Investigating postoperative delirium in patients recovering from anesthesia

Analysis of the Incidence and Influencing Factors of Postoperative Delirium in the Post-anesthesia Care Unit: A Multicenter, Observational, Matched Case-control Study

Observational Tongji Hospital · NCT06318364

This study is trying to see how common confusion after surgery is in patients waking up from anesthesia and what factors might contribute to it.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment3320 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorTongji Hospital Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Harbin, Heilongjiang and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06318364 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess the incidence of postoperative delirium (POD) in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and identify factors that influence its occurrence. It employs a multi-center, case-control design with propensity score matching to enhance statistical analysis. Researchers will collect general clinical information, surgical-anesthesia-related data, and blood samples from participants to analyze potential pathophysiological mechanisms associated with POD. The study will categorize subjects into delirium and non-delirium groups for further analysis of risk factors.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older who are undergoing surgery and meet the ASA classification I-IV.

Not a fit: Patients with severe central nervous system diseases, psychiatric disorders, or significant cognitive impairment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved early screening and intervention strategies for patients at high risk of postoperative delirium.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored postoperative delirium, but this specific approach using propensity score matching is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients voluntarily participating in this study
2. Age ≥18 years old
3. ASA classification I-IV
4. Complete clinical data

Exclusion Criteria:

1. ASA classification V and above
2. History of severe central nervous system diseases, psychiatric disorders, cognitive impairment, intellectual disability, or Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≤23
3. Patients with communication barriers
4. Patients with missing clinical data
5. Patients with severe complications during PACU observation requiring reintubation, reoperation, or transfer to the intensive care unit for further treatment

Where this trial is running

Harbin, Heilongjiang and 1 other locations

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 Delirium, Postoperative
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.