Examining the link between oral health and delirium in surgical patients

A Study on the Correlation Between Oral Health and Delirium in Surgical Inpatients

Observational Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine · NCT06969092

This study is trying to see if better oral health can help prevent delirium in patients having heart or lung surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment550 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorXinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality)
Trial IDNCT06969092 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the relationship between oral health and the occurrence of delirium in surgical inpatients, particularly focusing on those undergoing elective cardiac or thoracic surgery. It aims to identify how oral frailty may contribute to the onset of postoperative delirium, a common and serious complication in hospitalized patients. By analyzing the oral health status of patients before and after surgery, the study seeks to establish correlations that could inform preventive strategies. The findings could lead to improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs associated with delirium.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients aged 18 years and older scheduled for elective cardiac or thoracic surgery requiring endotracheal intubation.

Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing oral conditions or those who have undergone certain treatments like radiotherapy or chemotherapy prior to surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the understanding of how oral health impacts postoperative delirium, potentially leading to better prevention strategies for at-risk patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the relationship between oral health and various health outcomes has been explored, this specific correlation with delirium in surgical patients is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged ≥18 years scheduled for elective cardiac or thoracic surgery requiring endotracheal intubation.

Patients without consciousness impairment, able to cooperate with the investigation.

Patients or their legal guardians informed about the study's purpose, methodology, and content, with signed informed consent forms.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with pre-existing oral conditions (e.g., xerostomia, oral mucosal lesions) prior to mechanical ventilation.

Patients with a history of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or corticosteroid use before surgery.

Patients experiencing intraoperative mortality.

Where this trial is running

Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Oral HealthOral FrailtySurgicalSurgeryDeliriumEndotracheal IntubationCognitive Function
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.