Executive function and depression as independent risk factors for postoperative delirium

Associations Between Depression Symptom Burden and Delirium Risk: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background and Objectives

Delirium and depression are prevalent in aging. There is considerable clinical overlap, including shared symptoms and comorbid conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, functional decline, and mortality. Despite this, the long-term relationship between depression and delirium remains unclear. This study assessed the associations of depression symptom burden and its trajectory with delirium risk in a 12-year prospective study of older hospitalized individuals.

Research Design and Methods

A total of 319 141 UK Biobank participants between 2006 and 2010 (mean age 58 years [range 37-74, SD = 8], 54% women) reported frequency (0-3) of 4 depressive symptoms (mood, disinterest, tenseness, or lethargy) in the preceding 2 weeks prior to initial assessment visit and aggregated into a depressive symptom burden score (0-12). New-onset delirium was obtained from hospitalization records during 12 years of median follow-up. 40 451 (mean age 57 ± 8; range 40-74 years) had repeat assessment on average 8 years after their first visit. Cox proportional hazard models examined whether depression symptom burden and trajectory predicted incident delirium.

Results

A total of 5 753 (15 per 1 000) newly developed delirium during follow-up. Increased risk for delirium was seen for mild (aggregated scores 1-2, hazards ratio, HR = 1.16, [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08-1.25], p < .001), modest (scores 3-5, 1.30 [CI: 1.19-1.43], p < .001), and severe (scores ≥ 5, 1.38 [CI: 1.24-1.55], p < .001) depressive symptoms, versus none in the fully adjusted model. These findings were independent of the number of hospitalizations and consistent across settings (eg, surgical, medical, or critical care) and specialty (eg, neuropsychiatric, cardiorespiratory, or other). Worsening depression symptoms (≥1 point increase), compared to no change/improved score, were associated with an additional 39% increased risk (1.39 [1.03-1.88], p = .03) independent of baseline depression burden. The association was strongest in those over 65 years at baseline (p for interaction <.001).

Discussion and Implications

Depression symptom burden and worsening trajectory predicted delirium risk during hospitalization. Increased awareness of subclinical depression symptoms may aid delirium prevention.

Risk factors, preventive interventions, overlapping symptoms, and clinical measures of delirium in elderly patients

Delirium is an acute reversible neuropsychiatric syndrome caused by multiple factors. It is associated with many adverse clinical outcomes including cognitive impairment, functional decline, prolonged hospitalization, and increased nursing service. The prevalence of delirium was high in department of cardiology, geriatric, and intensive care unit of hospital. With the increase in the aged population, further increases in delirium seem likely. However, it remains poorly recognized in the clinical practice. This article comprehensively discusses the latest research perspectives on the epidemiological data, risk factors, preventive interventions, overlapping symptoms, and clinical measures of delirium, including specific measures to manage delirium in clinical real-world situations. This article helps readers improve their knowledge and understanding of delirium and helps clinicians quickly identify and implement timely therapeutic measures to address various delirium subtypes that occur in the clinical settings to ensure patients are treated as aggressively as possible.

Trail making test B in postoperative delirium: a replication study

Background

The Trail Making Test B (TMT-B) is indicative of cognitive flexibility and several other cognitive domains. Previous studies suggest that it might be associated with the risk of developing postoperative delirium, but evidence is limited and conflicting. We therefore aimed to replicate the association of preoperative TMT-B results with postoperative delirium.

Methods

We included older adults (≥65 yr) scheduled for major surgery and without signs of dementia to participate in this binational two-centre longitudinal observational cohort study. Presurgical TMT-B scores were obtained. Delirium was assessed twice daily using validated instruments. Logistic regression was applied and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve calculated to determine the predictive performance of TMT-B. We subsequently included covariates used in previous studies for consecutive sensitivity analyses. We further analysed the impact of outliers, missing or impaired data.

Results

Data from 841 patients were included and of those, 151 (18%) developed postoperative delirium. TMT-B scores were statistically significantly associated with the incidence of postoperative delirium {odds ratio per 10-s increment 1.06 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.09), P=0.001}. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.60 ([95% CI 0.55-0.64], P<0.001). The association persisted after removing 21 outliers (1.07 [95% CI 1.03-1.07], P<0.001). Impaired or missing TMT-B data (n=88) were also associated with postoperative delirium (odds ratio 2.74 [95% CI 1.71-4.35], P<0.001).

Conclusions

The TMT-B was associated with postoperative delirium, but its predictive performance as a stand-alone test was low. The TMT-B alone is not suitable to predict delirium in a clinical setting.

Clinical trial registration

NCT02265263. (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/results/NCT02265263).

Cognitive Deficits in Executive and Language Functions Predict Postoperative Delirium

OBJECTIVES

Postoperative delirium (POD) remains the most common complication in older adults, with cognitive impairment being the main risk factor. Patients with mild cognitive impairment, in particular, have much to lose from delirium; despite this, their cognitive impairment might be clinically overlooked. Understanding which cognitive domains are particularly predictive in this regard may improve the sensitivity of preoperative testing and allow for a more targeted application of resource-intensive measures to prevent delirium in the perioperative period. The authors conducted this study with the aim of identifying the most indicative cognitive domains.

DESIGN

A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

At a single center, the University Medical Centre Hamburg in Hamburg, Germany.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients ≥60 years without major neurocognitive disorders (dementia, Mini-Mental State Examination score ≤23) scheduled for cardiovascular surgery.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Preoperative neuropsychologic testing and delirium screening were performed twice daily until postoperative day 5. A multiple logistic regression model was applied to determine the predictive ability of test performances for the development of delirium.

RESULTS

A total of 541 patients were included in the analysis; the delirium rate was 15.6%. After controlling for confounders, only low performance within the Trail Making Test B/A (odds ratio [OR] = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.05-1.66) and letter fluency (OR = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.45-0.96) predicted a particularly high risk for delirium development. The discriminative ability of the final multiple logistic regression model to predict POD had an area under the curve of 0.786.

CONCLUSIONS

Impairment in the cognitive domains of executive function and language skills associated with memory, inhibition, and access speed seem to be particularly associated with the development of delirium after surgery in adults ≥65 years of age without apparent preoperative neurocognitive impairment.

Perioperative cognition in association with malnutrition and frailty: a narrative review

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a prevalent clinical entity characterized by reversible fluctuating altered mental status and cognitive impairment with acute and rapid onset a few days after major surgery. Postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) is a more permanent extension of POD characterized by prolonged global cognitive impairment for several months to years after surgery and anesthesia. Both syndromes have been shown to increase morbidity and mortality in postoperative patients making their multiple risk factors targets for optimization. In particular, nutrition imparts a significant and potentially reversible risk factor. Malnutrition and frailty have been linked as risk factors and predictive indicators for POD and less so for POCD. This review aims to outline the association between nutrition and perioperative cognitive outcomes as well as potential interventions such as prehabilitation.

Practical Application of a Battery of Brief Tools to Evaluate Geriatric Medical Inpatients for the Three Ds

OBJECTIVE

The investigators aimed to identify the clinical characteristics of patients with or without delirium and preexisting depression, dementia, both, or neither by using validated tools easily administered in clinical practice.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional prospective observational study conducted in Medellín, Colombia, 200 geriatric inpatients were evaluated with the Delirium Diagnostic Tool-Provisional (DDT-Pro), Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly, Hachinski Ischemic Scale, Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia, and Charlson Comorbidity Index-short form. Delirium motor subtype, mortality, and length of hospital stay were assessed.

RESULTS

The study included 134 patients without delirium (67%), 14 with delirium only (7%), 16 with delirium and dementia (8%), 13 with delirium and depression (7%), and 23 with delirium, dementia, and depression (the three Ds) (12%). Prevalence rates of dementia (59%) and depression (55%) among 66 patients with delirium were higher than prevalence rates among patients without delirium (13% and 28%, respectively), suggesting that both conditions are risk factors. Main medical diagnoses, mortality, and dementia type did not differ among groups. Motor subtypes were similar among delirium groups. Patients in the delirium groups, except those in the delirium and depression group, were older than patients without delirium. Medical burden was highest among the patients with delirium and dementia and those with all three conditions. Delirium and dementia were more severe when comorbid with each other. Depression was most severe among patients with delirium and depression. Patients with all three conditions had a longer length of hospital stay than those without delirium.

CONCLUSIONS

Using brief tools to detect dementia and depression in conjunction with the DDT-Pro to assess delirium diagnosis and severity is feasible and enables a more in-depth evaluation of elderly hospitalized patients. Because previous longitudinal research suggests that these comorbid conditions influence prognosis following a delirium episode, better identification of the three Ds offers proactive interventional opportunities. Depression is an underrecognized risk factor for delirium.

A prospective randomized study examining the impact of intravenous versus inhalational anesthesia on postoperative cognitive decline and delirium

The present prospective randomized study was designed to investigate whether the development of Post Operative Cognitive Decline (POCD) is related to anesthesia type in older adults. All patients were screened for delirium and mental status, received baseline neuropsychological assessment, and evaluation of activities of daily living (ADLs). Follow-up assessments were performed at 3-6 months and 12-18 months. Patients were randomized to receive either inhalation anesthesia (ISO) with isoflurane or total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with propofol for maintenance anesthesia. ISO (n = 99) and TIVA (n = 100) groups were similar in demographics, preoperative cognition, and incidence of post-operative delirium. Groups did not differ in terms of mean change in memory or executive function from baseline to follow-up. Pre-surgical cognitive function is the only variable predictive of the development of POCD. Anesthetic type was not predictive of POCD. However, ADLs were predictive of post-operative delirium development. Overall, this pilot study represents a prospective, randomized study demonstrating that when examining ISO versus TIVA for maintenance of general anesthesia, there is no significant difference in cognition between anesthetic types. There is also no difference in the occurrence of postoperative delirium. Postoperative cognitive decline was best predicted by lower baseline cognition and functional status.

Depression is associated with delirium after cardiac surgery—a population-based cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Depression is common in patients with cardiac disease, and preoperative depression is associated with worse outcomes after cardiac surgery. Depression is also correlated with postoperative delirium (POD) after major surgery. However, the association between preoperative depression and POD after cardiac surgery is sparsely studied. The aim of this study was to investigate depression as a predictor for POD in cardiac surgery patients.

METHODS

This population-based cohort study included 1133 cardiac surgery patients in Stockholm 2013–2016. Depression was defined by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and POD was evaluated by assessing medical records for symptoms of POD according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria. The association between depression and POD was determined through multivariable logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 162 (14%) individuals reported depressive symptoms preoperatively. The incidence of POD was 26% and highest among elderly patients. Among patients with depression, 34% developed POD. In the group of non-depressed patients, 24% developed POD. The overall adjusted odds of delirium were 2.19 times higher in individuals with depressive symptoms compared to controls (95% confidence interval 1.43–3.34). The onset of delirium was most common on Days 0–2 after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

This unique population-based study in patients undergoing cardiac surgery shows that preoperative depression is associated with POD in a large proportion of treated patients. The findings support the need for improved preoperative screening for depression, especially in younger patients, and enhanced clinical surveillance in the early postoperative period for all patients.

Postoperative but not preoperative depression is associated with cognitive impairment after cardiac surgery: exploratory analysis of data from a randomized trial

BACKGROUND

In this study we hypothesize that depression is associated with perioperative neurocognitive dysfunction and altered quality of life one month after surgery.

METHODS

Data were obtained as part of a study evaluating cerebral autoregulation monitoring for targeting arterial pressure during cardiopulmonary bypass. Neuropsychological testing was performed before surgery and one month postoperatively. Testing included the Beck Depression Inventory, a depression symptoms questionnaire (0-63 scale), as well as anxiety and quality of life assessments. Depression was defined as a Beck Depression Inventory score > 13.

RESULTS

Beck Depression data were available from 320 patients of whom cognitive domain endpoints were available from 88-98% at baseline and 69-79% after surgery. This range in end-points data was due to variability in the availability of each neuropsychological test results between patients. Depression was present in 50 (15.6%) patients before surgery and in 43 (13.4%) after surgery. Baseline depression was not associated with postoperative domain-specific neurocognitive function compared with non-depressed patients. Those with depression one month after surgery, though, had poorer performance on tests of attention (p = 0.017), memory (p = 0.049), verbal fluency (p = 0.010), processing speed (p = 0.017), and fine motor speed (p = 0.014). Postoperative neurocognitive dysfunction as a composite outcome occurred in 33.3% versus 14.5% of patients with and without postoperative depression (p = 0.040). Baseline depression was associated with higher anxiety and lower self-ratings on several quality of life domains, these measures were generally more adversely affected by depression one month after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this exploratory analysis suggests that preoperative depression is not associated with perioperative neurocognitive dysfunction, but depression after cardiac surgery may be associated with impairment in in several cognitive domains, a higher frequency of the composite neurocognitive outcome, and altered quality of life.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov, NCT00981474 (parent study).

Postoperative delirium in older patients with cancer: the role of psychological distress and social support

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Delirium is a common and important adverse event in the perioperative period. Older people with cancer are at significant risk, and outcomes are poor. There is increasing awareness of the effect of psychological distress and social support on pathogenesis and outcomes of delirium in this setting. This review aimed to describe recent research in this evolving area.

RECENT FINDINGS

Across six recent studies of postoperative delirium in older people with cancer, delirium incidence ranged from 8 to 19.8%. Poor social support and high levels of distress are implicated in the development of postoperative delirium. Distress can be related to negative emotional reaction to diagnosis, preconception of cancer diagnosis and interactions with the healthcare system. Prevention of delirium is key, and multicomponent interventions show evidence of effectiveness. 'Emotional distress' has been included in a new core outcome set for studies of interventions to prevent and/or treat delirium.

SUMMARY

Postoperative delirium in older adults with cancer is common and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Psychological distress and social support play an important role, but there are many unmet research needs in this area.

Preoperative Chronic Pain as a Risk Factor for Early Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in Elderly Patients Undergoing Hip Joint Replacement Surgery: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study

Background: Although major joint replacement surgery has a high overall success rate, postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common complication after anesthesia and surgery, increasing morbidity and mortality. Identifying POCD risk factors would be helpful to prevent and decrease the occurrence of POCD. We hypothesized that preoperative chronic pain increases the risk of POCD.

Methods: A single-center, observational, prospective cohort study was conducted from January 2018 to March 2020. All consecutive elderly patients (>65 years) who underwent elective total hip arthroplasty or hemiarthroplasty with general anesthesia by the same surgeon were enrolled. The patients underwent neuropsychological testing preoperatively and at 7 days and 2 months after surgery. To determine POCD, a nonsurgical control group was recruited from the general community.

Results: Of the 141 patients who finished the neuropsychological testing 7 days after surgery, 61 (43.2%) had preoperative chronic pain. Of the 61 patients, 17 (27.9%) developed POCD; of the 79 patients with no chronic pain, 10 (12.7%) had developed POCD by 7 days after surgery. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified preoperative chronic pain as a risk factor of POCD assessed 7 days after surgery (odds ratio 6.527; P = 0.009). There was no significant difference in the POCD incidence 2 months after surgery between patients with and without preoperative chronic pain.

Conclusion: Preoperative chronic pain was a risk factor of developing POCD within 7 days after surgery in elderly patients following hip joint replacement surgery.

Clinical Trial Registration: [www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT03393676].

The New Frontier of Perioperative Cognitive Medicine for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias

This is a review of preoperative cognitive assessment and other healthcare gaps in the care of older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) who have elected surgery with anesthesia. It summarizes concerns regarding ADRD perioperative healthcare, perioperative cognitive, and neuronal domains of vulnerability. It also offers a plan for phased preoperative cognitive screening and perioperative cognitive intervention opportunities. An argument is made for why medical professionals in the perioperative setting need fundamental training in cognitive-behavioral principles, an understanding of neurodegenerative diseases of aging, and an appreciation of the immediate and long-term medical risks for such patients undergoing anesthesia. The author's goal is to encourage readers to consider perioperative cognitive medicine as a new frontier for generating evidence-based care approaches for at-risk older adults with neurodegenerative disorders who require procedures with anesthesia.

Relationship Between Depression/Anxiety and Cognitive Function Before and 6 Weeks After Major Non-Cardiac Surgery in Older Adults

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relationship between affective measures and cognition before and after non-cardiac surgery in older adults.

METHODS

Observational prospective cohort study in 103 surgical patients age ≥ 60 years old. All participants underwent cognitive testing, Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression, and State Anxiety Inventory screening before and 6 weeks after surgery. Cognitive test scores were combined by factor analysis into 4 cognitive domains, whose mean was defined as the continuous cognitive index (CCI). Postoperative global cognitive change was defined by CCI change from before to after surgery, with negative CCI change indicating worsened postoperative global cognition and vice versa.

RESULTS

Lower global cognition before surgery was associated with greater baseline depression severity (Spearman's r = -0.30, p = 0.002) and baseline anxiety severity (Spearman's r = -0.25, p = 0.010), and these associations were similar following surgery (r = -0.36, p < 0.001; r = -0.26, p = 0.008, respectively). Neither baseline depression or anxiety severity, nor postoperative changes in depression or anxiety severity, were associated with pre- to postoperative global cognitive change.

CONCLUSIONS

Greater depression and anxiety severity were each associated with poorer cognitive performance both before and after surgery in older adults. Yet, neither baseline depression or anxiety symptoms, nor postoperative change in these symptoms, were associated with postoperative cognitive change.

Cognitive behavioral therapy cannot relieve postoperative pain and improve joint function after total knee arthroplasty in patients aged 70 years and older

PURPOSE

A randomized controlled trial was conducted to investigate whether cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can improve postoperative pain, knee function, and negative emotion in patients aged 70 years and older who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

This study used randomized, parallel group, controlled trial to divide the included 90 patients into CBT group and usual care group. The primary outcome measure of the study was the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at activity. The secondary outcome measures included the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Knee Range of Motion (ROM), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Rating Scale (HSS), analgesics dose, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

83 patients who met the criteria were randomized into CBT group and usual care group. In the SAS, score of the CBT group decreased by 4.3 points at 7th day and 8.2 at 14th day after surgery with respect to preoperative SAS score, the usual care group increased by 1.5 at 7th day and decreased 1.1 at 14th day, and tended to be similar at 3rd month after surgery. There were no significant differences at 7th and 14th day in SDS, however, score of the CBT group was 5.8 and the usual care group was 1.9 at 3rd month after surgery. No statistically significant differences in VAS at activity, ROM, OKS, HSS, analgesics frequency, and postoperative complications between two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

CBT was superior to usual care group in relieving anxiety at 7th day and 14th day, and depression at 3rd month, however, CBT cannot relieve postoperative pain and improve joint function after TKA in patients aged 70 years and older.

The neuropsychological profile of delirium vulnerability: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Delirium is a common neurocognitive disorder in hospitalised older adults with substantial negative consequences. Impaired global cognition is a well-established delirium risk factor. However, poor performance on attention tests and higher intra-subject variability may be more sensitive delirium risk factors, given the disorder is characterised by a fluctuating course and attentional deficits. We systematically searched databases (Embase, PsycINFO, MEDLINE) and 44 studies satisfied inclusion criteria. Random-effects meta-analysis models showed poor performance in all cognitive domains except perception was significantly associated with incident delirium. Largest effects were for orientation (g=-1.20) and construction and motor performance (g=-0.60). These effects were no longer significant in the subgroup without pre-existing cognitive impairment, where executive functions and verbal functions and language skills were associated with incident delirium. A small, non-significant association between intra-subject variability and incident delirium was found (g=0.42). Cognitive domain specific tests may be quicker and more sensitive predictors of incident delirium. This pattern of neuropsychological findings supports the proposition that vulnerability for delirium manifests as a dysfunction of whole-brain information integration.

Sleep, Pain, and Cognition: Modifiable Targets for Optimal Perioperative Brain Health

The prevention of perioperative neurocognitive disorders is a priority for patients, families, clinicians, and researchers. Given the multiple risk factors present throughout the perioperative period, a multicomponent preventative approach may be most effective. The objectives of this narrative review are to highlight the importance of sleep, pain, and cognition on the risk of perioperative neurocognitive disorders and to discuss the evidence behind interventions targeting these modifiable risk factors. Sleep disruption is associated with postoperative delirium, but the benefit of sleep-related interventions is uncertain. Pain is a risk factor for postoperative delirium, but its impact on other postoperative neurocognitive disorders is unknown. Multimodal analgesia and opioid avoidance are emerging as best practices, but data supporting their efficacy to prevent delirium are limited. Poor preoperative cognitive function is a strong predictor of postoperative neurocognitive disorder, and work is ongoing to determine whether it can be modified to prevent perioperative neurocognitive disorders.

History of depression is associated with worsened postoperative outcomes following colectomy

AIM

Depression is a prevalent disorder that is associated with adverse health outcomes, but an understanding of its effect in colorectal surgery remains limited. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of history of depression among patients undergoing colectomy.

METHOD

United States patients from Marketscan (2010-2017) who underwent colectomy were included and stratified by whether they had a history of depression within the past year, defined as (1) a diagnosis of depression during the index admission, (2) a diagnosis of depression during any inpatient or (3) outpatient admission within the year, and/or (4) a pharmacy claim for an antidepressant within the year. The primary outcomes were length of stay (LOS) and inpatient hospital charge. Secondary outcomes included in-hospital mortality and postoperative complications. Logistic, negative binomial, and quantile regressions were performed.

RESULTS

Among 88 981 patients, 21 878 (24.6%) had a history of depression. Compared to those without, patients with a history of depression had significantly longer LOS (IRR = 1.06, 95% CI [1.05, 1.07]), increased inpatient charge (β = 467, 95% CI [167, 767]), and increased odds of in-hospital mortality (OR = 1.37, 95% CI [1.08, 1.73]) after adjustment. History of depression was also independently associated with increased odds of respiratory complication, pneumonia, and delirium (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

History of depression was prevalent among individuals undergoing colectomy, and associated with greater mortality and inpatient charge, longer LOS, and higher odds of postoperative complication. These findings highlight the impact of depression in colorectal surgery patients and suggest that proper identification and treatment may reduce postoperative morbidity.

Depression as a predictor of postoperative delirium after cardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Depression is common in patients with cardiac disease. The importance of preoperative depression for development of postoperative delirium (POD) following cardiac surgery is not well known. The aim is to provide a summary estimate of depression as a predictor of POD following cardiac surgery.

METHODS

Systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science Core Collection and Psycinfo (Ovid) was performed from inception to October 2019, including cohort studies reporting odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for POD following cardiac surgery in patients with preoperative depression compared to patients without depression. ORs and 95% CIs for POD were calculated using random-effects meta-analyses. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Seven studies were included with a combined study population of 2066 patients. The pooled prevalence of POD in the combined study population was 26% and preoperative depression was present in ∼9% of the total study population. All studies showed a positive association between preoperative depression and POD; and in 5 studies, the association was statistically significant. Patients with depression had a pooled OR of 2.31 (95% CI 1.37-3.90) for POD.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review and meta-analysis confirm the findings that the previous association between preoperative depression and increased risk for developing POD reported for other patient groups is found also in cardiac surgery. Depression screening prior to cardiac surgery may be effective in identifying patients at higher risk for POD.

Impaired Executive Function and Depression as Independent Risk Factors for Reported Delirium Symptoms: An Observational Cohort Study Over 8 Years

Background

Acute medical illnesses, surgical interventions, or admissions to hospital in older individuals are frequently associated with a delirium. In this cohort study, we investigated the impact of specific cognitive domains and depression before the occurrence of delirium symptoms in an 8-year observation of older non-hospitalized individuals.

Methods

In total, we included 807 participants (48–83 years). Deficits in specific cognitive domains were measured using the CERAD test battery, and depressive symptoms were measured using Beck Depression Inventory and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) before the onset of a delirium. Delirium symptoms were retrospectively assessed by a questionnaire based on the established Nursing Delirium Screening Scale.

Results

Fifty-eight of eight hundred seven participants (7.2%) reported delirium symptoms over the 8-year course of the study. Sixty-nine percent (n = 40) of reported delirium symptoms were related to surgeries. In multivariate regression analysis, impaired executive function was an independent risk factor (p = 0.034) for the occurrence of delirium symptoms. Furthermore, age (p = 0.014), comorbidities [captured by the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI)] (p < 0.001), and depression (p = 0.012) were significantly associated with reported delirium symptoms.

