Occurrence Of Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction Research Articles

Effects of ulinastatin combined with dexmedetomidine on cognitive dysfunction and emergence agitation in elderly patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty.

With the continuous growth of the modern elderly population, the risk of fracture increases. Hip fracture is a common type of fracture in older people. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has significant advantages in relieving chronic pain and promoting the recovery of hip joint function. To investigate the effect of ulinastatin combined with dexmedetomidine (Dex) on the incidences of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) and emergence agitation in elderly patients who underwent THA. A total of 397 patients who underwent THA from February 2019 to August 2022. We conducted a three-year retrospective cohort study in Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital. Comprehensive demographic data were obtained from the electronic medical record system. We collected preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data. One hundred twenty-nine patients who were administered Dex during the operation were included in the Dex group. One hundred fifty patients who were intravenously injected with ulinastatin 15 min before anesthesia induction were included in the ulinastatin group. One hundred eighteen patients who were administered ulinastatin combined with Dex during the operation were included in the Dex + ulinastatin group. The patients' perioperative conditions, hemodynamic indexes, postoperative Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, Ramsay score, incidence of POCD, and serum inflammatory cytokines were evaluated. There was a significant difference in the 24 h visual analogue scale score among the three groups, and the score in the Dex + ulinastatin group was the lowest (P < 0.05). Compared with the Dex and ulinastatin group, the MMSE scores of the Dex + ulinastatin group were significantly increased at 1 and 7 d after the operation (all P < 0.05). Compared with those in the Dex and ulinastatin groups, incidence of POCD, levels of serum inflammatory cytokines in the Dex + ulinastatin group were significantly decreased at 1 and 7 d after the operation (all P < 0.05). The observer's assessment of the alertness/sedation score and Ramsay score of the Dex + ulinastatin group were significantly different from those of the Dex and ulinastatin groups on the first day after the operation (all P < 0.05). Ulinastatin combined with Dex can prevent the occurrence of POCD and emergence agitation in elderly patients undergoing THA.

Effects of parecoxib on postoperative cognitive dysfunction and serum levels of NSE and S100β in elderly patients undergoing surgery.

To investigate the effects of parecoxib on postoperative cognitive dysfunction, and serum levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S100β protein (S100β) in elderly patients undergoing surgery. The retrospective cohort study method was used to collect the clinical data of 94 elderly patients who underwent elective orthopedic and general anesthesia surgery in our hospital from September 2020 to February 2022. 94 patients were divided into the control group (47 cases) and the study group (47 cases), according to different intervention methods. In the study group, 40 mg of parecoxib was injected intravenously into patients 30 min before the induction of anesthesia, and the patients in the control group were given the same dose of normal saline intravenously before the operation. The basic clinical data of the patients were collected. The levels of the indexes before operation and 6 hours after operation were compared between the two groups, including the Montreal Cognitive Scale (MoCA) score, inflammatory factor indicators [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), monocyte chemokine-1 (MCP-1), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)], serum cortisol (CORT), beta-amyloid (β-AP), adiponectin (ADP), NSE, and S100β. No significant differences in the preoperative MoCA score, TNF-α, IL-6, CRP, IL-10, IL-1β, MCP-1, iNOS, CORT, β-AP, ADP, NSE, and S100β levels were observed between the two groups (p>0.05). The postoperative MoCA score in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p<0.05). The postoperative levels of TNF-α, IL-6, CRP and IL-1β in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p<0.05), and the postoperative levels of IL-10, MCP-1 and iNOS in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.05). Parecoxib can notably inhibit the levels of postoperative inflammatory cytokines, improve neurological dysfunction, and reduce the occurrence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction in patients. The contents of serum NSE and S100β have potential value in the diagnosis of postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients.

