Nursing Delirium Screening Scale Research Articles

Delirium detection tools show varying completion rates and positive score rates when used at scale in routine practice in general hospital settings: A systematic review.

Multiple short delirium detection tools have been validated in research studies and implemented in routine care, but there has been little study of these tools in real-world conditions. This systematic review synthesized literature reporting completion rates and/or delirium positive score rates of detection tools in large clinical populations in general hospital settings. PROSPERO (CRD42022385166). Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and gray literature were searched from 1980 to December 31, 2022. Included studies or audit reports used a validated delirium detection tool performed directly with the patient as part of routine care in large clinical populations (n ≥ 1000) within a general acute hospital setting. Narrative synthesis was performed. Twenty-two research studies and four audit reports were included. Tools used alone or in combination were the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM), 4 'A's Test (4AT), Delirium Observation Screening Scale (DOSS), Brief CAM (bCAM), Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (NuDESC), and Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC). Populations and settings varied and tools were used at different stages and frequencies in the patient journey, including on admission only; inpatient, daily or more frequently; on admission and as inpatient; inpatient post-operatively. Tool completion rates ranged from 19% to 100%. Admission positive score rates ranged from: CAM 8%-51%; 4AT 13%-20%. Inpatient positive score rates ranged from: CAM 2%-20%, DOSS 6%-42%, and NuDESC 5-13%. Postoperative positive score rates were 21% and 28% (4AT). All but two studies had moderate-high risk of bias. This systematic review of delirium detection tool implementation in large acute patient populations found clinically important variability in tool completion rates, and in delirium positive score rates relative to expected delirium prevalence. This study highlights a need for greater reporting and analysis of relevant healthcare systems data. This is vital to advance understanding of effective delirium detection in routine care.

EVALUATING THE RISK OF DELIRIUM IN ELDERLY INPATIENTS IN COVID-19 INTENSIVE CARE: A PROSPECTIVE AND OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Introduction: Delirium is dangerous, often preventable, and associated with a high financial burden and increased morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of delirium in elderly inpatients in COVID-19 intensive care units. Materials and Method: This study used a prospective and observational design. Between July and November 2022, 49 intensive care patients were admitted to a training and research hospital in northeast Turkey. The data were collected using the Patient Information Form, Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool, Ramsay Sedation Scale, and Nursing-Delirium Screening Scale. Results: The patients’ mean age was 76.90±8.29 years. The longer the length of stay in the intensive care unit, the incidence of delirium increased. The incidence of delirium increased in patients aged 70–95 years (p=0.007). Patients with delirium experienced insomnia and agitation and used more sedative drugs (p<0.05). The predictors of early delirium were sedation (β=0.869), agitation (β=-0.582), and diastolic blood pressure (β=0.258). The predictors of delirium were pain (β=-0.599) and sedation (β=0.267). Conclusion: The study demonstrated that older age, agitation, sedation, pain, and diastolic blood pressure predicted delirium in elderly COVID-19 inpatients. It is necessary to identify and eliminate risk factors to reduce the risk of delirium in elderly patients. Nurses should play an active role in identifying and managing delirium in elderly COVID-19 patients. Keywords: COVID-19; Delirium; Aged; Intensive Care.

Delirium Due to Potentially Avoidable Hospitalizations Among Older Adults.

Delirium is a common complication during acute care hospitalizations in older adults. A substantial percentage of admissions are for ambulatory care-sensitive conditions (ACSCs) or potentially avoidable hospitalizations-conditions that might be treated early in the outpatient setting to prevent hospitalization and hospital complications. This retrospective cross-sectional study examined rates of delirium among older adults hospitalized for ACSCs. Participants were 39 933 older adults ≥65 years of age admitted from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2019 to general inpatient units and ICUs of a large Southeastern academic medical center. Delirium was defined as a score ≥ 2 on the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale or positive on the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit during admission, and ACSCs were identified from the primary admission diagnosis using standardized definitions. Generalized linear mixed models were used to examine the association between ACSCs and delirium, compared with admissions for non-ACSC diagnoses, adjusting for covariates and repeated observations for individuals with multiple admissions. Delirium occurred in 15.6% of admissions for older adults. Rates were lower for ACSC admissions versus admissions for other conditions (13.9% vs 15.8%, p < .001). Older age and higher comorbidity were significant predictors of the development of delirium. Rates of delirium among older adults hospitalized for ACSCs were lower than rates for non-ACSC hospitalization but still substantial. Optimizing the treatment of ACSCs in the outpatient setting is an important goal not only for reducing hospitalizations but also for reducing risks for hospital-associated complications such as delirium.

