Probable Delirium as a Risk Factor for Adverse Surgical Outcomes in Geriatric Patients With Acute Hip Fracture:...

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Hip fractures in older adults lead to significant complications, including postoperative delirium.
• Preoperative identification of patients at risk for delirium is limited.
• Early detection of at-risk patients can improve surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the Ultrabrief Two-Item Bedside Test as a preoperative tool for identifying geriatric hip fracture patients at risk of adverse outcomes.
• To assess the correlation between abnormal test results and postoperative complications, specifically prolonged hospitalization.

Main Methods:

• Prospective pilot study involving 30 patients aged 65+ with acute hip fractures.
• Administration of the Ultrabrief Two-Item Bedside Test preoperatively.
• 30-day postoperative follow-up to monitor outcomes and hospital stay duration.

Main Results:

• 12 patients with abnormal test results showed lower BMI, a trend for pulmonary disease, and higher ASA physical status.
• Patients with abnormal test results experienced longer hospital stays (mean 8.8 days vs. 6.4 days), though not statistically significant (P=.052).

Conclusions:

• The Ultrabrief Two-Item Bedside Test may help identify hip fracture patients likely to experience longer hospitalizations.
• Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore interventions to mitigate risks.