Zhang DF, et al. - This study investigated the link between the severity of preoperative hypoalbuminemia and the occurrence of postoperative delirium. Findings demonstrated an association of preoperative severe hypoalbuminemia (≤30.0 g/L) with an increased risk of postoperative delirium and worse outcomes.

Methods

• A total of 700 elderly patients (age ≥65 years) who were admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) following noncardiac surgery were included in this secondary analysis of the database from a previously conducted clinical trial.
• Delirium was assessed with the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU twice daily during the first 7 days postoperatively.
• Furthermore, monitoring was performed for other outcomes.
• Using a logistic regression model, the link between preoperative albumin level and postoperative delirium was analyzed.

Results

• Postoperative delirium was detected in 111 of 700 patients (15.9%).
• Findings demonstrated an association of severe (≤ 30.0 g/L: OR 2.727, 95% CI 1.283–5.797, P = 0.009), but not mild (35.1–40.0 g/L: OR 1.175, 95% CI 0.679–2.032, P = 0.565) or moderate (30.1–35.0 g/L: OR 1.674, 95% CI 0.897–3.122, P = 0.105) hypoalbuminemia with an increased risk of postoperative delirium, when compared with normal albumin level (>40.0 g/L).
• Researchers observed that preoperative severe hypoalbuminemia was also related to prolonged mechanical ventilation, increased non-delirium complications, and prolonged ICU and hospital stay after surgery.