Researchers from Zhejiang Chinese Medical University in Hangzhou investigated how age, existing health conditions, and the type of anesthesia impact the chance of developing delirium after surgery in people over 50. The study, published in a respected scientific journal, adds to the growing understanding of how brain symptoms after surgery can appear and potentially shape long-term outcomes for patients and the people who care for them.
Postoperative delirium typically emerges two to three days after a procedure. It can present as vivid hallucinations, fluctuations in consciousness, and altered perception. In some cases, delirium may slow recovery or lead to more serious complications. The new findings emphasize that delirium is not rare and can have lasting consequences for patients and caregivers alike.
In the current analysis, researchers reviewed records from 648 individuals who underwent fracture repair between January 2018 and December 2020. Participants ranged from 50 to 103 years old, with the average around 70. The study provides a detailed look at how age and health status intersect with surgical risk factors to influence delirium risk.
Delirium was observed in 115 patients, about 18 percent of the group. The likelihood of experiencing delirium rose notably after age 70, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance in older patients.
Beyond age, the presence of comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, and elevated lipid levels also raised delirium risk. This pattern aligns with a broad body of research showing that patients with chronic lung disease or neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease experience delirium more frequently after surgery. The study also found that short-term use of a common anti-inflammatory drug, methylprednisolone, did not significantly change delirium rates.
Additional contributors to delirium included prolonged bed rest, substantial blood loss during surgery, and the use of general anesthesia rather than regional or local approaches. These findings suggest surgeons should consider techniques that minimize tissue trauma and reduce time under anesthesia. Monitoring brain activity through electroencephalography may help prevent excessively deep anesthesia and its potential contribution to delirium.
The researchers note that their work can guide clinicians in selecting more appropriate interventions for patients at elevated risk. Since there is no definitive medical treatment for postoperative delirium, prevention and early recognition are especially important. The incidence of delirium is expected to rise with aging populations and with fracture care becoming more common among elderly patients.
In summary, the study highlights the importance of personalized perioperative planning. By recognizing age-related vulnerability and comorbidity profiles, medical teams can implement strategies that reduce delirium risk and support smoother recovery for fracture patients at higher risk. This approach aligns with broader efforts to improve postoperative outcomes in aging populations and to tailor anesthesia and surgical care to individual risk profiles for better long-term health.
Attribution: findings reviewed from a study conducted by Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, with corroborating evidence from related perioperative delirium research.