Аналіз виникнення післяопераційної когнітивної дисфункції в разі застосування морфіну гідрохлориду після ендопротезування кульшового суглоба під спінальною анестезією

Purpose - to analyze the state of cognitive function of patients according to the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) scale in points at different follow-up periods; to establish the relationship between the occurrence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) and a single administration of morphine hydrochloride after hip arthroplasty under spinal anaesthesia in the early postoperative period Materials and methods. The study was conducted on the basis of the Vinnytsia City Clinical Hospital of Emergency Medical Care with the participation of 120 patients. All patients were operated on for a hip fracture - hip joint replacement under spinal anesthesia. All patients in the postoperative period were evaluated for pain intensity according to the visual analog scale (VAS). In the early postoperative period, patients received: a combination of paracetamol and dexketoprofen. In case of insufficient effectiveness of paracetamol and dexketoprofen, which was assessed as the impossibility of maintaining the pain level according to VAS no more than 4 points, morphine hydrochloride 10 mg was used. The MMSE scale was used as one of the main evaluation scales for the dynamics of POCD. In this part of the work, patients were divided into two main groups depending on the dynamics of the cognitive deficit, which was determined by the MMSE scale during the entire period of observation, which generally divided the patients into two groups: «Without negative dynamics of cognitive functions» (n=85) and «With negative dynamics of cognitive functions» (n=35). Statistical processing was carried out using StatPlus programs according to parametric and non-parametric criteria, differences were considered significant at p&lt;0.05. Results. On the 7th day after hip arthroplasty, the negative dynamics of cognitive function, compared to the data during hospitalization, remained in 68.6% of patients with morphine hydrochloride among them: in 41.6% of patients, mild cognitive disorders appeared in their absence at the stage of hospitalization, in 29.2% there was a transition from mild cognitive disorders to mild dementia and in another 29.2% - mild to moderate dementia (p=0.03). Conclusions. The obtained data indicate that 92.3% of patients who had cognitive impairment at the time of discharge from the hospital received morphine hydrochloride, which may indicate a negative effect of the use of this drug on the cognitive functions of patients with hip arthroplasty on the background of a hip fracture. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The research protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the institution mentioned in the work. Informed consent of the patients was obtained for the research. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction: Mechanism and Prevention

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) refers to a condition characterized by impaired cognitive processing and reasoning, which can negatively affect perceptual abilities and play a crucial role in overall health. Factors such as age, educational attainment, history of mental illness, and the presence of comorbid diseases can influence the occurrence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). Strategies aimed at preventing the occurrence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) involve both surgical interventions and addressing patient-related issues, as well as optimizing the administration of anesthetics and conducting surgery in a stress-free manner. The benefits of reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in brain cells have been demonstrated. Postoperative recovery may be extended due to postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). The studies conducted showed heterogeneity in terms of patient groups, methodology used to quantify POCD, and study design, making it challenging to draw generalizable conclusions. The prevalence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a widespread health concern globally.

The Impact of Regional Nerve Blocks on Postoperative Delirium or Cognitive Dysfunction following Thoracic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Regional nerve blocks (NBs) mitigate the occurrence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) and postoperative delirium (POD) in adult patients undergoing thoracic surgery. This study aimed to determine the exact effect of NBs on POCD and POD. Electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science, were searched for studies. The primary outcome was the incidence of POD or POCD. The secondary outcome was pain scores assessed 24 and 48 h postoperatively. We calculated the log odds ratio (LOR) and standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The LOR was converted to an odds ratio (OR). In the analysis of 1010 patients from seven randomized controlled trials, POD and POCD rates were 14.1% and 16.7%, respectively, in the NB group, and higher, at 27.3% and 35.2%, in the control group. NBs reduced the incidence of POD (OR, 0.44; 95%CI 0.30 to 0.64; p < 0.001; I2 = 0.00%) and POCD (OR, 0.43; 95%CI 0.24 to 0.76; p < 0.001; I2 = 0.00%). NBs reduced pain scores at 24 h (SMD, -2.60; 95%CI -3.90 to -1.30, p < 0.001; I2 = 97.68%) and 48 h (SMD, -1.80; 95%CI -3.18 to -0.41, p = 0.01; I2 = 98.14%) postoperatively. NBs mitigated the occurrence of POD and POCD in adult patients after thoracic surgery.

THE IMPACT OF TOTAL INTRAVENOUS ANESTHESIA VERSUS INHALATIONAL ANESTHESIA ON POSTOPERATIVE COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION IN ELDERLY PATIENTS

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common complication among elderly patients undergoing surgery. Anesthesia type has been suggested as a potential factor influencing the occurrence of POCD. This study aims to investigate and compare the impact of total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) and inhalational anesthesia on the development of POCD in elderly patients. The primary aim of this study is to assess and compare the incidence of POCD in elderly patients receiving TIVA or inhalational anesthesia during surgical procedures. The secondary objectives include evaluating the duration of cognitive impairment, perioperative clinical parameters, and potential risk factors contributing to POCD. This prospective cohort study will enroll elderly patients (65 and above) scheduled for elective surgery. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving TIVA and the other receiving inhalational anesthesia. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data will be collected and analyzed. Cognitive function will be assessed using standardized neuropsychological tests before surgery and at specified postoperative intervals. Additionally, perioperative clinical parameters, anesthesia-related data, and potential risk factors for POCD will be recorded and analyzed. The study results will include the incidence of POCD in both groups and the duration and severity of cognitive impairment. Perioperative clinical parameters, such as length of surgery and anesthesia duration, will be compared. Additionally, risk factors for POCD, such as age, comorbidities, and type of surgery, will be evaluated to identify their association with the development of cognitive dysfunction. This study will provide valuable insights into the impact of total intravenous anesthesia versus inhalational anesthesia on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients. The findings will help anesthesiologists and surgeons make informed decisions regarding anesthesia for this vulnerable population, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of care.

Effect of Propofol and Isoflurane on Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction Following Elective Laminectomy Surgery in Adult Elderly Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial Study

Background: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a significant complication, especially prevalent among elderly individuals following major surgical procedures. Objectives: This study aims to compare the impact of isoflurane and propofol on the occurrence of POCD in patients undergoing elective laminectomy surgery under general anesthesia. Methods: This randomized, double-blind clinical trial took place at Shariati Hospital in Tehran. Patients scheduled for elective laminectomy between December 2020 and November 2021 were enrolled in the study and randomized into 2 groups. Patients in Group P received a Propofol infusion, while patients in Group I were administered isoflurane. Cognitive function assessments were conducted using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) at 3-time points: Twelve hours before surgery and 6 and 24 hours after surgery. Results: The MMSE scores demonstrated a significant increase in the Propofol group compared to the Isoflurane group at the 6-hour and 24-hour post-surgery time points. However, no significant difference was observed at baseline before surgery (P = 0.04, P = 0.005, and P = 0.2, respectively). Conclusions: These findings suggest that the use of propofol for general anesthesia may be a favorable choice for surgical procedures in elderly patients.

A risk prediction model based on machine learning for postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients with non-cardiac surgery.

Early identification of elderly patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery who may be at high risk for postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) can increase the chances of prevention for them, as extra attention and limited resources can be allocated more to these patients. We performed this analysis with the aim of developing a simple, clinically useful machine learning (ML) model to predict the probability of POCD at 3months in elderly patients after non-cardiac surgery. We collected information on patients who received surgical treatment at Nanjing First Hospital from May 2020 to May 2021. We used LASSO regression to select key features and built 5 ML models to assess the risk of POCD at 3months in elderly patients after non-cardiac surgery. The Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) and methods were introduced to interpret the best model. A total of 415 patients with non-cardiac surgery were included. The support vector machine (SVM) was the best-performing model of the five ML models. The model showed excellent performance compared to the other four models. The SHAP results showed that VAS score, age, intraoperative hypotension, and preoperative hemoglobin were the four most important features, indicating that the SVM model had good interpretability and reliability. The website of the web-based calculator was https://modricreagan-non-3-pocd-9w2q78.streamlit.app/ . Based on six important perioperative variables, we successfully established a series of ML models for predicting POCD occurrence at 3months after surgery in elderly non-cardiac patients, with SVM model being the best-performing model. Our models are expected to serve as decision aids for clinicians to monitor screened high-risk patients more closely or to consider further interventions.

