title: Postoperative delirium.
abstract: Delirium is a common complication during the postoperative period. Because of its significant associations with physical and cognitive morbidity, clinicians should be aware of the evidence-based practices relating to its diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Here, we review select recent literature pertaining to the epidemiology and impact of postoperative delirium, the perioperative risk factors for its development and/or exacerbation, and the strategies for its management, with additional attention paid to the population of patients in intensive care units.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA.
authors.forename: E L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Whitlock
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vannucci
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Avidan
mesh_terms: D000758:Anesthesia; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D016292:Procedural Sedation; D003422:Critical Care; D003693:Delirium / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000523:psychology; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors