Postoperative delirium in the elderly.
OBJECTIVE
Postoperative delirium is a common complication in the elderly whose pathophysiology is not well known. It seems to be related to central cholinergic activity. A literature review was undertaken to describe the etiology, diagnosis, prophylactic strategies, and treatment of postoperative delirium.


BACKGROUND
Probable etiologies, diagnosis, prophylaxis, and treatment of postoperative delirium in the elderly were described.


CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of postoperative delirium is higher in the elderly, and prophylactic measures should be taken to reduce the mortality associated with this complication.
Barbosa
Fabiano Timbó
FT
Unidade de Emergência Armando Lages, Maceió, AL. fabianotimbo@yahoo.com.br
da Cunha
Rafael Martins
RM
Pinto
André Luiz Carvalho Leme Teixeira
AL
D000368:Aged; D003693:Delirium / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D012307:Risk Factors