Conclusion

Especially prior to elective surgery or medical interventions, screening for impaired executive function and depression could be helpful to identify patients who are at risk to develop delirium symptoms.

Pre-Existing Psychiatric Illness Is Associated With an Increased Risk of Delirium in Patients With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are highly susceptible to developing delirium for a multitude of reasons. Previous studies have linked pre-existing depression with an increased risk of postoperative delirium in patients undergoing cardiac and non-cardiac surgery. However, the evidence regarding the association between pre-existing psychiatric illnesses and delirium in ARDS patients is unknown. In this study, we aim to determine the relationship between pre-existing psychiatric illness and the risk of development of delirium amongst ARDS patients.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of a mixed group of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) between January 2016 and December 2019 with a diagnosis of ARDS per the Berlin definition. The study group was divided into 2 cohorts: subjects with delirium and subjects without delirium. Comparison between the 2 groups was conducted to examine the impact of pre-existing psychiatric illnesses including major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed adjusting for benzodiazepine use, sedatives, analgesics, sequential organ failure assessment score, and corticosteroid use to determine the association between pre-existing psychiatric disorders and delirium.

RESULTS

286 patients with ARDS were identified; 124 (43%) of whom were diagnosed with ICU delirium. In patients diagnosed with ICU delirium, 49.2% were found to have preexisting psychiatric illnesses, compared to 34.0% without any preexisting psychiatric illness (OR = 1.94, P = 0.01). In a subgroup analysis of individual psychiatric illnesses, GAD and MDD were associated with the development of delirium (OR = 1.88, P = 0.04 and OR = 1.76, P = 0.05 respectively).

INTERPRETATION

ARDS patients with preexisting psychiatric illnesses, particularly GAD and MDD are associated with an increased risk of developing ICU delirium. Clinicians should be aware of the effect of psychiatric co-morbidities on developing delirium in critically ill patients.

Application of regional cerebral oxygen saturation monitoring with near-infrared spectroscopy in peri-anesthesia management of elderly hypertensive patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopic surgery

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of using regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO₂) monitoring with near-infrared spectroscopy in peri-anesthesia management of elderly hypertensive patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopic surgery.

METHODS

Sixty elderly patients with hypertension undergoing shoulder arthroscopic surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled as the research objects for this prospective study, and they were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group. The observation group received bispectral index (BIS) + rScO₂, while the control group only adopted BIS. The changes in BIS, mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and rScO₂ at 5 min after intubation (T1), 10 min after intubation (T2), immediately after changing position (T3), 5 min after changing position (T4), and 10 min after changing position (T5) of the two groups were recorded. The correlation between MAP and rScO₂ was analyzed. Preoperative and postoperative Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores, serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and s100β levels were compared between the two groups. The incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) at 1-3 days was recorded.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in BIS, MAP, HR, or rScO₂ between the two groups at T1 and T2 (all P>0.05). At T3-T5, the levels of BIS, MAP, HR, and rScO₂ in the two groups decreased, and the control group had lower levels of the above indicators (all P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that MAP and rScO₂ levels were positively correlated in the two groups (r>0, P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the MMSE or MoCA scores, NSE or s100β levels between the two groups before surgery (all P>0.05). After surgery, the MMSE and MoCA scores of the two groups were decreased (both P<0.05), while the NSE and s100β levels were increased (both P<0.05). The control group showed greater changes in the above four indexes (all P<0.05). The incidence of POCD in the observation group was lower than that of controls at 1, 2, and 3 days after surgery (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

rScO₂ monitoring with near-infrared spectroscopy in peri-anesthesia management of elderly patients with hypertension undergoing shoulder arthroscopic surgery can effectively stabilize hemodynamics and reduce the incidence of postoperative POCD.

Proof of concept: digital clock drawing behaviors prior to transcatheter aortic valve replacement may predict length of hospital stay and cost of care

Aims

Reduced pre-operative cognitive functioning in older adults is a risk factor for postoperative complications, but it is unknown if preoperative digitally-acquired clock drawing test (CDT) cognitive screening variables, which allow for more nuanced examination of patient performance, may predict lengthier hospital stay and greater cost of hospital care. This issue is particularly relevant for older adults undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), as this surgical procedure is chosen for intermediate-risk older adults needing aortic replacement. This proof of concept research explored if specific latency and graphomotor variables indicative of planning from digitally-acquired command and copy clock drawing would predict post-TAVR duration and cost of hospitalization, over and above age, education, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification score, and frailty.

Methods

Form January 2018 to December 2019, 162 out of 190 individuals electing TAVR completed digital clock drawing as part of a hospital wide cognitive screening program. Separate hierarchical regressions were computed for the command and copy conditions of the CDT and assessed how a-priori selected clock drawing metrics (total time to completion, ideal digit placement difference, and hour hand distance from center; included within the same block) incrementally predicted outcome, as measured by R² change significance values.

Results

Above and beyond age, education, ASA physical status classification score, and frailty, only digitally-acquired CDT copy performance explained significant variance for length of hospital stay (9.5%) and cost of care (8.9%).

Conclusions

Digital variables from clock copy condition provided predictive value over common demographic and comorbidity variables. We hypothesize this is due to the sensitivity of the copy condition to executive dysfunction, as has been shown in previous studies for subtypes of cognitive impairment. Individuals undergoing TAVR procedures are often frail and executively compromised due to their cerebrovascular disease. We encourage additional research on the value of digitally-acquired clock drawing within different surgery types. Type of cognitive impairment and the value of digitally-acquired CDT command and copy parameters in other surgeries remain unknown.

Preoperative anxiety predicted the incidence of postoperative delirium in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty: a prospective cohort study

Background

Delirium was characterized with a series of symptoms of a sudden onset of disturbances in attention, a loss in memory loss and defects in other cognitive abilities that were also appeared in the syndrome of anxiety. Even though there are overlapped clinical symptoms existed in anxiety and delirium, the relationship between anxiety and delirium was still unclear. The propose of this study was to investigated the effect of preoperative anxiety on postoperative delirium.

Methods

Three hundred and seventy-two adults undergoing total hip arthroplasty were enrolled from October 2019 to May 2020 in the study. The preoperative anxiety was measured with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety (HADS-A). The participants were allocated into anxiety group (HADS-A≧7) and non-anxiety group (HADS-A < 7). The primary outcome was the incidence of the postoperative delirium assessed with the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM). The secondary outcomes were the duration and the severity of delirium evaluated with the Memorial Delirium assessment Scale (MDAS). The risks of delirium were also evaluated with logistic regression analysis.

Results

There were 325 patients enrolled in the end, 95 of whom met the criteria for anxiety. The incidence of delirium was 17.8% in all participants. The patients with anxiety had a higher incidence of delirium than the non-anxiety patients (25.3% vs. 14.8%, odds ratio (OR) = 0.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.92–0.29, p = 0.025). However, no significant differences were found in the duration and the severity of the delirium between the above two groups. The age, alcohol abuse, history of stroke, scores of the HADS-A, and education level were considered to be predictors of delirium.

Conclusions

The preoperative anxiety predicted the incidence of the postoperative delirium in total hip arthroplasty patients. The related intervention may be a good point for delirium prophylaxis.

Trial registration

It was registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (www.chictr.org.cn) with the name of “the effect of preoperative anxiety on the postoperative cognitive function” (ChiCTR1900026054) at September 19, 2019.

Neighborhood-Level Social Disadvantage and Risk of Delirium Following Major Surgery

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Delirium is a common postoperative complication associated with prolonged length of stay, hospital readmission, and premature mortality. We explored the association between neighborhood-level characteristics and delirium incidence and severity, and compared neighborhood- with individual-level indicators of socioeconomic status in predicting delirium incidence.

DESIGN

A prospective observational cohort of patients enrolled between June 18, 2010, and August 8, 2013. Baseline interviews were conducted before surgery, and delirium/delirium severity was evaluated daily during hospitalization. Research staff evaluating delirium were blinded to baseline cognitive status.