ANALYSIS OF THE OCCURRENCE OF POSTOPERATIVE COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION IN OBESE PATIENTS AFTER HIP ARTHROPLASTY UNDER SPINAL ANESTHESIA

The article analyzes the dynamics of cognitive dysfunction and the dependence of the occurrence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in obese patients after hip arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia. The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) scale was used as one of the main evaluation scales of POCD. On the day of admission, the patient’s BMI was calculated. Neuropsychological testing was performed in dynamics: 1) the day before surgery; 2) 3 days after the operation – as of the 4th day; 3) after 6 days – as of the 7th day and 4) the day before discharge from the hospital. The number of patients included in the study is 120 patients. Depending on the level of the average MMSE score in the postoperative period in relation to the level in the admission period, retrospectively divided into groups: «Without negative dynamics of cognitive functions» (n=85) and «With negative dynamics of cognitive functions» (n=35). The analysis of the average value of the body mass index and the character of the physique of patients depending on the dynamics of cognitive function the day before discharge indicated only the presence of a tendency to increase the average value of the body mass index (27.6 vs. 25.8 kg/m2, p=0.14 for T -test for Independent Samples) and cases with severe alimentary- constitutional obesity (7.7 % vs. 0.9 %, p=0.07 according to the χ2 test) in the group of patients with negative dynamics of cognitive function compared to the group without it. Thus, the results of the analysis suggest a certain dependence of severe obesity with the development of cognitive disorders. 

Research progress of postoperative cognitive dysfunction in cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass

AbstractCardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is often used in cardiothoracic surgery because its nonphysiological state causes pathophysiological changes in the body, causing multiorgan and multitissue damage to varying degrees. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common central nervous system complication after cardiac surgery. The etiology and mechanism of POCD are not clear. Neuroinflammation, brain mitochondrial dysfunction, cerebral embolism, ischemia, hypoxia, and other factors are related to the pathogenesis of POCD. There is a close relationship between CPB and POCD, as CPB can cause inflammation, hypoxia and reperfusion injury, and microemboli formation, all of which can trigger POCD. POCD increases medical costs, seriously affects patients' quality of life, and increases mortality. Currently, there is a lack of effective treatment methods for POCD. Commonly used methods include preoperative health management, reducing inflammation response during surgery, preventing microemboli formation, and implementing individualized rehabilitation programs after surgery. Strengthening preventive measures can minimize the occurrence of POCD and its adverse effects.

The role of PERK-eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP pathway in sevoflurane induced neuroapoptosis and cognitive dysfunction in aged mice

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common surgical complication that causes additional pain in patients and affects their quality of life. To address this problem, emerging studies have focused on the POCD. Recent studies have shown that aging and anesthetic exposure are the two major risk factors for developing POCD. However, few reports described the exact molecular mechanisms underlying POCD in elderly patients. In the previous studies, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and neuroapoptosis in the hippocampus were associated with inducing POCD; however, no further information on the related signaling pathways could be disclosed. The PERK-eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP pathway is identified as the main regulatory pathway involved in ER stress and cell apoptosis. Therefore, we assume that the occurrence of POCD induced by sevoflurane inhalation may potentially result from ER stress and neuroapoptosis in the hippocampus of aged mice mediated by the PERK-eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP pathway. In our study, we found a relationship between sevoflurane inhalation concentration and memory decline in aged mice, with a ‘ceiling effect’. We have confirmed that POCD induced by sevoflurane results from ER stress and neuroapoptosis in the hippocampus of aged mice, which is regulated by the over-expression of PERK-eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP pathway. Furthermore, we also showed that the dephosphorylation inhibitor of eIF2α (salubrinal) could down-regulate PERK-eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP pathway expression to inhibit ER stress and enhance the cognitive function of aged mice. In general, our study has elucidated one of the molecular mechanisms of sevoflurane-related cognitive dysfunction in aged groups and provided new strategies for treating sevoflurane-induced POCD.

Mechanism of the Mongolian medicine Eerdun Wurile basic formula in improving postoperative cognitive dysfunction by inhibiting apoptosis through the SIRT1/p53 signaling pathway.

