Pathogenesis of and management strategies for postoperative delirium after hip fracture

Abstract Background Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common complication of older people undergoing hip fracture surgery, which negatively affects clinical- and healthcare-related outcomes. Unfortunately, POD pathophysiology is still largely unknown, despite previous studies showing that neuroinflammation, neuroendocrine dysfunction, increased reactive oxidative stress (ROS), and endothelial dysfunctions may be involved. There is also evidence that many of the pathophysiological mechanisms which are involved in delirium are involved in sarcopenia too. This article describes the protocol of a pilot study to evaluate the feasibility of a larger one that will explore the pathophysiological mechanisms correlating POD with sarcopenia. We will analyse whether various biomarkers reflecting neuroinflammation, ROS, neuroendocrine disorders, and microvasculature lesions will be simultaneously expressed in in the blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and muscles of patients developing POD. Methods Two centres will be involved in this study, each recruiting a convenient sample of ten older patients with hip fracture. All of them will undergo a baseline Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, which will be used to construct a Rockwood-based Frailty Index (FI). Blood samples will be collected for each patient on the day of surgery and 1 day before. Additionally, CSF and muscle fragments will be taken and given to a biologist for subsequent analyses. The presence of POD will be assessed in each patient every morning until hospital discharge using the 4AT. Delirium subtypes and severity will be assessed using the Delirium Motor Subtype Scale-4 and the Delirium-O-Meter, respectively. We will also evaluate the patient’s functional status at discharge, using the Cumulated Ambulation Score. Discussion This study will be the first to correlate biomarkers of blood, CSF, and muscle in older patients with hip fracture.

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Early Mobilization Post–Hip Fracture Surgery

Geriatric Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation ◽

10.1177/2151459319826431 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 ◽

pp. 215145931982643 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Timothy Kenyon-Smith ◽

Eric Nguyen ◽

Tarandeep Oberai ◽

Ruurd Jarsma

Keyword(s):

Hip Fracture ◽

Postoperative Complications ◽

Subgroup Analysis ◽

Postoperative Delirium ◽

Early Mobilization ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Hip Fracture Surgery ◽

Level 1 ◽

Level 1 Trauma Center ◽

Fracture Surgery

Introduction: Early mobilization after hip fracture surgery is a widely practiced component of postoperative care. However, there is little evidence to suggest that early mobilization post–hip fracture surgery is beneficial in reducing postoperative complications. This study aims to investigate the effect of early mobilization following hip fracture surgery on postoperative complications. Materials and Methods: This study retrospectively included 240 patients (female = 165, male = 75, mean age: 82.2 years) admitted to a level 1 trauma center in Adelaide, Australia, for hip fracture surgery. The effect of early mobilization on postoperative complications was assessed along with premorbid status. Subgroup analysis of patients stratified by premorbid health was subsequently analyzed to reduce confounding. Results: The odds of developing a complication were 1.9 times higher if the patient remained bedbound compared to mobilizing. Early mobilization was favorable to delayed mobilization. On average, complication-free patients mobilized earlier (mean [M] = 29 hours) compared to patients who experienced complications (M = 38 hours). In particular, rates of delirium was significantly reduced in patients who mobilized compared to remaining bedbound. However, premorbid status varied greatly. Early mobilizers had significantly better premorbid health than patients who remained bedbound. Overall subgroup analysis of patients with similar premorbid health showed mobilization was not associated with a reduction in complications. With an exception of patients with poor premorbid health, who experienced a reduction in complications following early mobilization. Discussion: In general, early mobilization was associated with the same complication rates as delayed mobilization and remaining bedbound. Patients with poor premorbid health benefited most from early mobilization with reduced complication rates. Conclusion: Postoperative delirium and premorbid health were better indicators of postoperative outcomes than time to mobilization.

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