Using EEG to predict postoperative delirium in older patients

Electroencephalographic Biomarker to Predict the Development of Postoperative Delirium: a Protocol of an Observational Study in a Cohort of Patients From Five Centers

University of Chile · NCT05992506

This study is testing if brain wave patterns during surgery can help predict if older patients will experience confusion after their operation.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment264 (estimated)
Ages60 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Chile (other)
Locations2 sites (Santiago and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05992506 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to validate the use of intraoperative EEG analysis as a biomarker for predicting postoperative delirium (POD) in older patients undergoing high-risk elective surgery. The research will involve a multicenter approach across five institutions, focusing on patients aged 60 and above who require at least three days of hospitalization post-surgery. By employing a predictive model called PEUMA, which utilizes EEG data, the study seeks to improve early diagnosis and risk assessment for POD, which is a significant complication affecting long-term outcomes. The primary endpoint is to assess the effectiveness of PEUMA in predicting the occurrence of POD.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients aged 60 and older scheduled for high-risk elective surgery requiring general anesthesia and a hospital stay of at least three days.

Not a fit: Patients with preoperative delirium, dementia, or those undergoing emergency surgery will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved early detection and management of postoperative delirium, enhancing patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have explored EEG as a predictive tool for cognitive dysfunction, but this specific approach using PEUMA is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 60 years old
* Scheduled for high-risk elective surgery
* Need for at least 3 days of hospital stay after surgery
* Surgery performed under general anesthesia
* Written informed consent for participation in the trial

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with preoperative delirium or dementia
* Patients using neuroleptics drug during the past 6 months
* Patients with a history of encephalopathy, psychosis, stroke or brain trauma with neurologic sequels
* The use of ketamine or dexmedetomidine during surgery
* Emergency surgery
* Mechanical ventilation during the 72 after surgery
* Analphabetism
* Patients who do not talk Spanish
* Patients included in another clinical trial

Where this trial is running

Santiago 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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Postoperative Delirium, EEG, Risk Assessment, Anesthesia

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.