurrence of delirium in frail was significantly higher. Special attention should be paid to frail older adults to prevent the occurrence of delirium during hospitalization.

The clinical value of the Duke Anesthesia Resistance Scale in predicting postoperative delirium after hip fracture surgery: a retrospective study

Aim

This study aims to investigate the clinical value of the Duke Anesthesia Resistance Scale (DARS) in predicting postoperative delirium (POD) after hip fracture surgery.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted. Clinical data were collected from the patients who had hip fracture and underwent elective total hip arthroplasty in Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Third Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University between January 2022 and June 2023. The Consciousness Fuzzy Assessment Scale was used to evaluate the occurrence of POD on postoperative day 3 (POD 3). The enrolled patients were divided into the POD group (n = 26) and the non-POD group (n = 125). Baseline characteristics, surgical data, postoperative information, and laboratory test results were collected. DARS scores were calculated using the minimum alveolar concentration, end-tidal concentration average (ETAC), and bispectral index (BIS). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to recognize the independent risk factors for POD after hip fracture surgery. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to evaluate the value of DARS in POD prediction.

Results

The average age of POD group was significantly higher, comparing to non-POD group (P < 0.05). DARS scores were statistically lower in the POD group compared to non-POD group (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that age and DARS scores were factors impacting post-operative delirium occurrence after hip fracture surgery (P < 0.05). ROC showed that the area under the curve for DARS in predicting POD after hip fracture surgery was 0.929 (95% CI [0.861-0.997]). The optimal cutoff value was 30. The sensitivity was 95.45%, while the specificity was 84.09%.

Conclusion

DARS score demonstrates good predictive value in hip fracture patients and is feasible in clinical practice, making it suitable for clinical application and promotion.

Complication Rates and Survival of Nonagenarians after Hip Hemiarthroplasty versus Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation for Intertrochanteric Fractures: A 15-Year Retrospective Cohort Study of 113 Cases

OBJECTIVE

Intertrochanteric fracture is a very common but serious type of hip fracture in nonagenarians. The surgical treatment remains a significant challenge for orthopedists. The objective of this study was to investigate postoperative complications and survival outcomes compared between bipolar hemiarthroplasty (HA) and proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) in nonagenarians with intertrochanteric fractures, and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the two surgical procedures in this patient population.

METHODS

A total of 113 consecutive nonagenarians who underwent bipolar HA or PFNA for the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures from January 2006 to August 2021 were retrospectively studied in the current paper. There were 34 males and 79 females, with a mean age of 92.2 years (range 90-101 years) at the time of operation. The average duration of follow-up was 29.7 months (range 1-120 months). The full cohort was divided into bipolar HA (77 cases) and PFNA (36 cases) groups. Damage control orthopedics was used to determine the optimal surgery time and assist in perioperative management. A restrictive blood transfusion strategy was employed, along with appropriate adjustments under multidisciplinary assessment, throughout the perioperative period. Perioperative clinical information and prognostic data were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used for survival analysis, and landmark analysis divided the entire follow-up period into 1-12 months (short-term), 13-42 months (medium-term) and 43-120 months (long-term) according to the configurations of Kaplan-Meier survival curves.

RESULTS

Both groups had similar general variables except for the proportion of high adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (aCCI) (≥6 points) (6.5% in bipolar HA group and 22.2% in PFNA group, p = 0.024). Intraoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements were greater, and the intraoperative transfusion rates were higher in the bipolar HA group compared to the PFNA group (all p < 0.05). The complications rates, 1- to 60-month cumulative all-cause mortality, postoperative optimal Harris hip score (HHS), and Barthel index (BI) presented no significant difference between the two groups (all p > 0.05). Both groups had similar overall survival curves (p = 0.37). However, landmark analysis revealed that bipolar HA group exhibited higher survival rates in medium-term (p = 0.01), while similar survival rates were observed in the short- and long-term post-operation periods (both p > 0.05). Cox regression with survival-time-dependent covariate calculated the hazard ratio (HR) of bipolar HA was 0.41 in medium-term (p = 0.039).

CONCLUSION

Bipolar HA is equally effective and reliable as PFNA for treating intertrochanteric fractures in nonagenarians. Despite resulting in more intraoperative blood loss and transfusions, bipolar HA therapy is associated with a higher medium-term survival rate compared to PFNA treatment. The application of damage control orthopedics and precise perioperative patient blood management could contribute to the positive clinical outcomes observed in this patient population.

Frequency of Urinary Tract Infection Among Patients Undergoing Implant Fixation for Acute Trauma

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to determine the frequency of urinary tract infection (UTI), identify the isolated bacteria, and assess antibiotic sensitivity in patients undergoing orthopedic implant fixation for hip fractures.

METHODOLOGY

After ethical approval from the institutional review board, this retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Orthopedic Surgery Department of Dow University Hospital Karachi from June 2022 to June 2023. Through non-probability consecutive sampling, 186 patients above 16 years of age, of either gender, presenting with hip fractures such as intracapsular or extracapsular fractures, who underwent surgical fixation, were included in the study. A urine sample for urinalysis of these patients was sent on admission. Patients who presented with open fractures or those treated with conservative management were excluded from the study. The fracture diagnosis was confirmed on radiographs. All other relevant baseline investigations were also performed before surgery, per protocol, and urine-detailed and cultured reports were followed. In addition, each patient was asked about common symptoms of UTI before surgery and then diagnosed with UTI on positive urine culture and sensitivity (CS).

