Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Delirium, defined as an acute disorder of attention and global cognitive function  is a common, serious and potentially preventable source of morbidity and mortality in  hospitalized elderly patients.  Different studies have shown that prolonged post operative ICU stay contributes to occurrence of delirium

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of post operative delirium in elderly patients who needed prolonged ICU stay after  undergoing a major cardiac surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective cohort study, Study Period: 1 ½ years. Using a prepared questionnaire after obtaining fully informed written consent. 3 visits for each patient: 1) before surgery, 2) in the ICU: 48 hours after surgery and 3) In ward after shifting out from ICU. Prolonged ICU stay was defined as admission more than 3 days in ICU. The details from nursing staff and care givers were taken.

RESULTS: Out of total 250 patients included in the study, 43 (17.2%) patients developed post operative delirium. 32 (26%) out of 19 patients who needed prolonged ICU stay developed post operative delirium compared to 11 (8.7%) out of 116 patients who spent less than 3 days in ICU in post operative period. (p Value: <0.001). Prolonged ICU stay contributes to post operative delirium and measures have to be instituted to shift out the patient from ICU at the earliest after stabilization.