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Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
Published on: April 23, 2021
White-matter hyperintensities predict delirium after cardiac surgery.
Yutaka Hatano1, Jin Narumoto, Keisuke Shibata
1Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.
Summary
White-matter hyperintensities (WMH) are a significant risk factor for postoperative delirium following cardiac surgery. Identifying WMH and other factors like abnormal creatinine can aid in predicting and preventing delirium.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Postoperative delirium is a common complication after cardiac surgery.
- Previous research has explored various risk factors for this condition.
- The association between cerebral white-matter hyperintensities (WMH) and delirium has not been extensively studied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify general risk factors for delirium after cardiac surgery.
- To investigate the specific relationship between cerebral white-matter hyperintensities (WMH) and the occurrence of delirium.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 130 cardiac surgery patients.
- Analysis of patient demographics, comorbidities, laboratory data, and surgical information.
- Assessment of white-matter hyperintensities (WMH) using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and comparison between delirious and non-delirious groups.
Main Results:
- Delirium occurred in 13.8% of patients.
- Older age, severe WMH (Fazekas score = 3), and longer surgery duration were associated with delirium.
- Independent predictors for delirium included abnormal creatinine (OR: 4.5), severe WMH (OR: 3.9), and surgery duration (OR: 1.4).
Conclusions:
- White-matter abnormalities are a key risk factor for delirium post-cardiac surgery.
- These findings can inform the prediction and prevention strategies for delirium.
- Further research into WMH may improve patient outcomes after cardiac procedures.