SETTING

Two academic medical centers in Boston, MA.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 560 older adults, aged 70 years or older, undergoing major noncardiac surgery.

INTERVENTION

The Area Deprivation Index (ADI) was used to characterize each neighborhood's socioeconomic disadvantage.

MEASUREMENTS

Delirium was assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) long form. Delirium severity was calculated using the highest value of CAM Severity score (CAM-S) occurring during daily hospital assessments (CAM-S Peak).

RESULTS

Residing in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods (ADI > 44) was associated with a higher risk of incident delirium (12/26; 46%), compared with the least disadvantaged neighborhoods (122/534; 23%) (risk ratio (RR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) = 2.0 (1.3-3.1). The CAM-S Peak score was significantly associated with ADI (Spearman rank correlation, ρ = 0.11; P = .009). Mean CAM-S Peak scores generally rose from 3.7 to 5.3 across levels of increasing neighborhood disadvantage. The RR (95% CI) values associated with individual-level markers of socioeconomic status and cultural background were: 1.2 (0.9-1.7) for education of 12 years or less; 1.3 (0.8-2.1) for non-White race; and 1.7 (1.1-2.6) for annual household income of less than $20,000. None of these individual-level markers exceeded the ADI in terms of effect size or significance for prediction of delirium risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Neighborhood-level makers of social disadvantage are associated with delirium incidence and severity, and demonstrated an exposure-response relationship. Future studies should consider contextual-level metrics, such as the ADI, as risk markers of social disadvantage that can help to guide delirium treatment and prevention.

Delirium

Delirium, a syndrome characterized by an acute change in attention, awareness and cognition, is caused by a medical condition that cannot be better explained by a pre-existing neurocognitive disorder. Multiple predisposing factors (for example, pre-existing cognitive impairment) and precipitating factors (for example, urinary tract infection) for delirium have been described, with most patients having both types. Because multiple factors are implicated in the aetiology of delirium, there are likely several neurobiological processes that contribute to delirium pathogenesis, including neuroinflammation, brain vascular dysfunction, altered brain metabolism, neurotransmitter imbalance and impaired neuronal network connectivity. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) is the most commonly used diagnostic system upon which a reference standard diagnosis is made, although many other delirium screening tools have been developed given the impracticality of using the DSM-5 in many settings. Pharmacological treatments for delirium (such as antipsychotic drugs) are not effective, reflecting substantial gaps in our understanding of its pathophysiology. Currently, the best management strategies are multidomain interventions that focus on treating precipitating conditions, medication review, managing distress, mitigating complications and maintaining engagement to environmental issues. The effective implementation of delirium detection, treatment and prevention strategies remains a major challenge for health-care organizations globally.

Common neurodegenerative disorders in the perioperative setting: Recommendations for screening from the Society for Perioperative Assessment and Quality Improvement (SPAQI)

Aging is associated with normal and abnormal brain and cognitive changes. Due to the expected increase in older adults requiring surgery, perioperative clinicians will be increasingly encountering patients with neurodegenerative disease. To help perioperative clinicians understand signs of abnormal behaviors that may mark an undiagnosed neurodegenerative disorder and alert additional patient monitoring, The Society for Perioperative Assessment and Quality Improvement (SPAQI) worked with experts in dementia, neuropsychology, geriatric medicine, neurology, and anesthesiology to provide a summary of cognitive and behavioral considerations for patients with common neurodegenerative disorders being evaluated at preoperative centers. Patients with neurodegenerative disorders are at high risk for delirium due to known neurochemical disruptions, medication interactions, associated frailty, or vascular risk profiles presenting risk for repeat strokes. We provide basic information on the expected cognitive changes with aging, most common neurodegenerative disorders, a list of behavioral features and considerations to help differentiate neurodegenerative disorders. Finally, we propose screening recommendations intended for a multidisciplinary team in the perioperative setting.

Preoperative Depression and Plasma Cortisol Levels as Predictors of Delirium after Cardiac Surgery

BACKGROUND

Delirium is common in old patients who undergo cardiac surgery, and it is associated with adverse outcomes. The genesis of delirium is thought to be multi-factorial, but it is still not well understood. Symptoms of depression and elevated cortisol level have been described in some previous studies as factors associated with delirium, suggesting a shared pathophysiology.

AIMS

The objective of the present study was to determine whether preoperative depression symptoms and increased cortisol level represent risk factors for delirium after cardiac surgery.

METHODS

We performed a prospective cohort study in 183 patients aged >50 years undergoing elective cardiac surgery. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was used to assess patients for depressive symptoms before surgery. Preoperative plasma cortisol levels were available in 145 participants. Delirium was diagnosed using the Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) during the first 7 days after surgery. Spearman correlation was used for correlations between GDS, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Charlson comorbidity index, and age. Binary logistic regression was used to determine whether GDS and cortisol levels predict postoperative delirium.

RESULTS

Delirium occurred in 60 patients out of 183 (32.8%) included and lasted 2.3 days (SD 1.36). GDS was correlated with age (p = 0.001) and comorbidity index (p = 0.003) and inversely correlated with MMSE score (p < 0.001). Higher preoperative GDS scores were associated with incidence of delirium in the postoperative period (p = 0.002). The association was significant after controlling for age, MMSE score, history of stroke, and Charlson comorbidity index (p = 0.045). Preoperative cortisol level was not associated with the development of postoperative delirium.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that a higher preoperative depression score is associated with an increased risk of postoperative delirium. On the other hand, preoperative plasma cortisol level does not seem to be a predictor of delirium after surgery. Further studies are needed to determine the potential of preoperative depression treatment to prevent postoperative delirium.

Discriminant Performance of Dysexecutive and Frontal Release Signs for Delirium in Patients With High Dementia Prevalence: Implications for Neural Network Impairment

BACKGROUND

Prevalence of signs of abnormal executive function (EF) and primitive reflexes (PR) with delirium in older hospitalized patients with or without comorbid dementia has not been reported.

OBJECTIVE

To describe prevalence of signs of EF deficits and PR in older inpatients and their discriminant value for delirium while accounting for dementia.

METHODS

Participants were evaluated for delirium using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition and the Delirium Rating Scale Revised-98, dementia using Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly, and signs of PR (n = 5) and EF deficits (n = 3) using bedside neuropsychiatric examination. Three indices (PR, EF, and Combined) and 4 diagnostic groups were created for correlational and discriminant analyses.

RESULTS

Correlations of indices were higher with the Delirium Rating Scale Revised-98 than with the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly and even higher in those with dementia, especially the Combined index (Delirium Frontal Index). Among individual signs, glabellar and Simple Luria Hand Sequence were most common in delirium and the best for delirium discrimination irrespective of dementia status. The Combined index had about 80% sensitivity and specificity at the ≥2 cutoff in the whole cohort (positive and negative predictive values and likelihood ratios: PPV 50.0%, NPV 93.8%, +LR 3.82, -LR 0.25). The Combined index also had the best performance on discriminating delirium in dementia patients at the ≥3 cutoff, with about 80% for both sensitivity and specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

PR and EF deficit signs are consistent with reduced neural network integration during delirium, even worse in those with dementia whose baseline structural injury impairs network connectivity with frontal regions. We recommend simple bedside assessment of PR and EF signs to help assess for delirium as an indicator of cerebral cortical neural network impairment in older persons.

Postoperative delirium in patients undergoing surgery for bone metastases

Postoperative delirium (PD), characterized by acute onset of global impairment in consciousness and cognition, is a common complication following major surgeries and is often associated with adverse outcomes. Because of the multiple comorbidities of the patient along with extensive nature of the surgery, patients undergoing surgery for bone metastases may be prone to developing PD. However, no study exists regarding PD in patients who undergo surgery for bone metastases.Two hundred seventy six patients with mean age of 64 years (range, 16-94) who underwent surgery for bone metastases were reviewed. The diagnosis of PD was made by the psychiatrist, according to fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Possible perioperative clinic-pathologic factors that may be associated with the development of PD were investigated.Among the 276 patients, 9% (n = 25) developed PD. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, history of psychiatric disorders (odds ratio [OR] = 9.63; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.78-21.74, P = .004), high preoperative serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level (OR = 1.17; 95% CI 1.06-1.29, P = .001), low preoperative serum albumin level (OR = 0.13; 95% CI 0.03-0.48, P = 0.002), and high dose of opioid analgesics received in the immediate postoperative period (OR = 1.05; 95% CI 1.01-1.07, P = .001) were independently associated with the development of PD. Patients with PD had lower survival (log rank, P = .001) than patients without PD.Incidence of PD is considerable in patients undergoing surgery for bone metastases. History of psychiatric disorders, preoperative serum albumin and CRP levels, and the dose of postoperative opioid analgesics are associated with the development of PD.