RESULTS

Out of 186 hip fracture patients, 98 (52.7%) were males and 88 (47.3%) were females, with a mean age of 61.03 ± 16.43 (16-96) years. Pre-operative UTI symptoms were reported by 79 patients, including dysuria (16; 20.3%), polyuria (19; 24.0%), and burning (44; 55.7%). UTI was diagnosed on culture and sensitivity report in 65 (34.9%) patients with Escherichia coli as commonly diagnosed bacteria 35 (53.8%), followed by Enterococcus 8 (12.4%), Klebsiella 7 (10.9%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 3 (4.7%), and Acinetobacter 2 (3.1%) patients. E. coli was sensitive to amikacin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, ampicillin, cefixime, ceftriaxone, cefuroxime, ciprofloxacin, colistin, cotrimoxazole, fosfomycin, gentamycin, levofloxacin, meropenem, nitrofurantoin, polymyxin B, and piperacillin-tazobactam.

CONCLUSION

Urinary tract infection is common in patients undergoing orthopedic implant fixation for hip fractures, which can lead to potentially serious outcomes. Overall, hygiene, prompt treatment, and standard protocol should be utilized to treat those infected and minimize the spread.

Dementia and Postoperative Delirium in Surgical Hip Fracture Patients: Unveiling Contrasting Risk Factors and Implications

Postoperative delirium is a serious complication, particularly in older adults with hip fractures. Using the 2019 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data file, we performed multiple regression analyses to compare risk factors for postoperative delirium in hip fracture patients with and without dementia. Preoperative delirium and mobility aid use were common risk factors in both groups. However, differential effects were observed for other factors. Pathological fracture increased delirium risk in patients with dementia but had a protective effect in those without dementia. In patients with dementia, American Society of Anesthesiology score IV/V was identified as a risk factor, whereas advanced age, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, weight loss, sepsis, elevated international normalized ratio, and serum creatinine level were additional risk factors in patients without dementia. These findings enhance our understanding of the complex relationship among dementia, hip fractures, and postoperative delirium. Identifying specific risk factors for each group can inform tailored interventions and preventive strategies. Further research is needed to validate and expand these findings, ultimately improving care and outcomes. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49(12), 25-30.].

Non-pharmacological interventions to prevent and treat delirium in older people: An overview of systematic reviews

BACKGROUND

As advanced age is a major risk factor for confusion status, delirium has become prevalent in the older population, contributing to longer hospital stays, cognitive impairment, and higher risks of complications and mortality. Compared with pharmacological methods, non-pharmacological interventions are preferred and are recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence for the prevention of delirium. Numerous systematic reviews and meta-analyses have been carried out to investigate the effects of non-pharmacological interventions. However, the outcomes were diverse and the quality varied widely, making it challenging to draw firm conclusions from the evidence.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the contents and evaluate the effects of non-pharmacological interventions to prevent and treat delirium among older people.

DESIGN

Overview of systematic reviews.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in Medline, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, JBI EBP Database, China's SinoMed, CNKI, and Wangfang databases from inception to 2nd December 2022. Two reviewers performed the study selection, quality appraisal, and data extraction independently. The AMSTAR 2 tool was used to appraise the methodological quality of eligible reviews. The results were presented in narrative synthesis based on types of intervention, including multicomponent and single-component interventions.

RESULTS

Twenty-four systematic reviews were included in this overview, of which four reviews were of high quality. Multicomponent interventions were the most widely disseminated non-pharmacological strategy, which were effective in preventing delirium with 27 %-54 % reduction in delirium incidence. Additionally, the multicomponent strategy also reduced the incidence of falls and pressure ulcers, and showed trends toward shortening the length of stay and improving cognitive function. Among single-component interventions, physical training, geriatric risk assessment, and reorientation protocol revealed positive effects in delirium prevention. However, the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for treating delirium was limited, and while multicomponent methods had inconsistent impacts on the duration and severity of delirium, single-component methods showed no significant impact.

CONCLUSION

Non-pharmacological interventions are effective in reducing the incidence of delirium and improving other health outcomes among older patients. However, the effects on the duration and severity of delirium need more evidence to confirm.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42022376651 in PROSPERO.

Effect of preoperative sleep disorders on delirium in proximal femoral surgery patients aged 60 or older

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of preoperative sleep disorders on delirium in patients older than 60 years of age who underwent surgery for proximal femoral fracture.

METHODS

This is a prospective observational study. We prospectively selected 143 patients with proximal femoral fracture who underwent surgery between April 2021 and April 2022. The primary outcome was postoperative delirium (PD). Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated. The preoperative sleep quality of all eligible participants was assessed through the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) was used to assess PD from the first to the seventh day postoperatively. Patients were divided into two groups according to the PD diagnosis: (1) the no PD (NPD) group and (2) the PD (PD) group.

RESULTS

Of 143 eligible patients, 43 (30.1%) were diagnosed with PD. Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that postoperative ICU admissions (OR = 2.801, p = 0.049) and preoperative sleep disorders (OR = 1.477 p < 0.001) were independently associated with PD. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve demonstrated that the preoperative PSQI score was predictive of PD (AUC 0.808, 95% CI 0.724 ~ 0.892, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative sleeping disorders may be an independent risk factor leading to PD and an independent predictive factor for the development of delirium in proximal femoral surgery patients aged 60 or older.

Preoperative Pain Facilitates Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction via Periaqueductal Gray Matter-Dorsal Raphe Circuit

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a medically induced, rapidly occurring postoperative disease, which is hard to recover and seriously threatens the quality of life, especially for elderly patients, so it is important to identify the risk factors for POCD and apply early intervention to prevent POCD. As we have known, pain can impair cognition, and many surgery patients experience different preoperative pain, but it is still unknown whether these patients are vulnerable for POCD. Here we found that chronic pain (7 days, but not 1 day acute pain) induced by Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) injected in the hind paw of rats could easily induce spatial cognition and memory impairment after being exposed to sevoflurane anesthesia. Next, for the mechanisms, we focused on the Periaqueductal Gray Matter (PAG), a well-known pivotal nucleus in pain process. It was detected the existence of neural projection from ventrolateral PAG (vlPAG) to adjacent nucleus Dorsal Raphe (DR), the origin of serotonergic projection for the whole cerebrum, through virus tracing and patch clamp recordings. The Immunofluorescence staining and western blot results showed that Tryptophan Hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) for serotonin synthesis in the DR was increased significantly in the rats treated with CFA for 7 days and sevoflurane for 3 hours, while chemo-genetic inhibition of the vlPAG-DR projection induced obvious spatial learning and memory impairment. Our study suggests that preoperative chronic pain may facilitate cognitive function impairment after receiving anesthesia through the PAG-DR neural circuit, and preventative analgesia should be a considerable measure to reduce the incidence of POCD.

