Sex-Dependent Risk of Postoperative Delirium and Mediating Effects of Family Visits: A Prospective Observational Study

What this Trial Is About

Postoperative delirium is a frequent and serious problem affecting 10-40% of older adults undergoing non-cardiac surgery lasting at least 2 hours under general or spinal anesthesia. This observational study aims to explore whether women aged 65 years or older have a higher risk of developing postoperative delirium compared to men. Researchers will also investigate whether the amount of family visits differs between sexes and whether this might explain differences in delirium risk. The study will enroll 471 patients aged 65 and above scheduled for non-cardiac surgery. Delirium will be assessed twice daily from the first to the third postoperative day, or until discharge, using the 4 A's Test (4AT). Family visits will be recorded anonymously in the patient’s room during the same period. All participants will receive standard clinical care with no experimental treatments involved. Participants will be monitored closely with assessments of delirium and family visitation frequency during the hospital stay. Researchers will collect data on these measures to understand their relationship and impact on delirium risk. The study allows voluntary participation and withdrawal at any time without affecting medical care, and the total observation period for each participant covers up to three days post-surgery or until hospital discharge.

Sex-Dependent Risk of Postoperative Delirium and Mediating Effects of Family Visits