Risk factors for delirium after surgery for craniocerebral injury in the neurosurgical intensive care unit

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS

Research background

Postoperative delirium is common in patients with brain injuries. Patients with delirium are more likely to experience increased complications such as cognitive dysfunction, disabilities, and morbidity. Predictors of postoperative delirium vary across inpatient settings. This study discussed the predictors of postoperative delirium in neurosurgical patients.

Research motivation

Exploring which factors play a part in the development of delirium helps to provide insights for clinicians and nurses to provide interventions at an early date to reduce the damage of disease in neurosurgery intensive care unit (ICU).

Research objectives

The study examined the predictors of postoperative delirium in patients who were hospitalized for brain injuries in neurosurgery ICU.

Research methods

This was a retrospective analysis. Data were collected including age, sex, years of education, the score of Glasgow coma scale (GCS), comorbid diseases, and injury sites in inpatients of the neurosurgery ICU who had brain injuries and underwent surgery. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between the above factors and delirium in this population.

Research results

GCS score above 8; comorbid diseases of cerebral concussion, cerebral contusion, hypoxemia and ventricular compression; and frontal lobe injury were independent risk factors for the onset of delirium in patients with brain injury admitted to the neurosurgical ICU.

Research conclusions

Patients with GCS above 8; comorbid diseases of cerebral concussion, cerebral contusion, hypoxemia and ventricular compression; and frontal lobe injury are much more likely to develop delirium after surgery for brain injuries.

Research perspectives

Future studies in a larger sample size are warranted to understand the epidemiology of postoperative delirium in neurosurgical patients admitted to ICU.