Neuraxial versus general anesthesia in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery and the incidence of postoperative delirium: a systematic review and stratified meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Evidence-based effect of anesthetic regimens on postoperative delirium (POD) incidence after hip fracture surgery is still debated. Randomized trials have reported inconsistent contradictory results largely attributed to small sample size, use of outdated drugs and techniques, and inconsistent definitions of adverse outcomes. The primary objective of this meta-analysis was to investigate the impact of different anesthesia regimens on POD, cognitive impairment, and associated complications including mortality, duration of hospital stay, and rehabilitation capacity.

METHODS

We identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from 2000 to December 2021, in English and non-English language, comparing the effect of neuraxial anesthesia (NA) versus general anesthesia (GA) in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery, from PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library database. They were included if POD incidence, cognitive impairment, mortality, duration of hospital stay, or rehabilitation capacity were reported as at least one of the outcomes. Study protocols, case reports, audits, editorials, commentaries, conference reports, and abstracts were excluded. Two investigators (KYC and TXY) independently screened studies for inclusion and performed data extraction. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias tool. The quality of the evidence for each outcome according to the GRADE working group criteria. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to assess the pooled data.

RESULTS

A total of 10 RCTs with 3968 patients were included in the present analysis. No significant differences were found in the incidence of POD comparing NA vs GA [OR 1.10, 95% CI (0.89 to 1.37)], with or without including patients with a pre-existing condition of dementia or delirium, POD incidence from postoperative day 2-7 [OR 0.31, 95% CI (0.06 to -1.63)], in mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score [OR 0.07, 95% CI (-0.22 to 0.36)], or other neuropsychological test results. NA appeared to have a shorter duration of hospital stay, especially in patients without pre-existing dementia or delirium, however the observed effect did not reach statistical significance [OR -0.23, 95% CI (-0.46 to 0.01)]. There was no difference in other outcomes, including postoperative pain control, discharge to same preadmission residence [OR 1.05, 95% CI (0.85 to 1.31)], in-hospital mortality [OR 1.98, 95% CI (0.20 to 19.25)], 30-day [OR 1.03, 95% CI (0.47 to 2.25)] or 90-day mortality [OR 1.08, 95% CI (0.53-2.24)].

CONCLUSIONS

No significant differences were detected in incidence of POD, nor in other delirium-related outcomes between NA and GA groups and in subgroup analyses. NA appeared to be associated with a shorter hospital stay, especially in patients without pre-existing dementia, but the observed effect did not reach statistical significance. Further larger prospective randomized trials investigating POD incidence and its duration and addressing long-term clinical outcomes are indicated to rule out important differences between different methods of anesthesia for hip surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

10.17605/OSF.IO/3DJ6C.

A single preoperative low-dose dexamethasone may reduce the incidence and severity of postoperative delirium in the geriatric intertrochanteric fracture patients with internal fixation surgery: an exploratory analysis of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common complication along with poor prognosis in geriatric intertrochanteric fracture (ITF) patients. However, the prevention and treatment of POD remain unclear. Previous studies have confirmed that POD is essentially a consequence of neuro-inflammatory responses. Dexamethasone is a glucocorticoid with comprehensive anti-inflammatory effects, while a high dose of dexamethasone correlates with many side effects or even adverse consequences. Thus, this prospective study aims to discuss whether a single preoperative low-dose dexamethasone can reduce the impact of POD on geriatric ITF patients with internal fixation surgery.

METHODS

Between June 2020 and October 2022, there were 219 consecutive ITF patients assessed in our department. Of the 219 ITF patients, 160 cases who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were finally enrolled and randomly allocated to the dexamethasone group and the placebo group (80 geriatric ITF patients in each group) in this prospective study. The patients in the dexamethasone group received intravenous 10 mg (2 ml) dexamethasone while the patients in the placebo group received intravenous 2 ml saline in 30 min before being sent to the operating room, respectively. The baseline characteristics, surgical information, incidence and severity of POD as the efficacy-related outcomes, and infection events and hyperglycemia as safety-related outcomes (adverse events), were collected and analyzed between the two groups. The severity of POD was evaluated by Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale (MDAS) score.

RESULTS

There were no differences in baseline characteristics and surgical information between the dexamethasone group and the placebo group. The dexamethasone group had a lower incidence of POD than the placebo group within the first 5 days after surgery [(9/80, 11.3% vs. 21/80, 26.3%, RR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.71-0.97, P = 0.015]. The dexamethasone group had lower MDAS scores (Mean ± SD) than the placebo group [13.2 ± 1.0 (range 11 to 15) vs. 15.48 ± 2.9 (range 9 to 20), P = 0.011, effect size = 0.514]. There were no differences in infection events and hyperglycemia between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

A single preoperative low-dose dexamethasone may reduce the incidence and severity of POD in geriatric ITF patients with internal fixation surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR2200055281.

