Confusion/delirium following cataract surgery: an incidence study of 1-year duration.
BACKGROUND
Delirium is frequently observed in clinical practice, particularly in medical and surgical wards and more so among patients at risk, especially elderly with preexisting central nervous system impairments.


OBJECTIVE
Despite the severe consequences of delirium, epidemiological data relating to incidence of delirium following "minor" surgery are lacking. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence of delirium following cataract surgery in community-dwelling patients.


RESULTS
For purposes of the present study, the Confusion Rating Scale was used.


RESULTS
Of 296 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria, 13 (4.4%) had had immediate postoperative delirium. The two variables that significantly differentiated between delirious and nondelirious patients were older age (82.1 vs. 73.06 years; p < .001) and more frequent use of benzodiazepine premedication (69% vs. 39.9%; p < .002).


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that the incidence of delirium following cataract surgery requires greater awareness, possibly changes in premedication, and a longer observation period in the very old.
Milstein
Asher
A
Ophthalmology Department, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel.
Pollack
Ayala
A
Kleinman
Guy
G
Barak
Yoram
Y
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D003221:Confusion / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D003693:Delirium / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012720:Severity of Illness Index