Delirium assessment tools among hospitalized older adults: A systematic review and metaanalysis of diagnostic accuracy.

Delirium is a common neuropsychiatric syndrome that is often overlooked in clinical settings. The most accurate instrument for screening delirium has not been established. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the 4 'A's Test (4AT), Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC), and Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) in detecting delirium among older adults in clinical settings. These assessment tools feature concise item sets and straightforward administration procedures. Five electronic databases were systematically searched from their inception to September 7, 2022. Studies evaluating the sensitivity and specificity of the 4AT, Nu-DESC, and CAM against the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or International Classification of Diseases as the reference standard were included. Bivariate random effects model was used to summarize the sensitivity and specificity results. A total of 38 studies involving 7378 patients were included. The 4AT, Nu-DESC, and CAM had comparable sensitivity in detecting delirium (0.76, 0.78, and 0.80, respectively). However, the specificity of the CAM was higher than that of the 4AT (0.98 vs 0.89, P=.01) and Nu-DESC 0.99 vs 0.90, P=.003). Diagnostic accuracy was moderated by the percentage of women, acute care setting, sample size, and assessors. The three tools exhibit comparable sensitivity, and the CAM has the highest specificity. Based on the feasibility of the tools, nurses and clinical staffs could employ the Nu-DESC and the 4AT on screening out positive delirium cases and integrate these tools into daily practice. Further investigations are warranted to verify our findings.

Postoperative Delirium in Patients on Cardiopulmonary Bypass for Cardiovascular Surgeries: Incidence and Influencing Factors

To investigate the incidence and influencing factors of postoperative delirium (POD) and subsyndromal delirium (SSD) in patients connected to cardiopulmonary bypass during cardiovascular surgeries. We collected the general data and the data for the perioperative hematological, physiological, and biochemical indicators and the surgical and therapeutic conditions of patients connected to cardiopulmonary bypass during the course of cardiovascular surgeries conducted at a tertiary-care hospital in Hubei province between May 2022 and September 2022. The outcome indicators, including the incidence of POD and SSD, were assessed with the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC). Multinomial logistic regression was performed to analyze the influencing factors of patients with different statuses of POD and SSD. Among the 202 patients, the incidence of SSD, SSD progressing to POD, and no POD or SSD (ND) progressing to POD were 13.4%, 6.4%, and 34.2%, respectively. Regression analysis showed that, with ND patients as the controls, the influencing factors for SSD were preoperative blood glucose (odds ratio [ OR]=0.38, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 0.19-0.76), intraoperative platelet transfusion ( OR=0.37, 95% CI: 0.15-0.92), intraoperative etomidate ( OR=0.93, 95% CI: 0.87-0.98), and postoperative total bilirubin level ( OR=1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.07). For the progression of SSD to POD, the influencing factors were age ( OR=1.09, 95% CI: 1.01-1.17), ASA classification of IV and above ( OR=10.72, 95% CI: 1.85-62.08), intraoperative dexmedetomidine ( OR=1.01, 95% CI: 1.003-1.02), and the duration of mechanical ventilation ( OR=1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.07). For the progression of ND to POD, the influencing factors were age ( OR=1.06, 95% CI: 1.02-1.10), middle or high school education ( OR=0.35, 95% CI: 0.15-0.83), and the duration of mechanical ventilation ( OR=1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.07). Age, education, ASA classification, preoperative blood glucose, intraoperative platelet transfusion, intraoperative etomidate, intraoperative dexmedetomidine, postoperative total bilirubin, and the duration of mechanical ventilation are influencing factors for different statuses of POD and SSD among patients connected to cardiopulmonary bypass when they are undergoing cardiovascular surgeries. The influencing factors vary across groups of patients with different statuses of POD and SSD. Therefore, we should accurately assess the risk factors of patients with different statuses of POD and SSD and carry out corresponding interventions, thereby preventing or reducing the occurrence of POD and SSD, and ultimately promoting enhanced recovery after surgery.