Preoperative Hemoglobin <10 g/DL Predicts an Increase in Major Adverse Cardiac Events in Patients With Hip Fracture Over 80 Years: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background

Preoperative anemia has been associated with perioperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing cardiac and non-cardiac surgery. Preoperative anemia is common in elderly hip fracture patients. The primary objective of the study was to explore the relationship between preoperative hemoglobin levels and postoperative major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in hip fracture patients over 80 years.

Methods

The retrospective study enrolled hip fracture patients over 80 years from January 2015 to December 2021 in our center. The data were collected from the hospital's electronic database after approval by the ethics committee. The primary objective of the study was to investigate MACEs, and the secondary objectives included in-hospital mortality, delirium, acute renal failure, ICU admission rate, and transfusion (>2 U).

Results

912 patients were entered for final analysis. Based on the restricted cubic spline, the risk of preoperative hemoglobin (<10 g/DL) was associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications. With univariable logistic analysis, a hemoglobin level <10 g/DL was associated with increased MACEs [OR 1.769, 95% CI (1.074, 2.914), P = .025], in-hospital mortality [OR 2.709, 95% CI (1.215, 6.039), P = .015] and transfusion >2 U risk [OR 2.049, 95% CI (1.56, 2.69), P < .001]. Even after adjustment for confounding factors, MACEs [OR 1.790, 95% CI (1.073, 2.985), P = .026], in-hospital mortality [OR 2.81, 95% CI (1.214, 6.514), P = .016] and transfusion >2 U rate [OR 2.002, 95% CI (1.516, 2.65), P < .001] were still higher in the lower hemoglobin level cohort. Moreover, a log-rank test showed increased in-hospital mortality in the cohort with a preoperative hemoglobin level of <10 g/DL. However, there was no difference in delirium, acute renal failure, and ICU admission rates.

Conclusions

In conclusion, for hip fracture patients over 80 years, preoperative hemoglobin levels <10 g/DL might be associated with increased postoperative MACEs, in-hospital mortality, and transfusion >2 U.

A predictive scoring system for postoperative delirium in the elderly patients with intertrochanteric fracture

OBJECTIVE

To establish a scoring system to predict the postoperative delirium in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fracture.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 159 elderly patients with a diagnosis of intertrochanteric fracture and underwent closed reduction and intramedullary nail fixation, and then divided them into two groups including the delirium group (23 cases) or non-delirium group (136 cases) in our hospital from January 2017 to December 2019. The following clinical characteristics were recorded and analyzed: age, gender, fracture classification, body mass index (BMI), history of diabetes mellitus, history of stroke, preoperative albumin, preoperative hemoglobin (Hb), preoperative arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO₂), time between admission and surgery, lower limb thrombosis, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, operative time, operative blood loss, and intraoperative blood transfusion. The prevalence of these clinical characteristics in delirium group was evaluated, and the scoring system was established using logistic regression analysis. The performance of the scoring system was also prospectively validated.

RESULTS

The predictive scoring system was based on five clinical characteristics confirmed as significant predictors of postoperative delirium, namely, age > 75 years, history of stroke, preoperative Hb ≤ 100 g/L, preoperative PaO₂ ≤ 60 mmHg, and time between admission to surgery > 3 days. Delirium group showed a significant higher score than non-delirium (6.26 vs. 2.29, P < 0.001), and the optimal cut-off value for the scoring system was 4 points. The sensitivity and specificity of the scoring system for predicting postoperative delirium were 82.61% and 81.62% in derivation set, respectively, and 72.71% and 75.00% in validation set.

CONCLUSION

The predictive scoring system confirmed with achieve satisfactory sensitivity and specificity in predicting postoperative delirium in the elderly with intertrochanteric fracture. The risk of postoperative delirium in patients with the score of 5 to 11 is high, while the score of 0 to 4 is low.

Predicting postoperative delirium after hip arthroplasty for elderly patients using machine learning

BACKGROUND

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common and severe complication in elderly hip-arthroplasty patients.

AIM

This study aims to develop and validate a machine learning (ML) model that determines essential features related to POD and predicts POD for elderly hip-arthroplasty patients.

METHODS

The electronic record data of elderly patients who received hip-arthroplasty surgery between January 2017 and April 2021 were enrolled as the dataset. The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) was administered to the patients during their perioperative period. The feature section method was employed as a filter to determine leading features. The classical machine learning algorithms were trained in cross-validation processing, and the model with the best performance was built in predicting the POD. Metrics of the area under the curve (AUC), accuracy (ACC), sensitivity, specificity, and F1-score were calculated to evaluate the predictive performance.

RESULTS

476 Arthroplasty elderly patients with general anesthesia were included in this study, and the final model combined feature selection method mutual information (MI) and linear binary classifier using logistic regression (LR) achieved an encouraging performance (AUC = 0.94, ACC = 0.88, sensitivity = 0.85, specificity = 0.90, F1-score = 0.87) on a balanced test dataset.

CONCLUSION

The model could predict POD with satisfying accuracy and reveal important features of suffering POD such as age, Cystatin C, GFR, CHE, CRP, LDH, monocyte count, history of mental illness or psychotropic drug use and intraoperative blood loss. Proper preoperative interventions for these factors could reduce the incidence of POD among elderly patients.

Risk factors and prognosis of postoperative delirium in nonagenarians with hip fracture

Hip fractures in nonagenarians is one of the great challenges for patients of this age, the family and the larger society. The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk factors and prognosis of postoperative delirium in nonagenarians with hip fracture. 199 Eligible patients were enrolled. Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) were used to identify the delirium. Logistic regressions were used to investigate the effect of 18 pre-existing conditions on postoperative delirium. Prognosis of postoperative delirium in nonagenarians with hip fracture were also be evaluated. The results indicated the following: (1) the prevalence of postoperative delirium among nonagenarians with hip fracture was 28.1% (56 of 199); (2) coexisting disease ≥ 4 (OR = 5.355, 95% CI = 1.394-9.074, P = 0.007), longer admission to operating time (OR = 1.514, 95% CI = 1.247-1.837, P = 0.000), and general anesthesia (OR = 2.086, 95% CI = 1.804-7.968, P = 0.032) were independent risk factors for postoperative delirium in nonagenarians with hip fracture; (3) nonagenarians with postoperative delirium had a predominantly high burden of perioperative complications, long length of stay, and postoperative mortality at 30 days follow-up and 1 year follow-up than the patients without postoperative delirium. The results could enable clinicians to improve outcome after operation in nonagenarians with hip fracture.