The Mongolian medicine Eerdun Wurile is a commonly used Mongolian in folk medicine used to treat cerebral nervous system diseases such as cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral thrombosis, nerve injury and cognitive function, cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and coronary heart disease. Eerdun wurile may effect anti-postoperative cognitive function. To investigate the molecular mechanism of the Mongolian medicine Eerdun Wurile Basic Formula (EWB) in improving postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) based on Network pharmacology, and to confirm involvement of the SIRT1/p53 signal pathway, one of the key signal pathways, by using the POCD mouse model. Obtain compounds and disease-related targets through TCMSP, TCMID, PubChem, PharmMapper platforms, GeneCards, and OMIM databases, and screen intersection genes; Use Cytoscape software to build a "drug-ingredient-disease-target" network, and the STRING platform for protein interaction analysis.; R software was used to analyze the function of gene ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment.; AutoDock Vina software for active components and core targets to Perform molecular docking. The POCD mouse model was prepared by intracerebroventricular injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and the morphological changes of hippocampal tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Western blot, immunofluorescence and TUNEL were used to verify the results of network pharmacological enrichment analysis. There were 110 potential targets for improving POCD by EWB, 117 items were enriched by GO, and 113 pathways were enriched by KEGG, among which the SIRT1/p53 signaling pathway was related to the occurrence of POCD. Quercetin, kaempferol, vestitol, β-sitosterol and 7-methoxy-2-methyl isoflavone in EWB can form stable conformations with low binding energy with core target proteins IL-6, CASP3, VEGFA, EGFR and ESR1. Animal experiments showed that compared with the POCD model group, the EWB group could significantly improve the apoptosis in the hippocampus of the mice, and significantly down-regulate the expression of Acetyl-p53 protein (P<0.05). EWB can improve POCD with the characteristics of multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway synergistic effects. Studies have confirmed that EWB can improve the occurrence of POCD by regulating the expression of genes related to the SIRT1/p53 signal pathway, which provides a new target and basis for the treatment of POCD.

Involvement of microRNA-138-5p in cardiac surgery-induced postoperative cognitive dysfunction

Background: Despite being one of the main concerns in cardiac surgery, the molecular basis and regulatory mechanisms of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) are still unclear. In this study, we demonstrate the critical role of miR-138-5p in POCD in mice.&#x0D; Methods: We first established an animal model for POCD caused by cardiac surgery. We then used quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to examine the expression levels of miR-138-5p and its target mRNAs. The protein level of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) was determined using Western blot assays. To assess the mice’s recognition abilities, we performed the Morris water maze (MWM) test. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to evaluate the expression levels of hippocampal inflammatory cytokines. Finally, we used a luciferase assay to confirm that miR-138-5p directly targeted the mRNA of SIRT1.&#x0D; Results: MiR-138-5p was upregulated in the hippocampus of mice following cardiac surgery. Inhibiting miR-138-5p reduced the occurrence of POCD and the hippocampus inflammation in the mice. MiR-138-5p targeted the mRNA of SIRT1, thereby suppressing its expression in the hippocampus of mice following cardiac surgery.&#x0D; Conclusion: Our findings suggest that miR-138-5p contributes to cardiac surgery-induced POCD by directly targeting and suppressing the expression of SIRT1 in the hippocampus.

Construction and analysis of circular RNA-associated competing endogenous RNA network in the hippocampus of aged mice for the occurrence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction.

