title: A novel scale predicting postoperative delirium (POD) in patients undergoing cerebrovascular surgery.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to develop and test a scale for predicting POD in patients undergoing cerebrovascular surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  The predictive scale for POD was composed of 32 items reflecting the strongest risk factors as determined by a literature review. The NEECHAM Confusion Scale determined POD onset and severity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Delirium developed in 38 (31.1%) of the 122 patients in our sample. Logistic regression revealed the following risk factors: dehydration, age, disturbance of consciousness, underlying illness, and anxiety or depression. The final scale was weighted by referring to odds ratios. The area under the curve was 0.844 (95% CI=0.766-0.921). The possible total score on this scale was 20 points. A cutoff score of 11 was set for risk of POD (patients scoring over 12 were considered at higher risk). The median score was 8 (range: 4-9) in the non-delirium group and 13 (range: 9-16) in the delirium group (U=499.0; df=120; p<0.001). Scale scores were moderately correlated with delirium duration (ρ=0.532; p<0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present scale is a promising a tool for predicting POD but needs to be studied further.
authors.affiliation: Tokyo Women's Medical University, School of Nursing, Tokyo, Japan. Electronic address: harasawa.nozomi@twmu.ac.jp.
authors.forename: Nozomi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Harasawa
authors.affiliation: Tokyo Women's Medical University, School of Nursing, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Toshiko
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mizuno
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000601:surgery*; D003693:Delirium / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
keywords: Cerebrovascular surgery; Delirium; Elderly; Prediction; Scale