Non-pharmacological prevention of postoperative delirium by occupational therapy teams: A randomized clinical trial

Background

Patients who develop postoperative delirium (POD) have several clinical complications, such as increased morbidity, increased hospital stays, higher hospital costs, cognitive and functional impairment, and higher mortality. POD is a clinical condition preventable by standard non-pharmacological measures An intensive Occupational Therapy (OT) intervention has been shown to be highly effective in preventing delirium in critically ill medical patients, but it is unknown the effect in surgical patients. Thus, we designed a prospective clinical study with the aim to determine whether patients undergoing intervention by the OT team have a lower incidence of POD compared to the group treated only with standard measures.

Methods

A multicenter, single-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted between October 2018 and April 2021, in Santiago of Chile, at a university hospital and at a public hospital. Patients older than 75 years undergoing elective major surgery were eligible for the trial inclusion. Patients with cognitive impairment, severe communication disorder and cultural language limitation, delirium at admission or before surgery, and enrolled in another study were excluded. The intervention consisted of OT therapy twice a day plus standard internationally recommended non-pharmacological prevention intervention during 5 days after surgery. Our primary outcome was development of delirium and postoperative subsyndromal delirium.

Results

In total 160 patients were studied. In the interventional group, treated with an intensive prevention by OT, nine patients (12.9%) developed delirium after surgery and in the control group four patients (5.5%) [p = 0.125, RR 2.34 CI 95 (0.75-7.27)]. Whereas subsyndromal POD was present in 38 patients in the control group (52.1%) and in 34 (48.6%) in the intervention group [p = 0.4, RR 0.93 CI95 (0.67-1.29)]. A post hoc analysis determined that the patient's comorbidity and cognitive status prior to hospitalization were the main risk factors to develop delirium after surgery.

Discussion

Patients undergoing intervention by the OT team did not have a lower incidence of POD compared to the group treated only with standard non-pharmacological measures in adults older than 75 years who went for major surgery.

Clinical trial registration

www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03704090.

Association of C-reactive protein to albumin ratio with postoperative delirium and mortality in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery: A retrospective cohort study in a single large center

BACKGROUND

Postoperative delirium is a common complication in elderly patients who have undergone hip fracture surgery. Since postoperative delirium is associated with poor outcomes and the treatment is very complicated, identifying the patients at high risk for delirium and providing more attentive care to prevent postoperative delirium is essential. In this study, we aimed to assess the association of an elevated C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin ratio with the increased incidence of postoperative delirium in elderly people who had undergone hip fracture surgery.

METHODS

A total of 629 patients who underwent hip fracture surgery between January 2014 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were classified into two groups according to preoperative CRP/albumin cut-off levels (<1.5 and ≥1.5). We performed a propensity score matching analysis to compare the incidence of postoperative delirium and overall mortality between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression and Cox regression analyses were performed to examine the association of the preoperative CRP/albumin ratio with postoperative delirium and overall mortality.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in the incidence of postoperative delirium (18.0 % vs. 35.8 %, P < 0.001) and overall mortality (26.7 % vs. 46.9 %, P < 0.001) between the groups before matching. We also observed significant differences in the incidence of postoperative delirium (20.7 % vs. 32.7 %, P = 0.019) and overall mortality (34.7 % vs. 46.0 %, P = 0.046) between the groups after matching. A high CRP/albumin ratio (≥1.5) was significantly associated with a higher incidence of postoperative delirium (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 2.11, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.40-3.18, P < 0.001) and a higher rate of overall mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.44, 95 % CI: 1.07-1.93, P = 0.015).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative CRP/albumin ratio might be an independent risk factor of postoperative delirium and surgical prognosis in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery.

Reactivity to neural tissue epitopes, aquaporin 4 and heat shock protein 60 is associated with activated immune-inflammatory pathways and the onset of delirium following hip fracture surgery

OBJECTIVES

Activation of the immune-inflammatory response system (IRS) and a deficiency in the compensatory immunoregulatory system (CIRS), neuronal injuries, and alterations in the glutamate receptor (GlutaR), aquaporin-4 (AQP4) and heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) are involved in delirium. Increased serum levels of neurofilament protein (NFP), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and myelin basic protein (MBP) are biomarkers of neuronal injury. This investigation delineates whether elevated IgA/IgG reactivity against those self-antigens is associated with delirium severity and IRS activation.

METHODS

We measured peak Delirium Rating Scale (DRS) scores on days 2 and 3 following surgery in 59 hip fractured older adults, and IgA and IgG antibody levels against MBP, NFP, GFAP and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), metabotropic glutamate receptors mGluRs 1 and 5, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptor (NMDAR) GLU₁ (NR₁) and GLU₂ (NR₂), APQ4 and HSP60.

RESULTS

The IgA antibody levels against those self-antigens, especially GFAP, MBP and HSP60, strongly predict peak DRS scores on days 2 and 3 post-surgery. IgA reactivity against NMDAR and baseline DRS scores explained 40.6% of the variance in peak DRS scores, while IgA against NMDAR, IgG against MBP and age explained 29.1% of the variance in the IRS/CIRS ratio. There was no correlation between DRS scores and IgG directed against other self-antigens.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased IgA levels against neuronal self-antigens, AQP4 and HSP60 are risk factors for delirium. Polyreactive antibody-associated breakdown of immune tolerance, IRS activation and injuries in the neuronal cytoskeleton, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, glial cells, and myelin sheath are involved in the pathophysiology of delirium.

