The relation between atherosclerosis and the occurrence of postoperative delirium in vascular surgery patients

Robert A. Pol, Barbara L. Van Leeuwen, Michel M.P.J. Reijnen, Clark J. Zeebregts* (Corresponding Author)

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Old and frail patients undergoing vascular surgery seem at great risk of developing postoperative delirium (POD). The aim of this review was to identify risk factors for the development of POD in vascular surgery patients. Different aetiological factors have been identified, such as increased age, excessive blood transfusion, preoperative cognitive impairment and depression. Mounting evidence supports a role for inflammation and tobacco exposure in the development of POD. Vascular surgery patients differ from the general surgical population because they suffer from both loco-regional and systemic atherosclerosis. Although current scientific evidence cannot fully link both entities, evidence is growing that suggests a relationship between systemic and cerebrovascular atherosclerosis and the development of POD.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)116-122
Number of pages7
JournalVascular Medicine (United Kingdom)
Volume17
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • atherosclerosis
  • cognitive decline
  • postoperative delirium
  • vascular surgery

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