A Study on the Correlation Between Oral Health and Delirium in Surgical Inpatients

Launched by XINHUA HOSPITAL, SHANGHAI JIAO TONG UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · May 6, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the link between oral health and delirium in patients who are having surgery, particularly those undergoing cardiac or thoracic procedures. Delirium is a serious condition that can cause confusion and changes in awareness, especially in older adults after surgery. The researchers believe that issues with oral health, like tooth loss or difficulty chewing, may contribute to the risk of developing delirium. By understanding this connection, the goal is to find ways to prevent delirium and improve recovery outcomes for surgical patients.

To participate in this study, individuals must be at least 18 years old and scheduled for specific types of surgery that require intubation (a tube placed in the throat to help with breathing). Participants should be fully conscious and able to cooperate with the study. Importantly, those with existing oral health problems or certain medical treatments before surgery may not be eligible. If you or a loved one are considering joining this trial, you will receive detailed information about the study and will need to provide consent to participate. The findings could help develop new strategies to enhance patient care in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients aged ≥18 years scheduled for elective cardiac or thoracic surgery requiring endotracheal intubation.
• • Patients without consciousness impairment, able to cooperate with the investigation.
• • Patients or their legal guardians informed about the study's purpose, methodology, and content, with signed informed consent forms.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients with pre-existing oral conditions (e.g., xerostomia, oral mucosal lesions) prior to mechanical ventilation.
• • Patients with a history of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or corticosteroid use before surgery.
• • Patients experiencing intraoperative mortality.