Defining the role of Interleukin-6 for the development of perioperative neurocognitive disorders: Evidence from clinical and preclinical studies

For most, staying "mentally sharp" as they age is a very high priority that may be thwarted by the consequences of a postoperative complication unrelated to the disorder which necessitated the surgical intervention. Perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) is an overarching term for cognitive impairment in surgical patients, that includes conditions from delirium to dementia, affecting more than 7 million patients annually in the US, and which threatens both functional independence and life. Clinical trials and meta-analyses have identified the association between PNDs and increased perioperative levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pleiotropic cytokine that is both necessary and sufficient for postoperative memory decline in a preclinical model of PND. Recently, we reported that, in adult male wild-type mice subjected to tibial fracture under general anesthesia, IL-6 trans-signaling in hippocampal CA1 neurons mediates surgery-induced memory impairment. As there are no therapeutic options for preventing or reversing PNDs, patients and their caregivers, as well as the healthcare industry, endure staggering costs. Olamkicept, a highly selective IL-6 trans-signaling blocker has shown to be efficacious and safe in clinical trials involving patients with inflammatory bowel disease, another condition for which IL-6 trans-signaling is the mediating mechanism. Subject to a demonstration that olamkicept is effective in preventing cognitive impairment in vulnerable (aged and Alzheimer's Disease) preclinical PND models, clinical trials involving aged and/or cognitively impaired surgical patients should be undertaken to study olamkicept's utility for PNDs.

The Effect of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry on Postoperative Delirium in Elderly Hip Fracture Patients in the General Hospital

OBJECTIVE

The low recognition rate of postoperative delirium has gradually aroused clinical attention in China. The present study was to investigate the impact of consultation-liaison psychiatry on postoperative delirium in elderly hip fracture patients.

METHODS

From March 2012 to September 2013, 89 patients with hip fractures hospitalized in Wuhan Mental Health Center were included in this prospective study as the consultation-liaison group. A total of 81 patients selected from August 2010 to February 2012 were defined as the conventional group. The delirium was evaluated using the confusion assessment method (CAM) recommended by the American Psychiatric Association guidelines.

RESULTS

There was no difference of sex, age, trauma, surgical methods, and anesthesia between two groups (p > 0.05). The consultation rate of consultation-liaison group was significantly higher than that of conventional group (37.07% vs 17.28%, p < 0.05). After the consultation, there were 26 cases (78%) and nine cases (64%) of delirium in the consultation-liaison and conventional group, respectively (p > 0.05). In the consultation-liaison group, three patients (9.09%) were diagnosed with anxiety and three patients (9.09%) were diagnosed with depression, while in the conventional group, three patients (21.42%) were diagnosed with communication and one patient (7.14%) was diagnosed with depression. In addition, this study showed the incidence of delirium in consultation-liaison group was significantly higher than that of conventional group (29.21% vs 11.11%, p < 0.05). The average hospital stay in consultation-liaison group was significantly lower than that of conventional group (11.42 ± 2.63 vs. 15.17 ± 2.38 days, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Consultation-liaison psychiatry could improve the recognition rate of postoperative delirium in elderly hip fracture patients, shorten hospitalization time. The training of mental health knowledge for non-psychiatrists could improve the ability of early identification and treatment of delirium.

Effect of tourniquet technique on postoperative delirium in elderly patients with total knee arthroplasty: a randomized single-blind controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The tourniquet technique is often used in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, its effect on postoperative delirium (POD) in elderly patients undergoing TKA is unknown.  METHODS: This prospective randomized controlled trial assessed the eligibility of 245 elderly patients. A total of 197 patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into a tourniquet group (n = 98) and a non-tourniquet group (n = 99). The primary outcome was the incidence of POD within 72 h after surgery. The secondary outcome was the quality of rehabilitation, including inflammatory reaction, postoperative pain, hypoproteinemia and anemia.

RESULTS

Of 245 patients, 184 patients completed this clinical trial, with 92 cases in each group. There were 14 patients (15.22%) with POD in the tourniquet group and 5 patients (5.43%) in the non-tourniquet group (95% CI 1.076 to 9.067, P = 0.029). The changes in white blood cell count (WBC), the proportion of neutrophils (NEUT%), c-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and middle patellar circumference in the tourniquet group were higher than those in the non-tourniquet group (P < 0.05). The visual analog scale (VAS) at rest and activity in the tourniquet group were higher than those in the non-tourniquet group (F = 170.102, P < 0.001 F = 75.391, P < 0.001). There were 41 (44.57%) patients with hypoproteinemia in the tourniquet group and 26 (28.26%) in the non-tourniquet group (95% CI 1.106 to 3.765, P = 0.022).

CONCLUSION

The application of the tourniquet technique in elderly patients with TKA procedures increased the incidence of POD. This may be attributed to the increased inflammatory reaction, severe postoperative pain and hypoproteinemia caused by the tourniquet technique.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical trial registration number: ChiCTR2100045711. Full date of the first registration: 23/04/2021.

Fascia iliaca compartment block can reduce the incidence of early post-operative cognitive impairment in elderly patients with high-risk hip replacement

Objective

In this study, we aimed to observe the effects of ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) combined with hypobaric spinal anesthesia on post-operative pain and cognitive function in elderly patients with high-risk hip replacement.

