No convincing association between post-operative delirium and post-operative cognitive dysfunction: a secondary...

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Geriatrics
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Postoperative delirium and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) are common sequelae of surgery.
• The precise relationship between these two conditions remains unclear.
• This study investigates the association between delirium and POCD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if postoperative delirium is independently associated with POCD.
• To analyze the relationship between delirium and cognitive function up to 3 months post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• Secondary analysis of the 'Surgery Depth of anaesthesia and Cognitive outcome' study.
• Included patients aged ≥ 60 years undergoing non-cardiac surgery.
• Assessed delirium using DSM-IV criteria and cognitive function via neuropsychological testing.
• Performed multivariable analysis considering predisposing and precipitating factors.

Main Results:

• Delirium was present in 32.9% of patients.
• POCD was detected in 20.9% at 1 week and 9.4% at 3 months.
• Overall, delirium did not significantly affect POCD (P = 0.30).
• Delirium developing within 7 days post-surgery was associated with increased POCD risk at 3 months (OR = 2.56, P = 0.035).

Conclusions:

• No clear independent association was found between postoperative delirium and POCD up to 3 months.
• A specific subgroup (delirium within 7 days) showed an increased risk of POCD.
• Further research may be needed to elucidate complex relationships.