preventable source of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized elderly patients. Different studies have shown that occurrence of infections in

postoperative period can contribute to delirium.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of post operative delirium in geriatric patients who had infections after undergoing coronary artery bypass

grafting surgery (a major cardiac surgery).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective cohort study, Study Period: 1 ½ years. Using a prepared questionnaire after obtaining fully

informed written consent. 3 visits for each patient: 1) before surgery, 2) in the ICU: 48 hours after surgery, 3) In ward after shifting out from ICU.

Details from patients, care givers and nursing staff regarding features of delirium are obtained. Patients were classified into two groups, one group

who had post operative infections and other with no post operative infections.

RESULTS: Out of total 250 patients included in the study, 43 (17.2%) patients developed post operative delirium. Patients with post operative

infection had more chance of development of delirium after undergoing procedure compared to patients with no post operative infections. Out of

77 patients with infections after undergoing procedure 39 (50.6%) patients had post operative delirium (p:<0.001). This suggests that post

operative infections should be managed adequately.