Predicting postoperative delirium severity in older adults: The role of surgical risk and executive function

OBJECTIVES

Delirium is an important postoperative complication, yet predictive risk factors for postoperative delirium severity remain elusive. We hypothesized that the NSQIP risk calculation for serious complications (NSQIP-SC) or risk of death (NSQIP-D), and cognitive tests of executive function (Trail Making Tests A and B [TMTA and TMTB]), would be predictive of postoperative delirium severity. Further, we demonstrate how advanced statistical techniques can be used to identify candidate predictors.

METHODS/DESIGN

Data from an ongoing perioperative prospective cohort study of 100 adults (65 y old or older) undergoing noncardiac surgery were analyzed. In addition to NSQIP-SC, NSQIP-D, TMTA, and TMTB, participant age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, tobacco use, surgery type, depression, Framingham risk score, and preoperative blood pressure were collected. The Delirium Rating Scale-R-98 (DRS) measured delirium severity; the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) identified delirium. LASSO and best subsets linear regression were employed to identify predictive risk factors.

RESULTS

Ninety-seven participants with a mean age of 71.68 ± 4.55, 55% male (31/97 CAM+, 32%), and a mean peak DRS of 21.5 ± 6.40 were analyzed. LASSO and best subsets regression identified NSQIP-SC and TMTB to predict postoperative delirium severity (P < 00.001, adjusted R² : 0.30). NSQIP-SC and TMTB were also selected as predictors for postoperative delirium incidence (AUROC 0.81, 95% CI, 0.72-0.90).

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort, we identified NSQIP risk score for serious complications and a measure of executive function, TMT-B, to predict postoperative delirium severity using advanced modeling techniques. Future studies should investigate the utility of these variables in a formal delirium severity prediction model.

Preoperative Anxiety as a Predictor of Delirium in Cancer Patients: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Postoperative delirium is a common and important complication in cancer patients. We need to identify patients at high risk of postoperative delirium such that it can be prevented preoperatively or in early postoperative phase. The aim of this study was to investigate whether preoperative anxiety predicted onset of postoperative delirium in cancer patients, not only in order to identify high-risk groups but also to help develop new preventive approaches.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational cohort study of cancer patients undergoing tumor resections. Postoperative delirium was assessed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Preoperative anxiety was evaluated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety (HADS-A), and we defined HADS-A > 7 as clinical anxiety. We conducted multivariate logistic regression to determine which factors were predictors of delirium.

RESULTS

The final analysis included 91 patients, 29 of whom met the criteria for postoperative delirium. In multivariable logistic regression, age (5-year increments; odds ratio (OR) = 1.565, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.057-2.317, p = 0.025) and HADS-A > 7 (OR = 4.370, 95% CI = 1.051-18.178, p = 0.043) predicted delirium onset. These variables explained 74.2% of the variance.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative anxiety strongly predicted postoperative delirium in cancer patients. Our findings suggest that preoperative anxiety may be a new target for prevention of postoperative delirium. Trial registration number This study was registered at UMIN000018980.

Association between delirium and cognitive change after cardiac surgery

Background

Previous studies provide inconsistent data on whether postoperative delirium (POD) is a risk factor for postoperative cognitive decline (POCD). We thus investigated the relationship between POD and cognitive change after cardiac surgery and assessed the relationship between preoperative cognitive domain scores and POD.

Methods

Postoperative delirium was assessed with the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) adapted for the intensive care unit and the conventional CAM accompanied by chart review. Cognitive function was assessed with a neuropsychological test battery before elective cardiac surgery and 1 month and 1 yr afterwards. Cognitive change was calculated using the Reliable Change Index (RCI). Multiple linear regression was used to adjust for confounding.

Results

Of the 184 patients who completed baseline assessment, 23 (12.5%) developed POD. At 1 month, the decline in cognitive performance was worse in patients with POD [median composite RCI -1.00, interquartile range (IQR) -1.67 to 0.28] than in patients without POD (RCI -0.04, IQR -0.70 to 0.63, P =0.02). At 1 yr, both groups showed cognitive improvement on average compared with baseline (POD patients median composite RCI 0.25, IQR -0.42 to 1.31, vs non-POD patients RCI 0.92, IQR 0.18-1.53; P =0.08). Correction for differences in age and level of education did not change the results. Patients with POD performed less well than patients without POD on the preoperative Trailmaking test part A ( P =0.03).

Conclusions

Postoperative delirium is independently associated with cognitive decline 1 month after surgery, but cognitive performance generally recovers in 1 yr. Patients with a predisposition to POD can be identified before surgery by worse performance in an attention task.

Clinical trial registration

NCT00293592.

Delirium pathophysiology: An updated hypothesis of the etiology of acute brain failure

BACKGROUND

Delirium is the most common neuropsychiatric syndrome encountered by clinicians dealing with older adults and the medically ill and is best characterized by 5 core domains: cognitive deficits, attentional deficits, circadian rhythm dysregulation, emotional dysregulation, and alteration in psychomotor functioning.

DESIGN

An extensive literature review and consolidation of published data into a novel interpretation of known pathophysiological causes of delirium.

RESULTS

Available data suggest that numerous pathological factors may serve as precipitants for delirium, each having differential effects depending on patient-specific patient physiological characteristics (substrate). On the basis of an extensive literature search, a newly proposed theory, the systems integration failure hypothesis, was developed to bring together the most salient previously described theories, by describing the various contributions from each into a complex web of pathways-highlighting areas of intersection and commonalities and explaining how the variable contribution of these may lead to the development of various cognitive and behavioral dysfunctions characteristic of delirium. The specific cognitive and behavioral manifestations of the specific delirium picture result from a combination of neurotransmitter function and availability, variability in integration and processing of sensory information, motor responses to both external and internal cues, and the degree of breakdown in neuronal network connectivity, hence the term acute brain failure.

CONCLUSIONS

The systems integration failure hypothesis attempts to explain how the various proposed delirium pathophysiologic theories interact with each other, causing various clinically observed delirium phenotypes. A better understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of delirium may eventually assist in designing better prevention and management approaches.

An update on postoperative delirium: Clinical features, neuropathogenesis, and perioperative management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We present a focused review on postoperative delirium for anesthesiologists, encompassing clinical features, neuropathogenesis, and clinical identification and management strategies based on risk factors and current delirium treatments.

RECENT FINDINGS

The literature on postoperative delirium is dominated by non-experimental studies. We review delirium phenotypes, diagnostic criteria, and present standard nomenclature based on current literature. Disruption of cortical integration of complex information (CICI) may provide a framework to understand the neuropathogenesis of postoperative delirium, as well as risk factors and clinical modifiers in the perioperative period. We further divide risk factors into patient factors, surgical factors, and medical/pharmacological factors, and present specific considerations for each in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative periods.

SUMMARY

Postoperative delirium is prevalent, poorly understood, and often missed with current screening techniques. Proper identification of risk factors is useful for perioperative interventions and can help tailor patient-specific management strategies.

Preoperative Cognitive Impairment As a Predictor of Postoperative Outcomes in a Collaborative Care Model

OBJECTIVES

To compare postoperative outcomes of individuals with and without cognitive impairment enrolled in the Perioperative Optimization of Senior Health (POSH) program at Duke University, a comanagement model involving surgery, anesthesia, and geriatrics.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of individuals enrolled in a quality improvement program.

SETTING

Tertiary academic center.

PARTICIPANTS

Older adults undergoing surgery and referred to POSH (N = 157).

