Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 65 and up

Sex differences in postoperative delirium and whether family visits help

Official title: Sex-Dependent Risk of Postoperative Delirium and Mediating Effects of Family Visits: A Prospective Observational Study

Run by University of Zurich · NCT07502391 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study looks to see if a patient’s sex changes the risk of delirium after non-cardiac surgery and whether family visits can help prevent it, especially in adults 65 and older.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment471 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Zurich
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Zurich)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 5, 2026
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2028
Study endsDecember 31, 2028
Registry record updatedJune 1, 2026
Trial IDNCT07502391 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Candidates are adults 65 years or older undergoing non-cardiac surgery lasting two hours or more, able to consent.

Probably not a fit

Patients under 65, those needing postoperative ventilation, or with conditions preventing study assessments may not benefit.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Postoperative delirium is common in older adults after non-cardiac surgery and is linked to worse outcomes and higher costs. This observational study will examine whether men and women have different risks for delirium after surgery and whether the amount of family visitation mediates that risk. Researchers will collect data on delirium occurrence, sex, and family visit patterns to explore potential links. The goal is to better understand non-drug approaches that might reduce delirium risk in older adults.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If family visits are found to lower delirium risk differently by sex, hospitals could tailor non-pharmacologic strategies to prevent delirium.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in other settings suggest family visits may reduce delirium, but results by sex and post-surgical settings are not conclusive.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Informed consent as documented by signature;
* ≥65 years of age;
* Scheduled non-cardiac surgery with expected surgery duration ≥ 2 hours;
* Under either general or spinal anesthesia.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known drug or alcohol abuse;
* Requirement for postoperative ventilation;
* Current participation in another study with an investigational drug;
* Inability to complete the study assessments.

Where it's running

  • Universitätsspital Zürich
    Zurich, Switzerland
    Recruiting

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.