Predictors and Clinical Outcomes of Postoperative Delirium after Administration of Dexamethasone in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Background: postoperative delirium (pod) is one of the importantcomplications of cardiac surgery and it is assumed to provokeinflammatory responses. theoretically, anti-inflammatory effects ofdexamethasone can have an influence on the incidence and outcomesof pod. the aim of our study was to assess pod predictors andoutcomes of dexamethasone administration after cardiac surgery.methods: patients’ mental status was examined by mini-mentalstatus examination and psychiatric interviewing to diagnose delirium.subsequently, authors analyzed the patient variables for identificationof predictors and outcomes of pod.results: between 196 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 34(17.34%) patients were delirious. history of chronic renal failure,obstructive pulmonary disease, smoking, and addiction stronglypredicted development of pod. other predictors were intra-aorticballoon pump insertion, transfusion of packed cells, and atrialfibrillation rhythm. in our study, the administration of dexamethasonesignificantly reduced the risk for pod. furthermore, delirium wasassociated with longer intensive care unit (icu) stay.conclusion: our study reports the predictors of pod, whichpatients commonly facing them in cardiac surgery icu. appropriatemanagement and prevention of these predictors, especially modifiableones, can decrease the incident of pod and improves cognitiveoutcomes of cardiac surgeries.