Circular RNAs are highly stable single-stranded circular RNAs and enriched in the brain. Previous studies showed that circRNAs, as part of competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) network, play an important role in neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. However, the mechanism of circRNA-related ceRNA networks in postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) has not been elucidated yet. POCD usually occurs in elderly patients and is characterized by hippocampal dysfunction. Here, aged C57BL/6 mice were subjected to exploratory laparotomy under sevoflurane anesthesia, and this POCD model was verified by Morris water maze test. Whole-transcriptome sequencing was performed on the hippocampus of control group (Con) and surgery group. One hundred and seventy-seven DEcircRNAs, 221 DEmiRNAs and 2,052 DEmRNAs were identified between two groups. A ceRNA network was established with 92 DEcircRNAs having binding sites with 76 DEmiRNAs and 549 target DEmRNAs. In functional enrichment analysis, a pathological pattern of POCD was highlighted in the ceRNA network: Abnormal metabolic process in neural cells, including oxygen metabolism, could promote apoptosis and then affect the synaptic function, which may undermine the neural plasticity and eventually lead to changes in cognitive function and other behavioral patterns. In conclusion, this specific ceRNA network of circRNAs-miRNAs-mRNAs has provided novel insights into the regulatory mechanisms of POCD and revealed potential therapeutic gene targets.

Tregs dysfunction aggravates postoperative cognitive impairment in aged mice

ObjectivesEnhanced neuroinflammation is an important mechanism underlying perioperative neurocognitive disorders. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a crucial role in regulating systemic immune responses. The present study was aimed to investigate the participation of Tregs in the development of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD).MethodsSurgery-associated neurocognitive disorder was induced in 18-month-old mice subjected to internal fixation of tibial fracture. Morris water maze was used to examine mice cognitive function. Splenic Tregs were collected for RNA sequencing and flow cytometry. Levels of inflammatory factors in the circulation and hippocampus were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Protein presences of tight junction proteins were detected by immunofluorescence.ResultsSurgery of internal fixation of tibial fracture induced cognitive impairment in aged mice, accompanied by elevated plasma levels of inflammatory factors and increased circulating Tregs. Transfusion of Tregs from young mice partially restored the structure of the blood–brain barrier and alleviated POCD in aged mice. Compared with young Tregs, differentially expressed genes in aged Tregs were enriched in tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway and cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction. Flow cytometry revealed that aged Tregs had blunted functions under basal and stimulated conditions. Blockade of the CD25 epitope protected the blood–brain barrier structure, reduced TNF-α levels in the hippocampus, and improved surgery-associated cognition in aged mice.ConclusionsBlocking peripheral regulatory T cells improves surgery-induced cognitive function in aged mice. Therefore, aged Tregs play an essential role in the occurrence of POCD.

Effects of regional cerebral oxygen saturation monitoring on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in older patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is common after surgery and anesthesia, particularly in older patients. It has been reported that regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) monitoring potentially influences the occurrence of POCD. However, its role in the prevention of POCD remains controversial in older patients. Additionally, the quality of evidence on this topic is still relatively poor.Methods:The electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched using the indicated keywords from their inception to June 10, 2022. We limited our meta-analysis to randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the effects of rSO2 monitoring on POCD in older patients. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed. The primary outcome was the incidence of POCD during hospitalization. The secondary outcomes were postoperative complications and the length of hospital stay (LOS). Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to determine the incidence of POCD and postoperative complications. The standardized mean difference (SMD) instead of the raw mean difference and 95% CI were calculated for LOS.Results:Six RCTs, involving 377 older patients, were included in this meta-analysis. The incidence of POCD ranges from 17 to 89%, with an overall prevalence of 47% in our pooled analysis. Our results demonstrated that rSO2-guided intervention could reduce the incidence of POCD in older patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.79; P = 0.006) rather than cardiac surgery (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.32 to 1.52; P = 0.36). Intraoperative rSO2 monitoring was also associated with a significantly shorter LOS in older patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery (SMD, -0.93; 95% CI, -1.75 to -0.11; P = 0.03). Neither the incidence of postoperative cardiovascular (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.40 to 3.17; P = 0.83) nor surgical (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.35 to 1.75; P = 0.54) complications were affected by the use of rSO2 monitoring.Conclusion:The use of rSO2 monitoring is associated with a lower risk of POCD and a shorter LOS in older patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. This may have the potential to prevent POCD in high-risk populations. Further large RCTs are still warranted to support these preliminary findings.

Effects of ketamine or dexmedetomidine on postoperative cognitive dysfunction after cataract surgery: A randomized controlled trial.