Methods

A total of 84 elderly patients-aged 65-85 years, with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status III-IV, and scheduled for hip arthroplasty between September 2021 and May 2022-were selected. One or more organs with moderate to severe impairment were included in all patients. The patients were randomly divided into a hypobaric spinal anesthesia group (group C, control group) and an ultrasound-guided FICB combined with hypobaric spinal anesthesia group (group E, experimental group). Group C was given 3.5 mL of 0.32% ropivacaine hypobaric spinal anesthesia, and group E received ultrasound-guided FICB combined with 3.5 mL of 0.32% ropivacaine hypobaric spinal anesthesia. The patients were compared using the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Harris hip function score, and simple Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scale. Blood β-amyloid (Aβ) and neuronal microtubule-associated protein (tau) levels were measured. We compared intraoperative conditions and post-operative complications between the two groups to assess the effects of FICB combined with hypobaric spinal anesthesia on post-operative pain and cognitive function in elderly patients with high-risk hip replacement.

Results

At 1 and 3 days after the operation, patients in group C had significantly higher VAS and lower MMES scores than those in group E. The differences were statistically significant at 1 (P < 0.01) and 3 (P < 0.05) days after the operation. At 1 day after operation, the Harris score of patients in group C was significantly lower than that of patients in group E (P < 0.05). The Aβ and tau levels of patients in group C were significantly higher than those of patients in group E at 1 day after the operation (P < 0.01). The Aβ levels of patients in group C were significantly higher than those of patients in group E at 3 days after the operation (P < 0.05). The intraoperative conditions and post-operative complication rates did not differ significantly between the two groups. At 1 day before and 5 days after the operation, there was no difference in any of the indicators.

Conclusion

By lowering pain and managing Aβ and tau protein concentrations, FICB can successfully lower the incidence of early post-operative cognitive impairment in elderly patients with high-risk hip replacement.

Clinical trial registration

www.chictr.org.cn, identifier: ChiCTR2100051162.

Preoperative plasma visfatin may have a dual effect on the occurrence of postoperative delirium

BACKGROUND

Visfatin is considered to be a "novel pro-inflammatory cytokine." Neuroinflammatory response is one of the important mechanisms of postoperative delirium (POD). The relationship between preoperative plasma visfatin and POD is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between preoperative plasma visfatin concentrations and POD (primary outcome) in older hip fracture patients and to explore whether it affects POD through inflammatory factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective cohort study enrolled 176 elderly patients who were scheduled for hip fracture surgery. Preoperative plasma was collected on the morning of surgery, and visfatin levels were measured. Interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6 were measured using patients' plasma collected on the first day after surgery. We used the 3-min diagnostic interview for Confusion Assessment Method-defined delirium (3D-CAM) twice daily within the 2 days after surgery to assess whether POD had occurred. Restricted cubic splines and piecewise regression were used to explore the relationship between preoperative plasma visfatin concentrations and POD, and further mediation analysis was used to verify whether visfatin plays a role in POD through regulating inflammatory factors.

RESULTS

The incidence of POD was 18.2%. A J-shaped association was observed between preoperative plasma visfatin levels and POD. The risk of POD decreased within the lower visfatin concentration range up to 37.87 ng/ml, with a hazard ratio of 0.59 per 5 ng/ml [odds ratio (OR) = 0.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.37-0.95], but the risk increased above this concentration (P for non-linearity < 0.001, with a hazard ratio of 1.116 per 10 ng/ml; OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.02-1.23). Mediation effect analysis showed that when the plasma visfatin concentration was higher than 37.87 ng/ml, the effect of visfatin on POD was mediated by IL-6 (p < 0.01). A significant indirect association with postoperative plasma IL-6 was observed between preoperative plasma visfatin and POD (adjusted β = 0.1%; 95% CI = 4.8∼38.9%; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Visfatin is the protective factor in POD when the preoperative plasma visfatin concentration is below 37.87 ng/ml, but when it exceeds 37.87 ng/ml, the visfatin concentration is a risk factor for POD, which is mediated by postoperative plasma IL-6. The results suggest that preoperative visfatin may have a dual effect on the POD occurrence.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

[www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [ChiCTR21 00052674].

Derivation and validation of a prediction score for postoperative delirium in geriatric patients undergoing hip fracture surgery or hip arthroplasty

Introduction

Postoperative delirium is a common complication of patients undergoing hip fracture surgery or arthroplasty and is related to decreased survival time and physical function. In this study, we aim to build and validate a prediction score of postoperative delirium in geriatric patients undergoing hip fracture surgery or hip arthroplasty.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of geriatric patients undergoing hip fracture surgery or hip arthroplasty was established. Variables of included patients were collected as candidate predictors of postoperative delirium. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and logistic regression were used to derive a predictive score for postoperative delirium. The accuracy of the score was evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating curve (ROC). We used bootstrapping resamples for model calibration. The prediction score was validated in an extra cohort.

Results

There were 1,312 patients in the derivation cohort, and the incidence of postoperative delirium was 14.33%. Of 40 variables, 9 were identified as predictors, including preoperative delirium, cerebrovascular accident (CVA) with the modified Rankin scale, diabetes with a random glucose level, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), age, application of benzodiazepines in surgery, surgical delay ≥2 days, creatine ≥90 μmol/L, and active smoker. The prediction score achieved a mean AUC of 0.848 in the derivation cohort. In the validation cohort, the mean AUC was 0.833. The prediction model was well-calibrated in the two cohorts.

Conclusion

Based on retrospective data, a prediction score for postoperative delirium in geriatric patients undergoing hip fracture surgery or hip arthroplasty was derived and validated. The performance of the scoring system outperformed the models from previous studies. Although the generalization ability of the score needs to be tested in similar populations, the scoring system will enable delirium risk stratification for hip fracture patients and facilitate the development of strategies for delirium prevention.

