Anxiety as a Risk Factor for Postoperative Delirium in Elective Spine Deformity Surgeries: A National Database Study

Abstract

IntroductionGeneralized anxiety disorder has become one of the most prevalent mental health disorders in the United States. In addition, postoperative delirium has been shown to increase hospital stay, increase mortality, and increased healthcare costs. Few studies have looked at the prevalence of postoperative delirium in patients diagnosed with anxiety undergoing elective spinal deformity procedures. The purpose of this study was to determine if anxiety is a risk factor for postoperative delirium in elective spinal deformity surgeries. MethodsThe authors performed a retrospective analysis using the TriNetX Research Database. Patients diagnosed with kyphosis or lordosis who then underwent elective spinal correction surgeries were identified. This group was then separated based on the diagnosis of a generalized anxiety disorder before the operation versus no diagnosis. Propensity score adjustment, based on mental disorders and other risk factors, was then used to match cohorts on baseline demographics and characteristics. Analysis was performed on the primary outcome of postoperative delirium, with secondary outcomes of upper respiratory tract infections, surgical site infections, sepsis, ventilator dependence, convulsions, stroke, emergency department visits, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, and urinary retention within 30 days after surgery. ResultsOur search included 1,211 patients with a diagnosis of anxiety and 8,055 patients without anxiety. After propensity score matching, 996 patients remained in each cohort. Statistical analysis showed significant outcomes between the matched cohorts in the anxiety group for postoperative delirium (OR 2.788; 1.587-4.899) and convulsions (OR 1.615;. All other outcomes were not significant after propensity score matching. ConclusionThese results showed generalized anxiety disorder is a risk factor for postoperative delirium and convulsions after elective spine surgery. Further research is necessary on the effects of mental health disorders on postoperative delirium and other outcomes to better understand the risks in this population.

Predictors of postoperative delirium in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy: a prospective study

“…According to previous studies, preoperative anxiety has been recognized as a contributing factor for POD [33,34]. There is an evident association between preoperative anxiety and sleep disorder [35].…”

Correlation of preoperative inflammatory factors and emotional disorders with postoperative delirium in patients with craniocerebral trauma

“…In addition, psychiatric symptoms closely reflect the metabolism and function of the nervous system, serving as reliable indicators of POD onset and progression. Previous reports have indicated a significant association between anxiety and increased POD incidence, although some studies failed to establish a correlation between the two[ 7 , 8 ]. Therefore, this study examined the associated risk factors for POD in patients with TBI and investigated the correlation between preoperative inflammatory factors, emotional disorders, and POD in this population to provide a reference for the pathological mechanism and clinical treatment of patients with TBI.…”