Usability and feasibility of a digital cognitive screening tool measuring older adults’ early postoperative neurocognitive recovery: a protocol for a pilot study

IntroductionDelayed neurocognitive recovery, also identified as early postoperative cognitive decline (POCD), is a common complication after surgery, with advanced age being the most important risk factor. As the geriatric population...

Validation to Spanish of nursing assessment scale for early diagnosis of delirium - Nu-DESC.

This work aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the Colombian Spanish version of the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC). A psychometric study was conducted to achieve the goal of this study, which measured face validity, content validity, sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of the Nu-DESC. . Face validity obtained a total Aiken V of 0.89, and content validity showed a modified Lawshe index of 0.92. When Nu-DESC was applied to 210 adult patients hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit, it was found that 14.2% had suspected delirium. The instrument showed a sensitivity of 91.6%, specificity of 95.6%, positive predictive value of 73.3%, negative predictive value of 98.8%, good internal consistency with Cronbach's α of 0.8 and good concordance according to Cohen's Kappa index of 0.788. The Spanish version of the Nu-DESC scale for Colombia has appropriate psychometric values for assessing delirium risk. In addition, this scale is easy to apply, so the adaptation of nursing personnel for its employability favors routine monitoring and timely detection of delirium.

Nursing Delirium Screening Scale: Evaluation of psychometric properties in an orthopedic service in Portugal

Nursing Delirium Screening Scale: Evaluation of psychometric properties in an orthopedic service in Portugal

Visualizing How to Use Antipsychotics for Agitated Delirium in the Last Days of Life.

How physicians use antipsychotics for agitated delirium in the last days of life varies markedly, which could hamper the quality of care. To examine adherence to an algorithm-based treatment for terminal agitated delirium, and explore its effectiveness and safety. A single-center, prospective, observational study was conducted in a 27-bed palliative care unit in Japan. All adult cancer patients who developed agitated delirium with a modified Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) of +1 or more were included; the palliative care specialists determined that the etiology was irreversible, the estimated survival was three weeks or less, and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status was three or four. Patients were treated with an algorithm to visualize how to use antipsychotics, with the treatment goal defined as no agitation (RASS≤0) or acceptable agitation for patients and families. We provided all patients nonpharmacological management to alleviate the symptoms of delirium and administered antipsychotic medications when the nonpharmacological approach was insufficient. We measured the adherence rate, RASS, Nursing Delirium Screening Scale items 2, 3, 4 (Nu-DESC), and Agitation Distress Scale item 2 (ADS) on days 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 24 hours before death. A total of 164 patients were enrolled. Adherence rates were 99, 94, and 89%, and treatment goals were achieved in 66, 83, and 93% on days one, three, and seven, respectively. The mean RASS decreased from +1.41 to -0.84 on day three; Nu-DESC decreased from 4.19 to 1.83, and ADS decreased from 1.54 to 0.38. There were seven severe adverse events (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) of 3), including aspiration (n = 3), apnea (n = 2), tremor (n = 1), and muscle rigidity (n = 1) on day three. The algorithm-based treatment could be feasible, effective, and safe. Visualizing how palliative care specialists provide pharmacological management could be beneficial for nonspecialist clinicians, and clinical, educational, and research implications warrant further empirical testing.

Factors Affecting Delirium in ICU Patients.

This study examined delirium severity using a delirium screening tool and analyzed the predictors, including pain, acuity, level of consciousness, fall risk, and pain score, to increase understanding of delirium and present foundational data for developing nursing interventions for delirium prevention. This was a retrospective study of 165 patients admitted to three intensive care units (ICUs). the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC) was used as a research tool to screen for delirium and measure the degree of delirium. The incidence of delirium in patients was 53.3%, and the average delirium score in the delirium group was 2.40 ± 0.56. Nu-DESC scores were significantly correlated with ICU days, ventilator days, restraint applications, the number of catheters inserted, sedative medication use, the Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS III), the Morse Fall Scale (MFS), the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, pain scores, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Stepwise multiple linear regression showed that the number of restraint applications, GCS score, ICU days, and BUN levels were factors influencing delirium. Based on the findings, ICU nurses should use delirium screening tools to ensure accurate delirium screening and work to reduce the incidence and degree of delirium by observing factors affecting delirium in patients.

Accuracy of Delirium Screening Tools in Older People with Cancer-A Systematic Review.

