European journal of anaesthesiology
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To target pharmacological prevention, instruments giving an approximation of an individual patient's risk of developing postoperative delirium are available. In view of the variable clinical presentation, identifying patients in whom prophylaxis has failed (that is, who develop delirium) remains a challenge. Several bedside instruments are available for the routine ward and ICU setting. ⋯ Currently, cholinesterase inhibitors cannot be recommended and the data on dexmedetomidine are inconclusive. With the exception of alcohol-withdrawal delirium, there is no role for benzodiazepines in the treatment of delirium. It is unclear whether treating delirium prevents long-term sequelae.
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Depression is common in patients with medical illness. However, little is known about frequency and clinical relevance of preoperative depression in surgical patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the frequency of depression, essential health risk factors and hospital length of stay (LOS) of patients in preoperative anaesthesiological assessment. ⋯ Clinically significant depressive states are frequent conditions in surgical patients of preoperative anaesthesiological assessment and are associated with an increased LOS. Different clinical pathways delivering adequate preoperative information according to the needs, considering subjective health and SOC of the patient as well as avoiding immobilisation and sleep disturbances during hospital stay should be considered. Long-term treatment programmes including brief intervention in the hospital and an outpatient concept should be offered.