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Table 1 Risk factors for postoperative delirium

From: Preoperative discussion with patients about delirium risk: are we doing enough?

Risk factors for the development of postoperative delirium

 

Age greater than 65 years

Cognitive impairment

Severe illness or comorbidity burden

Hearing or vision impairment

Current hip fracture

Presence of infection

Inadequately controlled pain

Depression

Alcohol use

Sleep deprivation or disturbance

Renal insufficiency

Anemia

Hypoxia or hypercarbia

Poor nutrition

Dehydration

Electrolyte abnormalities (hyper- or hyponatremia)

Poor functional status

Immobilization or limited mobility

Polypharmacy and use of psychotropic medications

(benzodiazepines, anticholinergics, antihistamines,

antipsychotics)

Risk of urinary retention or constipation

Presence of urinary catheter

Aortic procedures

 
  1. Adapted from the AGS guidelines for the prevention and management of postoperative delirium in older adults (Kazmierski et al. 2014)