The increase in life expectancy worldwide has led to a larger population of older people, which in turn entails a rising prevalence of cancer. One of the main complications of cancer is delirium, especially in advanced stages. To determine which delirium screening instrument is the most accurate in older people with cancer. A systematic review was designed. A literature search was performed in MEDLINE, EBSCO and SCOPUS; additional records were identified by handsearching. Selection criteria were studies involving people with cancer and a mean sample age of 60 years or older, assessing delirium, and reporting the metric properties of the assessment instrument. Studies with post-surgical patients and substance abuse delirium were excluded. From 2001 to 2021, 14 eligible studies evaluated 13 different assessment tools, reporting an incidence of delirium ranging from 14.3% to 68.3%. The Delirium Observation Screening Scale (DOSS) showed the best metric properties, followed by the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (NuDESC), Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) and Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale (MDAS). Only two studies were considered to be at low risk of bias using the QUADAS-2 Tool. No study exclusively examined this population group. Screening tools for delirium are heterogeneous for older people with cancer, and there is a need to analyze metric properties exclusively in the older population. Registered on PROSPERO ID: CRD42022303530.

Delirium Mediates Incidence of Hospital-Associated Disability Among Older Adults.

To examine whether delirium predicts occurrence of hospital-associated disability (HAD), or functional decline after admission, among hospitalized older adults. Retrospective cross-sectional study. General inpatient (non-ICU) units of a large regional Southeastern US academic medical center, involving 33,111 older adults ≥65years of age admitted from January 1, 2015, to December 31,2019. Delirium was defined as a score ≥2 on the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (NuDESC) during hospital admission. HAD was defined as a decline on the Katz Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scale from hospital admission to discharge. Generalized linear mixed models were used to examine the association between delirium and HAD, adjusting for covariates and repeated observations with multiple admissions. We performed multivariate and mediation analyses to examine strength and direction of association between delirium and HAD. One-fifth (21.6%) of older adults developed HAD during hospitalization and experienced higher delirium rates compared to those not developing HAD (24.3% vs 14.3%, P < .001). Age, presence of delirium, Elixhauser Comorbidity Score, admission cognitive status, admission ADL function, and length of stay were associated (all P < .001) with incident HAD. Mediational analyses found 46.7% of the effect of dementia and 16.7% of the effect of comorbidity was due to delirium (P < .001). Delirium significantly increased the likelihood of HAD within a multivariate predictor model that included comorbidity, demographics, and length of stay. For dementia and comorbidity, mediation analysis showed a significant portion of their effect attributable to delirium. Overall, these findings suggest that reducing delirium rates may diminish HAD rates.

Determination of the risk factors and delirium in the intensive care unit

Aim: The objective of the present study is to increase nurses’ awareness of delirium risk factors, make nurses gain competence in using Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC), and improve the quality of care by detecting delirium early in intensive care unit patients.Material and Method: The research is a descriptive and correlational study. The sample consisted of 55 patients in an intensive care unit. Data of the study was collected with the Personal Information Form, the Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale, the Glasgow Coma Scale, and the Nu-DESC.Results: The majority of patients (89%) demonstrated the symptoms of anxiety and agitation. There was a significant correlation between age and the day delirium was detected and the Nu-DESC. In the study, isolation need, ventilator support, and pain were determined as risk factors. Conclusion: The results of the study revealed the necessity of using measurement tools for the early detection of delirium in clinical practice by nurses.

The Effect of Korean Medicine Treatment for Hemorrhagic Transformation after Interventional Reperfusion Therapy of an Anterior Circulation Infarction in a Patient with Hemiplegia and Conscious and Cognitive Disorders: A Case Report

Objectives: The study investigated the effect of Korean medicine treatment on a hemiplegic patient with conscious and cognitive disorders due to hemorrhagic transformation after interventional reperfusion therapy of anterior circulation infarction.Case presentation: The patient was treated with acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, and herbal medicine in combination with Western medicine and physical therapy. The effects on clinical symptoms were evaluated using the Manual Muscle Test (MMT), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Korean Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE), Korean Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Korean Nu-DESC), and Modified Bathel Index (MBI). After the treatment, the MMT grade increased from Gr.0-1 to Gr.0-3, the GCS score increased from 10 to 15, the K-MMSE score increased from 8 to 15, the Korean Nu-DESC score decreased from 3 to 1, night delirium disappeared, and the MBI score increased from 13 to 26.Conclusions: Complex Korean medicine treatments were effective for improving the clinical symptoms of hemorrhagic transformation after interventional reperfusion therapy for anterior circulation infarction in a patient with hemiplegia and conscious and cognitive disorders. However, further studies are needed.

