The incidence of delirium immediately following cataract removal surgery: A prospective study in the elderly

Abstract

Delirium is a syndrome affecting the central nervous system characterized by a rapid development of disturbances in cognition and consciousness. In the elderly delirium is frequently observed in clinical practice, especially in medical and surgical wards. Despite its severe consequences, epidemiological data relating to incidence of post-operative delirium is lacking. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence of delirium immediately following cataract surgery in elderly community-dwelling patients. For purposes of the present study the Confusion Rating Scale (CRS) was used. Of 197 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria, ten (5.1%) had suffered from post-operative delirium. The two variables that significantly differentiated between patients with or without delirium were older age (80.8 versus 74.6 years, p <0.01) and more frequent use of benzodiazepine premedication (7/10 versus 73/187, p <0.001).These findings call for increased awareness of the occurrence of delirium following cataract surgery and raise the possibility that changes in premedication and a longer observation period, particularly in the very old, may be beneficial.