Delirium postcardiac surgery: etiologies and potential mitigation strategies

Postoperative delirium remains one of the most common complications after cardiac surgery. This review summarizes the latest evidence on pathobiological mechanisms, prevention, and treatment of postoperative delirium.

Although no pharmacologic therapies are approved to prevent postoperative delirium, mechanistic studies have advanced our understanding of the underlying pathobiology. Implementation of multicomponent evidence-based strategies may reduce the incidence, severity, or duration of delirium after cardiac surgery.

Delirium after cardiac surgery is associated with profound short- and long-term adverse outcomes, underscoring its importance as a critical area for ongoing investigation and innovative intervention.