MEASUREMENTS

Cognitive impairment was defined as a score less than 25 out of 30 (adjusted for education) on the St. Louis University Mental Status (SLUMS) Examination. Median length of stay (LOS), mean number of postoperative complications, rates of postoperative delirium (POD, %), 30-day readmissions (%), and discharge to home (%) were compared using bivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Seventy percent of participants met criteria for cognitive impairment (mean SLUMS score 20.3 for those with cognitive impairment and 27.7 for those without). Participants with and without cognitive impairment did not significantly differ in demographic characteristics, number of medications (including anticholinergics and benzodiazepines), or burden of comorbidities. Participants with and without cognitive impairment had similar LOS (P = .99), cumulative number of complications (P = .70), and 30-day readmission (P = .20). POD was more common in those with cognitive impairment (31% vs 24%), but the difference was not significant (P = .34). Participants without cognitive impairment had higher rates of discharge to home (80.4% vs 65.1%, P = .05).

CONCLUSION

Older adults with and without cognitive impairment referred to the POSH program fared similarly on most postoperative outcomes. Individuals with cognitive impairment may benefit from perioperative geriatric comanagement. Questions remain regarding the validity of available measures of cognition in the preoperative period.

Impact of Total Knee Arthroplasty with General Anesthesia on Brain Networks: Cognitive Efficiency and Ventricular Volume Predict Functional Connectivity Decline in Older Adults

Using resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI), we explored: 1) pre- to post-operative changes in functional connectivity in default mode, salience, and central executive networks after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with general anesthesia, and 2) the contribution of cognitive/brain reserve metrics these resting state functional declines. Individuals age 60 and older electing unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA; n = 48) and non-surgery peers with osteoarthritis (n = 45) completed baseline cognitive testing and baseline and post-surgery (post-baseline, 48-h post-surgery) brain MRI. We acquired cognitive and brain estimates for premorbid (vocabulary, reading, education, intracranial volume) and current (working memory, processing speed, declarative memory, ventricular volume) reserve. Functional network analyses corrected for pain severity and pain medication. The surgery group declined in every functional network of interest (p < 0.001). Relative to non-surgery peers, 23% of surgery participants declined in at least one network and 15% of the total TKA sample declined across all networks. Larger preoperative ventricular volume and lower scores on preoperative metrics of processing speed and working memory predicted default mode network connectivity decline. Premorbid cognitive and premorbid brain reserve did not predict decline. Within 48 hours after surgery, at least one fourth of the older adult sample showed significant functional network decline. Metrics of current brain status (ventricular volume), working memory, and processing speed predicted the severity of default mode network connectivity decline. These findings demonstrate the relevance of preoperative cognition and brain integrity on acute postoperative functional network change.

Depression, social support, and clinical outcomes following lung transplantation: a single-center cohort study

Depressive symptoms are common among lung transplant candidates and have been associated with poorer clinical outcomes in some studies. Previous studies have been plagued by methodologic problems, including small sample sizes, few clinical events, and uncontrolled confounders, particularly perioperative complications. In addition, few studies have examined social support as a potential protective factor. We therefore examined the association between pretransplant depressive symptoms, social support, and mortality in a large sample of lung transplant recipients. As a secondary aim, we also examined the associations between psychosocial factors, perioperative outcomes [indexed by hospital length of stay (LOS)], and mortality. We hypothesized that depression would be associated with longer LOS and that the association between depression, social support, and mortality would be moderated by LOS. Participants included lung transplant recipients, transplanted at Duke University Medical Center from January 2009 to December 2014. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and social support using the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS). Medical risk factors included forced vital capacity (FVC), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO₂ ), donor age, acute rejection, and transplant type. Functional status was assessed using six-minute walk distance (6MWD). We also controlled for demographic factors, including age, gender, and native disease. Transplant hospitalization LOS was examined as a marker of perioperative clinical outcomes. Participants included 273 lung recipients (174 restrictive, 67 obstructive, 26 cystic fibrosis, and six "other"). Pretransplant depressive symptoms were common, with 56 participants (21%) exhibiting clinically elevated levels (BDI-II ≥ 14). Greater depressive symptoms were associated with longer LOS [adjusted b = 0.20 (2 days per 7-point higher BDI-II score), P < 0.01]. LOS moderated the associations between depressive symptoms (P = 0.019), social support (P < 0.001), and mortality, such that greater depressive symptoms and lower social support were associated with greater mortality only among individuals with longer LOS. For individuals with LOS ≥ 1 month, clinically elevated depressive symptoms (BDI-II ≥ 14) were associated with a threefold increased risk of mortality (HR = 2.97). Greater pretransplant depressive symptoms and lower social support may be associated with greater mortality among a subset of individuals with worse perioperative outcomes.

Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROM) as A Preoperative Assessment Tool

AIM OF REVIEW

Patient-reported outcomes (PRO) on functional, social, and behavioral factors might be important preoperative predictors of postoperative outcomes. We conducted a literature review to explore associations of preoperative depression, socioeconomic status, social support, functional status/frailty, cognitive status, self-management skills, health literacy, and nutritional status with surgical outcomes.

METHODS

Two electronic data bases, including PubMed and Google Scholar, were searched linking either depression, socioeconomic status, social support, functional status/frailty, cognitive status, self-management skills, health literacy, or nutritional status with surgery, postoperative complications, or perioperative period within the past 2 decades.

RECENT FINDINGS

Preoperative depression has been linked to postoperative delirium, complications, persistent pain, longer lengths of stay, and mortality. Socioeconomic status associates with overall and cancer-free survival. Low socioeconomic status has also been connected to medication non- compliance. Social support can predict overall and cancer- free survival, as well as physical, social and emotional quality of life. Poor functional status and frailty have been related to postoperative complications, longer lengths of stay, post-discharge institutionalization, and higher costs. Preoperative cognitive impairment also associates with self-medication management errors, postoperative cognitive impairment, delirium, complications and mortality. In addition, a greater tendency for reduced adherence to preoperative medication instructions has been linked to health illiteracy. Preoperative malnutrition is prevalent and associates with postoperative morbidity.

CONCLUSION

Efficient and effective assessments of social and behavioral determinants of health, functional status, health literacy, patient's perception of health, and preferences for self-management may improve postoperative management and surgical outcomes, particularly among vulnerable patients undergoing elective surgery who might have subtle physical, social, or psychological deficits or challenges, otherwise missed upon routine evaluation. Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) can be used to effectively and efficiently collect these factors in the preoperative period, thereby identifying areas that can be intervened preemptively. (Partially Funded by the National Institute on Aging and the Wake Forest University Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center.).

Poor Performance on a Preoperative Cognitive Screening Test Predicts Postoperative Complications in Older Orthopedic Surgical Patients

BACKGROUND

The American College of Surgeons and the American Geriatrics Society have suggested that preoperative cognitive screening should be performed in older surgical patients. We hypothesized that unrecognized cognitive impairment in patients without a history of dementia is a risk factor for development of postoperative complications.

METHODS

We enrolled 211 patients 65 yr of age or older without a diagnosis of dementia who were scheduled for an elective hip or knee replacement. Patients were cognitively screened preoperatively using the Mini-Cog and demographic, medical, functional, and emotional/social data were gathered using standard instruments or review of the medical record. Outcomes included discharge to place other than home (primary outcome), delirium, in-hospital medical complications, hospital length-of-stay, 30-day emergency room visits, and mortality. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Fifty of 211 (24%) patients screened positive for probable cognitive impairment (Mini-Cog less than or equal to 2). On age-adjusted multivariate analysis, patients with a Mini-Cog score less than or equal to 2 were more likely to be discharged to a place other than home (67% vs. 34%; odds ratio = 3.88, 95% CI = 1.58 to 9.55), develop postoperative delirium (21% vs. 7%; odds ratio = 4.52, 95% CI = 1.30 to 15.68), and have a longer hospital length of stay (hazard ratio = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.42 to 0.95) compared to those with a Mini-Cog score greater than 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Many older elective orthopedic surgical patients have probable cognitive impairment preoperatively. Such impairment is associated with development of delirium postoperatively, a longer hospital stay, and lower likelihood of going home upon hospital discharge.

