Postoperative Delirium Incidence and Associated Risk Factors in ICU Patients Following Cardiac Surgery

Overview

This study reports a 28.15% incidence of postoperative delirium (POD) in ICU patients after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Key risk factors identified include older age, longer mechanical ventilation time, and lower albumin levels.

Background

Postoperative delirium is a significant complication following cardiac surgery, associated with increased morbidity and long-term cognitive decline.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• The incidence of postoperative delirium (POD) was found to be 28.15% in the studied cohort.
• Older age, longer mechanical ventilation time, and higher APACHE II scores were identified as independent risk factors for POD.
• Lower albumin levels were associated with a higher incidence of POD.
• Longer aortic cross-clamping and cardiopulmonary bypass times correlated with increased POD risk.
• ICU nursing records effectively identified high-risk patients for POD.

Clinical Implications

The identification of specific risk factors for POD can guide clinicians in monitoring and managing high-risk patients post-cardiac surgery. Implementing targeted prevention strategies based on these findings may improve patient outcomes in the ICU.

Conclusion

The study reports a significant incidence of POD following cardiac surgery and identifies associated risk factors.

Related Resources & Content

1. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 2026 -- Postoperative diastolic perfusion pressure as a predictor of delirium after cardiac surgery
2. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2026 -- Longitudinal patterns of postoperative brain oxygen saturation in children with congenital heart disease and postoperative delirium risk: a repeated measures analysis
3. Intensive Care Medicine, 2020 -- Prevalence of Epileptic Seizure Activity in Patients Following Open-Chamber Cardiac Valve Surgery: A Prospective Pilot Study Utilizing Continuous EEG Monitoring
4. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 2026 -- Development and validation of a predictive model for postoperative delirium in patients undergoing cardiac surgery
5. A Focused Update to SCCM PADIS Guidelines for Adult Patients | SCCM
6. ESAIC 2024 Update on Postoperative Delirium
7. Effect of peri‐operative pharmacological interventions on postoperative delirium in patients having cardiac surgery: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta‐analysis - Queiroz, 2026 - Anaesthesia
8. A Focused Update to SCCM PADIS Guidelines for Adult Patients | SCCM
9. untitled
10. Effect of peri‐operative pharmacological interventions on postoperative delirium in patients having cardiac surgery: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta‐analysis - Queiroz - 2026 - Anaesthesia - Wiley Online Library