Plasma Iron, Copper, Zinc Levels in Patients Experiencing Delirium

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the role of plasma iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) levels on delirium in patients following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Methods: Twelve of the 50 patients included in the study showed signs of delirium during postoperative follow-up. We diagnosed delirium using DSM-IV-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) criteria. Delirium Rating Scale (DRS) was used to estimate delirium severity. In both groups pre-and postoperative plasma Fe, Cu, and Zn levels were analyzed with atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) method and compared statistically.

Results: There was no significant difference between the groups for preoperative plasma Fe and Zn levels, while the Cu level was statistically significantly lower in the delirium group (p<0.05).

The postoperative plasma Fe and Zn levels were statistically significantly higher in the delirium group (p=0.0001). The Cu level was statistically significantly higher in the delirium and non-delirium group (p=0.0001, p<0.05, respectively).

The comparison of postoperative plasma Fe, Cu and Zn levels between the two groups showed a statistically significantly higher level in the delirium group compared to the non-delirium group (p=0.0001).

The postoperative plasma Cu/Zn levels were statistically significantly higher in the delirium group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: It may be suggested that the increased postoperative plasma levels of these trace elements may play a role in delirium seen after CABG.