Observational cohort study examining apolipoprotein E status and preoperative neuropsychological performance as predictors of post-operative delirium in an older elective arthroplasty population

Introduction

delirium following surgery is common and is associated with negative outcomes. Preoperative cognitive impairment has been shown to be a risk factor for post-operative delirium. Often the cognitive tests used are cumbersome. This study tests the hypothesis that the quantification of brain vulnerability, using Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) status and neuropsychological tests, both traditional and more easily administered, can quantify the risk of post-operative delirium following elective primary arthroplasty surgery.

Methods

this observational cohort study recruited participants aged 65 years or older admitted prior to elective primary hip or knee arthroplasty. Baseline data was collected and participants underwent neuropsychological testing and had blood taken for ApoE genotyping preoperatively. Post-operatively participants were assessed daily for delirium using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) and charts were reviewed where possible for reports of delirium. Univariate and multivariate analyses of preoperative factors were undertaken to identify independent predictors of delirium.

Results

between March 2012 and October 2014, 315 participants completed the study with an overall incidence of post-operative delirium of 40/315 (12.7%). Of these 18 fulfilled the CAM criteria for delirium and 22 were deemed delirious by consensus decision based on chart review. ApoE genotype was not associated with post-operative delirium in this cohort. Time taken to complete Colour Trails 2, errors in mini mental state examination and level of pain preoperatively were independent predictors of post-operative delirium.

Conclusions

this study challenges the assertion that ApoE4 genotype predicts post-operative delirium. It replicates previous work suggesting cognitive impairment predicts post-operative delirium and shows for the 1st time that simple cognitive tests can be as effective as more detailed tests.

Psychiatric symptomatology after delirium: a systematic review

Delirium is an acute and usually transient severe neuropsychiatric syndrome associated with significant long-term physical morbidity. However, its chronic psychiatric sequelae remain poorly characterized. To investigate the prevalence of psychiatric symptoms, namely anxiety, depressive, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms after delirium, a systematic literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO databases was performed independently by two authors in March 2016. Bibliographies were hand-searched, and a forward- and backward-citation search using Web of Science was performed for all included studies. Of 6411 titles, we included eight prospective cohort studies, including 370 patients with delirium and 1073 without delirium. Studies were heterogeneous and mostly included older people from a range of clinical groups. Consideration of confounders was variable. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was almost three times higher in patients with delirium than in patients without delirium (22.2% vs 8.0%, risk ratio = 2.79; 95% confidence interval = 1.36-5.73). There was no statistically significant difference between the prevalence of anxiety symptoms between patients with and without delirium. The prevalence of PTSD symptoms after delirium was inconclusive: only one study investigated this and no association between PTSD symptoms after delirium was reported. There is limited published evidence of the prevalence of psychiatric symptoms after non-ICU delirium and the strongest evidence is for depressive symptoms. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and PTSD symptoms.

Perioperative Care of Elderly Surgical Outpatients

The ambulatory setting offers potential advantages for elderly patients undergoing elective surgery due to the advancement in both surgical and anesthetic techniques resulting in quicker recovery times, fewer complications, higher patient satisfaction, and reduced costs of care. This review article aims to provide a practical guide to anesthetic management of elderly outpatients. Important considerations in the preoperative evaluation of elderly outpatients with co-existing diseases, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of different anesthetic techniques on a procedural-specific basis, and recommendations regarding the management of common postoperative complications (e.g., pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting [PONV], delirium and cognitive dysfunction, and gastrointestinal dysfunction) are discussed. The role of anesthesiologists as perioperative physicians is important for optimizing surgical outcomes for elderly patients undergoing ambulatory surgery. The implementation of high-quality, evidence-based perioperative care programs for the elderly on an ambulatory basis has assumed increased importance. Optimal management of perioperative pain using opioid-sparing multimodal analgesic techniques and preventing PONV using prophylactic antiemetics are key elements for achieving enhanced recovery after surgery.

Preoperative Cognitive Stratification of Older Elective Surgical Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Preexisting cognitive impairment is emerging as a predictor of poor postoperative outcomes in seniors. We hypothesized that preoperative cognitive screening can be performed in a busy preadmission evaluation center and that cognitive impairment is prevalent in elective geriatric surgical patients.

METHODS

We approached 311 patients aged 65 years and older presenting for preoperative evaluation before elective surgery in a prospective, observational, single-center study. Forty-eight patients were ineligible, and 63 declined. The remaining 200 were randomly assigned to the Mini-Cog (N =100) or Clock-in-the-Box [CIB; N = 100)] test. Study staff administered the test in a quiet room, and 2 investigators scored the tests independently. Probable cognitive impairment was defined as a Mini-Cog ≤ 2 or a CIB ≤ 5.

RESULTS

The age of consenting patients was 73.7 ± 6.4 (mean ± SD) years. There were no significant differences between patients randomly assigned to the Mini-Cog and CIB test in age, weight, gender, education, ASA physical status, or Charlston Index. Overall, 23% of patients met criteria for probable cognitive impairment, and prevalence was virtually identical regardless of the test used; 22% screened with the Mini-Cog and 23% screened with the CIB scored as having probable cognitive impairment (P = 1.0 by χ analysis). Both tests had good interrater reliability (Krippendroff α = 0.86 [0.72-0.93] for Mini-Cog and 1 for CIB).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative cognitive screening is feasible in most geriatric elective surgical patients and reveals a substantial prevalence of probable cognitive impairment in this population.

The influence of a history of clinical depression on peri-operative outcomes in elective total shoulder arthroplasty: a ten-year national analysis

AIMS

Depression can significantly affect quality of life and is associated with higher rates of medical comorbidities and increased mortality following surgery. Although depression has been linked to poorer outcomes following orthopaedic trauma, total joint arthroplasty and spinal surgery, we wished to examine the impact of depression in elective total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) as this has not been previously explored.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The United States Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) was used to identify patients undergoing elective TSA over a ten-year period. Between 2002 and 2012, 224 060 patients underwent elective TSA.

RESULTS

Among the identified patients who had undergone TSA, 12.4% had a diagnosis of a history of depression. A diagnosis of depression was twice as common in women compared with men (16.0% vs 8.0%, p < 0.001), and more frequent in those with low income and Medicaid insurance (p < 0.001). A diagnosis of depression was an independent risk factor for post-operative delirium (odds ratio (OR) 2.29, p < 0.001), anaemia (OR 1.65, p < 0.001), infection (2.09, p = 0.045) and hospital discharge to a placement other than home (OR 1.52, p < 0.001) CONCLUSION: A history of clinical depression is present in 12.4% of patients undergoing elective TSA and the disease burden is projected to increase further in the future. Depression is often underdiagnosed and pre-operative screening and appropriate peri-operative management of patients is encouraged.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

The awareness that clinical depression is associated with increased complications following total shoulder arthroplasty provides physicians an opportunity for early intervention in this at-risk population. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:818-24.

Delayed Recall and Working Memory MMSE Domains Predict Delirium following Cardiac Surgery

BACKGROUND

Reduced preoperative cognition is a risk factor for postoperative delirium. The significance for type of preoperative cognitive deficit, however, has yet to be explored and could provide important insights into mechanisms and prediction of delirium.

OBJECTIVE

Our goal was to determine if certain cognitive domains from the general cognitive screener, the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE), predict delirium after cardiac surgery.

METHODS

Patients completed a preoperative MMSE prior to undergoing elective cardiac surgery. Following surgery, delirium was assessed throughout ICU stay using the Confusion Assessment Method for ICU delirium and the Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale.

RESULTS

Cardiac surgery patients who developed delirium (n = 137) had lower total MMSE scores than patients who did not develop delirium (n = 457). In particular, orientation to place, working memory, delayed recall, and language domain scores were lower. Of these, only the working memory and delayed recall domains predicted delirium in a regression model adjusting for history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, age, sex, and duration of cardiopulmonary bypass. For each word not recalled on the three-word delayed recall assessment, the odds of delirium increased by 50%. For each item missed on the working memory index, the odds of delirium increased by 36%. Of the patients who developed delirium, 47% had a primary impairment in memory, 21% in working memory, and 33% in both domains. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve using only the working memory and delayed recall domains was 0.75, compared to 0.76 for total MMSE score.

CONCLUSION

Delirium risk is greater for individuals with reduced MMSE scores on the delayed recall and working memory domains. Research should address why patients with memory and executive vulnerabilities are more prone to postoperative delirium than those with other cognitive limitations.