Incidence and risk factors of emergence delirium in elderly patients after general or spinal anesthesia for both elective and emergency surgery.

Emergence delirium is a poorly understood incident in elderly patients in PACU. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of emergence delirium and its predictors in elderly patients after general or spinal anesthesia for both elective and emergency surgery. In this prospective observational study, 172 consecutive patients were included. The study was performed in the post-anesthesia care unit for three months in 2020. We included elderly patients in both elective and emergency surgery. Patient interviews, chart reviews, and direct observation were among the data collection methods. The Nursing Delirium Screening Scale was the assessment tool. The outcome variable and independent variables' association was determined by bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The incidence of emergence delirium at the post-anesthesia care unit was 40.7% (95% CI=32-48).Postoperative pain (AOR=3.9:95%CI=1.13-13.60), preoperative anxiety (AOR=7:95% CI=1.76-28.55), perioperative narcotics (AOR=5.1:95% CI=1.27-20.57) and excessive blood loss (AOR=6.5:95% CI=2.47-17.02) were predictors of emergence delirium. Delirium in the post-anesthesia care unit is common. Anxiety, perioperative narcotics, and intraoperative blood loss were predictors of emergence delirium.

Clinically assisted hydration in patients in the last days of life (‘CHELsea II’ trial): a cluster randomised trial

IntroductionProvision of clinically assisted hydration (CAH) at the end of life is one of the most contentious issues in medicine. The aim of the ‘CHELsea II’ trial is to evaluate...

PAINT I: the effect of art therapy in preventing and managing delirium among hospitalized older adults in the PAINT I study-a proof-of-concept trial.

Delirium is common among older hospitalized patients and is regarded as a negative outcome parameter. Non-pharmacological strategies have been shown to be effective in the prevention and management of delirium. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of art therapy as part of a multicomponent intervention in preventing and managing delirium in hospitalized older patients. 138 patients at risk of developing delirium were included and received art therapy twice daily for 25min using a mobile atelier. 107 participants were included in the final analysis (N = 53 intervention, N = 54 control). The primary outcome was the effectiveness of art therapy in preventing delirium. The secondary outcome was to determine its impact on duration of delirium in patients with existing delirium. Delirium was assessed using the Nursing delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC). 8 patients (7.5%) developed new onset delirium after admission, equally distributed among control and intervention group. Therefore, no valid statistical analysis could be performed. There was a statistically non-significant decrease in the duration of delirium in the intervention group (4 days, IQR 2.25-8.75) compared to the control group (7 days, IQR 5-10), Mann-Whitney-U-Test p-value = 0.26. After stratifying by dementia diagnosis on admission, the non-significant decrease in duration of delirium in the intervention group was more apparent in patients without dementia. Findings from this study showed that the integration of art therapy as part of a multicomponent intervention in delirium management is feasible, and can reduce duration of delirium among hospitalized older adults.

Association between intraoperative ketamine and the incidence of emergence delirium in laparoscopic surgeries: an observational study

BackgroundEmergence Delirium (ED) is an essential condition in the immediate postoperative period. Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials have concluded that the effect of ketamine on postoperative delirium remains unclear. The present study sought to evaluate if the intraoperative use of ketamine for postoperative analgesia is associated with postoperative ED in laparoscopic surgeries. MethodsA prospective observational study was performed in the PostAnesthetic Care Unit (PACU) to evaluate patients who had undergone laparoscopic surgery under a rigid intraoperative anesthesia protocol from July 2018 to January 2019. Patients submitted to laparoscopic surgery for cholecystectomy, oophorectomy, or salpingectomy with a score ≥1 on the Richmond Assessment Sedation Scale (RASS) or ≥2 on the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC) were considered to have ED. t-test, Chi-Square test or Fisher's exact tests were used for comparison. ResultsOne hundred and fifteen patients were studied after laparoscopic surgery. Seventeen patients (14.8%) developed ED, and the incidence of ED in patients who received ketamine was not different from that of other patients (18.3% vs. 10.6%, p = 0.262). Patients with ED had more postoperative pain and morphine requirement at the PACU (p = 0.005 and p = 0.025, respectively). Type of surgery (general surgery, OR = 6.4, 95% CI 1.2‒35.2) and postoperative pain (OR = 3.7, 95% CI 1.2‒11.4) were risk factors for ED. ConclusionIn this study, no association was found between ED and intraoperative administration of ketamine in laparoscopic surgeries. Type of surgery and postoperative pain were risk factors for ED.

