Risk Factors of Postoperative Delirium in the Intensive Care Unit After Liver Transplantation

Background Postoperative delirium after liver transplantation is relatively common, especially due to preexisting conditions such as hepatic encephalopathy. Most studies of delirium after liver transplantation were based on ICU practices using deep hypnosedation. Therefore, risk factors and consequences of postoperative delirium after liver transplantation were evaluated in the light sedation era. Methods A total of 253 liver transplantation patients were evaluated for postoperative delirium. Clinical outcomes including mortality were compared between patients who suffered delirium and those who did not. Risk factors for postoperative delirium were analyzed with subgroup analysis depending on MELD scores and type of liver transplantation. Results Post-liver transplant delirium developed in 17% of the patients, 88% of which occurred within the first postoperative day. Alcoholic liver cirrhosis, class C Child–Pugh score, higher MELD scores, higher proportion of deceased donor liver transplantation, and reintubation were more frequent in patients who developed delirium, but there was no difference in mortality. Higher preoperative MELD group (15–24 vs. <15; OR 4.10, 95% Cl [1.67–10.09], P = 0.002, ≥25 vs. <15; OR 5.59, 95% CI [2.06–15.19], P < 0.01), higher APACHE II scores (OR 5.59, 95% CI [2.06–15.19], P < 0.01), and reintubation (OR 6.46, 95% CI [2.10–19.88], P < 0.01) were identified as significant risk factors for postoperative delirium. Conclusion Postoperative delirium after liver transplantation was associated with worse clinical outcomes. MELD scores greater than 15 were predictive of postoperative delirium in both living and deceased donor liver transplantation.