Postoperative delirium after cardiac surgery: tracking risk factors and outcomes
A Real-World Single-Center Bidirectional Cohort Study on Postoperative Delirium in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery
We will collect clinical and blood data from adults having elective heart surgery to see which preoperative factors predict postoperative delirium and whether delirium leads to worse long-term outcomes.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 1500 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Xijing Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Xi'an, Shaanxi) |
| Trial ID | NCT07239648 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-center bidirectional cohort will enroll adults undergoing elective cardiac surgery and build a follow-up database linking preoperative exposures, serum metabolic profiles, and postoperative delirium events. Researchers will analyze how preoperative factors relate to the incidence of delirium and, conversely, how delirium relates to longer-term outcomes such as prolonged ventilation, ICU stay, complications, cognitive decline, and mortality. The study excludes transplant surgeries, pregnant patients, and those with pre-existing dementia or major psychiatric illness. Data collection will include perioperative clinical variables, serum metabolomics, standardized delirium assessments during ICU recovery, and predefined follow-up visits.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18 and older scheduled for elective cardiac surgery without pre-existing dementia or severe psychiatric illness are the intended participants.
Not a fit: Patients undergoing organ transplant or emergency operations, pregnant patients, and those with diagnosed dementia or major mental illness are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could help identify patients at high risk for delirium and enable earlier monitoring or preventive care to reduce complications and long-term decline.
How similar studies have performed: Previous observational studies have repeatedly linked postoperative delirium to longer ICU stays, increased complications, and worse long-term cognitive and survival outcomes, though robust predictive biomarkers and validated prognostic models are still limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. 18 years old and above 2. Patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery Exclusion Criteria: 1. Organ transplantation surgery 2. Pregnant patients 3. Diagnosed with dementia or mental illness (such as schizophrenia) before surgery
Where this trial is running
Xi'an, Shaanxi
- Xijing Hospital — Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Chong Lei, M.D.& phd
- Email: crystalleichong@126.com
- Phone: 18629011362
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.