Risk factors for postoperative delirium in the elderly patients with intertrochanteric facture

Abstract

Objective To investigate the risk factors of postoperative delirium in elderly patients with intertrochanteric facture. Methods This retrospective analysis was conducted on 256 patients aged over 65 years treated with internal fixation of intertrochanteric facture between January 2012 and December 2013. Incidence and risk factors of postoperative delirium were documented. Results Incidence of postoperative delirium was 14.8% (38/256). Risk factors of postoperative delirium included body mass index (BMI) less than 20 kg/m2 (P<0.05), preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) less than 100 g/L (P<0.05), atrial fibrillation (P<0.05), low sodium (P<0.05), preoperative total protein less than 60 g/L (P<0.05), preoperative waiting time more than 4 days (P<0.05), preoperative cognitive impairment (P<0.05), operation time more than 2.5 hours (P<0.05), perioperation blood loss more than 1, 000 ml (P<0.05), and more than two kinds of medical conditions (P<0.05). Logistic regression identified three independent factors for postoperative delirium: preoperative waiting time more than 4 days (P<0.05, OR=2.74), BMI less than 20 kg/m2 (P<0.05, OR=13.27), preoperative cognitive impairment (P<0.05, OR=4.47), and operation time more than 2.5 hours (P<0.05, OR=4.56). Conclusions Risk factors of postoperative delirium in elder patients with femoral intertrochanteric fracture are complicated. Therefore, overall situation should be taken into consideration and comprehensive and effective treatment should be formulated to prevent the occurrence of postoperative delirium. Key words: Femoral fractures; Delirium; Risk factors; Aged