The Risk Evaluation of Delirium in Elderly Patients with Lower Extremity Fractures

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Delirium is very common in orthopedic elderly patients and increase comorbidity and mortality rates. By controling the risk factors of delirium, prevention strategy can be effective and reduce negative outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore the usefulness of delirium risk assessment with some simple collateral questionaires. METHODS: The subjects were 50 elderly patients (≥65 years old) who admitted to a department of orthopedic surgery for operations of lower extremity fractures. They were evaluated with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, Confusion Assessment Method and Korean Dementia Screening Questionnaire (KDSQ) by psychiatrists. The demographic data, medical histories, and orthopedic chart were checked through medical records of patients. RESULTS: 27 subjects (54.0%) were diagnosed as delirium. There was a significant difference between delirium group and control group with all KDSQ scores. Depressive category of KDSQ score had the highest correlation (coefficient=0.399) and can be independent risk factor of delirium (p=0.045). CONCLUSION: Cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms have high correlation with delirium. We found that just a few questions of cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms by caregivers can evaluate the risk factors of delirium. The simple collateral questionaires can be useful tool for exploring delirium risk factors.