The Thai version of the nursing delirium screening scale-Thai: Adaptation and validation study in postoperative patients.

BackgroundThe Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC) is an effective instrument for assessing postoperative delirium (POD). This study translated the Nu-DESC into Thai (“Nu-DESC-Thai”), validated it, and compared its accuracy with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 (DSM-5).MethodsThe translation process followed the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics Outcome Research guidelines. Recruited participants were ≥ 70 years old, fluent in Thai, and scheduled for surgery. The exclusion criteria were cancellation or postponement of an operation, severe visual or auditory impairment, and patients with a Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale score of –4 or less before delirium assessment. Post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) nurses and residents on wards each used the Nu-DESC to assess delirium in 70 participants (i.e., 140 assessments) after the operation and after patient arrival at wards, respectively. Geriatricians confirmed the diagnoses using video observations and direct patient contact.ResultsThe participants’ mean age was 76.5 ± 4.6 years. The sensitivity and specificity of the Nu-DESC-Thai at a threshold of ≥ 2 were 55% (95% CI, 31.5–76.9%) and 90.8% (84.2–95.3%), respectively, with an area under a receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.73. At a threshold of ≥ 1, the sensitivity and specificity were 85% (62.1–96.8%) and 71.7% (62.7–79.5%), respectively (AUC, 0.78). Adding 1 point for failing backward-digit counting (30–1) to the Nu-DESC-Thai and screening at a threshold of ≥ 2 increased its sensitivity to 85% (62.1–96.8%) with the same specificity of 90.8% (84.2–95.3%).ConclusionThe Nu-DESC-Thai showed good validity and reliability for postoperative use. Its sensitivity was inadequate at a cutoff ≥ 2. However, the sensitivity improved when the threshold was ≥ 1 or with the addition of backward counting to Nu-DESC-Thai and screening at a threshold of ≥ 2.

Association of cholinesterase activities and POD in older adult abdominal surgical patients

BackgroundPostoperative delirium (POD) is a frequent complication after surgery. Older adult patients undergoing abdominal surgery are at higher risk for developing POD. Studies on the association of cholinesterase activities and POD are rare, but leading hypotheses implicate that the cholinergic pathway might play an important role in neuroinflammation and development of POD. The objective of this study was to figure out if there is an association between the development of POD and acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase (AChE and BuChE) activities in older adult patients undergoing abdominal surgery.MethodsThe investigation was performed with a subpopulation of BioCog study patients. The BioCog project (http://www.biocog.eu) is a prospective multicenter observational study in older adult surgical patients. Patients ≥ 65 years undergoing elective surgery of at least 60 minutes who scored more than 23 points in the Mini-Mental-State-Examination were included. POD was assessed twice a day on seven consecutive days after the surgery, using the test instruments Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-Desc) and Confusion Assessment Method (CAM and CAM-ICU) and a patient chart review. Pre- and postoperative blood cholinesterase activities were measured with a photometric rapid-point-of-care-testing. The association between cholinesterase activities and POD was analyzed in a subpopulation of abdominal surgical patients using multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusting for confounders.ResultsOne hundred twenty-seven patients were included for analysis (mean age 73 years, 59% female). Fifty-two patients (41%) fulfilled the criteria of POD. These patients were significantly older, had a longer time of surgery and anesthesia and achieved higher comorbidity scores compared to patients without POD. After adjusting for age, duration of surgery and charlson comorbity index, we found an association between pre- and postoperative AChE activity (U/gHb) and the development of POD (Odds ratio (OR), [95% confidence interval (CI)], preoperative 0.95 [0.89–1.00], postoperative 0.94 [0.89–1.00]).ConclusionsWe found an association between POD and AChE activity and provided new information considering patients with abdominal surgery. Future analyses should examine course dynamics of postoperative cholinesterase activities in order to clarify interactions between the cholinergic system and pathophysiological mechanisms leading to POD.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02265263.