Risk factors for postoperative delirium in geriatric patients with hip fracture: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives

This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to identify the potential risk factors for postoperative delirium in geriatric patients with hip fracture.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception until December 31st, 2021. A combined searching strategy of subject words and free words was adopted. Studies involving risk factors for postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgeries were reviewed. Qualities of included studies were assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Data were pooled and a meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3.

Results

A total of 37 studies were included. The following risk factors were significant: advanced age (per year increase) (OR: 1.05, 95% CI 1.04–1.07), age>80 years (OR: 2.26, 95% CI 1.47–3.47), male (OR: 1.53, 95% CI 1.37–1.70), preoperative cognitive impairment (OR:3.20, 95% CI 2.12–4.83), preoperative dementia (OR: 2.74, 95% CI 2.18–3.45), preoperative delirium (OR: 9.23, 95% CI 8.26–10.32), diabetes (OR: 1.18, 95% CI 1.05–1.33), preoperative functional dependence (OR: 1.31, 95% CI 1.11–1.56), ASA level (per level increase) (OR: 1.63, 95% CI 1.04–2.57), ASA level≥3(OR: 1.76, 95% CI 1.39–2.24), low albumin (OR: 3.30, 95% CI 1.44–7.55), medical comorbidities (OR: 1.15, 95% CI 1.06–1.25), Parkinson's disease (OR: 4.17, 95% CI 1.68–10.31) and surgery delay>48 h (OR: 1.90, 95% CI 1.36–2.65).

Conclusions

Clinicians should be alert to patients with those risk factors. To identify the risk factors more precisely, more research studies with larger sample size and better design should be conducted.

Delirium in hospitalised adults with acute burns - A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Delirium is a potentially modifiable, acutely altered mental state, commonly characterised as a hospital-acquired complication. Studies of adult inpatients with acute burns with and without delirium identify causative risks related to the injury or treatment and outcomes related to the patient and healthcare system. We compare patients with and without delirium, providing a high-level quantitative synthesis of delirium risks and outcomes to inform guidelines and future research.

METHODS

A systematic review, meta-analysis and GRADE evaluation of risks and outcomes associated with delirium in adults with acute burns was conducted using PRISMA guidelines and PROSPERO protocol CRD42021283055. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess quality.

RESULTS

Investigators reviewed ten studies. ASA score ≥ 3, Total Body Surface Area Percentage (TBSA)> 10%, surgery done, ICU admission, hospital and also Intensive Care Unit (ICU) lengths of stay all had statistically significant associations with delirium, with low-very low certainty on GRADE evaluation. Limitations were heterogeneous studies, review methodology and study bias.

CONCLUSION

Delirium represents a significant risk to comorbid patients with burns that are hospitalised, receive ICU care, and surgery. Further research is indicated to precisely categorise delirium along the clinical journey to identify modifiable factors, prevention, and proactive therapy.

What is the impact of perioperative cerebral oxygen desaturation on postoperative delirium in old population: a systemic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Perioperative cerebral oxygen saturation (ScO₂) has been reported to associate with postoperative delirium (POD) which is a common postoperative complication, however, the results were inconclusive. Therefore, we aimed to conduct an up-to-date review and meta-analyze the relationship between perioperative ScO₂ and POD.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase and Web of science through January 13, 2022. The pooled results were estimated through a random-effects model meta-analysis and expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and standard mean differences (SMDs), accompanied with 95% confident intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Finally, of 467 searched articles, ten articles were included. A total of six studies reported the baseline ScO₂ value and the pooled result showed that preoperative baseline ScO₂ was lower in POD groups (SMD = - 0.41, 95% CI - 0.64 to - 0.18). And beyond that, the pooled OR across four literatures about preoperative low ScO₂ on POD was 3.44 (95% CI 1.69, 7.02). In contrast, insignificant differences were detected in baseline/lowest ScO₂ value during intraoperative and postoperative period. Additionally, there were no statistically significant associations for intraoperative and postoperative low ScO₂ effect on POD risk. Meta-regress analysis has found no significant impact factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on current evidence, POD patients have a lower ScO₂, and ScO₂ desaturation may increase POD incidence, indicating the role of ScO₂ underlying pathological mechanisms. For generalizability of evidence, we should rely on high-quality, considering more comprehensively longitudinal, interdisciplinary studies.

Effect of Perioperative Dexmedetomidine Infusion on Postoperative Delirium in Elderly Patients Undergoing Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Purpose

The aim of the study was to determine whether perioperative dexmedetomidine administration can improve postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Patients and Methods

This was a prospective double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial conducted in Cangzhou Central Hospital from December 2021 to March 2022. Patients aged 65 and older underwent oral and maxillofacial surgery under general anesthesia. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to dexmedetomidine or control group. Dexmedetomidine was injected intravenously from 10 min before induction of anesthesia to 30 min before the end of surgery in dexmedetomidine group, while patients in the control group were given normal saline at the same rate during the same time period. The primary measurement indicators were the incidence and duration of delirium in the first five days after surgery. The secondary measurement indicators were Visual Analogue Score (VAS) for the first 24 hours following surgery, subjective sleep quality score within 24 hours postoperatively and intraoperative adverse reactions.

Results

One hundred and twenty patients were randomly assigned. Baseline characteristics were similar between two groups. The incidence and duration of postoperative delirium did not differ statistically between two groups (all P > 0.05). Compared with control group, VAS scores in dexmedetomidine group were significantly lower at 6, 12, and 24 hours after surgery (all P < 0.05); moreover, Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ) results were significantly improved 1 day after surgery in dexmedetomidine group (P < 0.05). Dexmedetomidine-related adverse reactions were similar in both groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine 10 min before induction of anesthesia to half an hour before the end of surgery did not improve postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing oral and maxillofacial surgery; however, dexmedetomidine may be associated with decreased postoperative pain and improved postoperative sleep quality.