Comparative analysis of inflammatory markers as predictive markers for postoperative delirium in cardiac surgery patients: an observational study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common complication following cardiac surgery that significantly affects patient outcomes. Among inflammatory markers, the monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) has shown potential in predicting POD. However, studies on the relationship between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) or platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and POD are still lacking. Moreover, a direct comparison of the predictive capabilities of these three inflammatory markers (NLR, MLR, and PLR) for POD remains unexplored. Methods: This observational study utilized the MIMIC database. We included 2,095 patients who underwent cardiac surgery. Multivariable logistic regression analysis, restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were employed to assess the relationship between NLR, MLR, PLR, and POD. Results: values < 0.05. ROC curve analysis revealed NLR had the strongest predictive ability (AUC = 0.610, 95% CI: 0.589-0.631), outperforming MLR (AUC = 0.575, 95% CI: 0.553-0.596) and PLR (AUC = 0.553, 95% CI: 0.531-0.574). RCS analysis indicated linear or near-linear relationships between these markers and POD risk. Conclusion: NLR, MLR, and PLR independently predicted postoperative delirium following cardiac surgery, with NLR demonstrating the strongest predictive capacity. These findings provided new tools for preoperative risk assessment and may improve postoperative management strategies for cardiac surgery patients.
Source: Frontiers in Medicine
Authors: Liang Shan, Keyang Zheng, Wenlong Dai, Yintang Wang, Peng Hao
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W4409033958