Delirium Risk Factors in Elderly Patients Suffering from Femoral Neck Fractures

Abstract

© 2018 Ivana Milićević et al., published by De Gruyter Open 2018. Delirium is a common complication in hospitalized elderly patients suffering from hip fractures. Considering the growing incidence of delirium, understanding the risk factors for this condition is of great importance. The preoperative prevalence of delirium is approximately 4.4-35.6%, while postoperative prevalence is even higher - 4-53.3%. Various studies have shown the multifactorial etiology of delirium arising from a combination of predisposing and precipitating factors. The aim of this study was to explore these factors, which can contribute to delirium in patients with femoral neck fractures. This case control study included 62 patients diagnosed with femoral neck fractures, with 31 cases and 31 controls. Results have shown that the use of sedatives, especially benzodiazepines, and smoking increase the risk of delirium by five and sixteen times, respectively.