Preoperative use of statins can reduce the incidence of delirium after cardiac and aortic surgery

Abstract

Patients often develop delirium after cardiovascular surgery. To determine the association of the preoperative use of statins with a reduced incidence of post-operative delirium, we retrospectively collected data from 324 patients who underwent cardiac and aortic surgery at our hospital from July 2011 through June 2012. The incidence of postoperative delirium significantly decreased in patients who were administered statins preoperatively. Based on the data collected, emergency surgeries, advanced age, and longer operation time were further indicated predictors of postoperative delirium. These results indicate that preoperative administration of statins decreases the risk of delirium after cardiac and aortic surgery, by possibly protecting the central nervous system.