Acetylcholinesterase in Postoperative Delirium

Role of Acetylcholinesterase for the Diagnosis of Postoperative Delirium in Patients Needing Postoperative Monitoring

The level of acetylcholinesterase is suspected to correlate with postoperative delirium. The investigators therefore score patients once preoperatively and twice postoperatively with the german version of the delirium-score NuDESC (Nursing Delirium Screening Scale) and compare the results with the acetylcholinesterase activity, butyrylcholinesterase activity and the serum anticholinergic activity (SAA) at corresponding time points.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Signed written informed consent
• Elective surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• Preexisting psychiatric or neurological disease
• No surgery
• Reduced level of consciousness