Ketamine and dexmedet omidine have neuroprotective effects that may reduce the occurrence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) when they are used by intravenous infusion in geriatric patients scheduled for cataract extraction. Ninety patients aged 65-85 years old, ASA physical status II and III, and scheduled for cataract extraction under peribulbar block were randomly distributed equally among three groups: control group, in which patients received normal saline; ketamine group, in which patients received 0.3 mg/kg/h of ketamine; and dexmedetomidine group, in which patients received 0.5 µg/kg/h of dexmedetomidine. Medications were administrated by intravenous infusion and started 10 min before the surgery and continued throughout the duration of surgery. The analysed parameters included the incidence of POCD (primary outcome) through composite score of neuropsychological testing at one week and 3 months after surgery, postoperative pain score, postoperative sedation score, changes in haemodynamic parameters, changes in intraocular pressure, and incidence of complications. In comparison with control group, ketamine and dexmedetomidine groups exhibited a significant decline in number of patients who developed POCD (P < 0.0001), a decrease in the postoperative pain score 4 h after surgery (P = 0.038), and an increase in the postoperative Ramsay sedation Score (P = 0.0002, 0.0003, and 0.011), without significant changes in the vital parameters, intraocular tension, or incidence of complications. Ketamine and dexmedetomidine groups were comparable. Intravenous administration of ketamine or dexmedetomidine in elderly patients undergoing cataract surgery under peribulbar anesthesia significantly decreases the incidence of POCD.

Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation: Research Progress in Clinical Application (Review)

Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) has become an important method for the treatment of diseases, which can be used alone or as a complementary method. TEAS combines the benefits of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and acupuncture, and it is welcomed by clinicians because of its safety and significant treatment effect. For instance, TEAS is helpful for sedation and analgesia, promotes gastrointestinal function recovery, reduces the occurrence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and other adverse reactions, enhances immune function, protects organ function, accelerates the recovery of patients, improves the prognosis, and enhances patients' comfort degree. On this basis, more functions of TEAS need to be explored, and its clinical applications need to be further promoted.

Elevated serum alkaline phosphatase correlates with postoperative cognitive dysfunction: A retrospective cohort study based on STROBE statement.

Little is known about the association between serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) after general anesthesia. Thus, we investigated the association of serum ALP levels with POCD in patients who underwent surgery with general anesthesia in a retrospective cohort study. We retrospectively collected data from patients who underwent surgery with general anesthesia between May 2016 and June 2020. Serum ALP activity was detected using a p-nitrophenyl phosphate assay. Pre-and postoperative cognitive function were evaluated using the Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to explore the effect of ALP on cognitive function. The incidence of POCD was 13.5%. Compared with the control group, the POCD group had higher ALP levels. The neuropsychological test results suggested that the scores of most items were lower in the POCD group than in the non-POCD group. Univariate logistic regression indicated that increased ALP levels were significantly associated with cognitive dysfunction (odds ratio = 1.15, 95% confidence interval: 1.13-1.18, P = .000). Multivariate regression showed that elevated ALP was still associated with POCD after adjusting for confounding factors (odds ratio = 1.16, 95% confidence interval: 1.13-1.18, P = .000). The spline regression model indicated the dose-response associations between ALP level and POCD risk (P for nonlinear trend < .001). Our study indicated that elevated serum ALP was an independent predictive factor of POCD at the 3-month follow-up. The occurrence of POCD could be associated with inflammatory status.

Predictors and occurrence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction in children undergoing noncardiac surgery: A prospective cohort study.

In children after cardiac surgery, alterations in cognitive ability and behavior are increasingly common, but whether postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) occurs in children undergoing noncardiac surgery is not known. The present study was performed to investigate the incidence rate and potential risk factors of early neurocognitive dysfunction in children after noncardiac surgery. Two hundredpatients aged between 4 and 14 years old underwent elective noncardiac surgery and 100 healthy age-matched controls were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence or Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised were conducted 1 daybefore and 3 days after surgery. POCD was calculated and diagnosed as a combined Z score. Any factors that differed between POCD and non-POCD group (p < 0.10) were tested together by multivariate logistic regression analysis against the cognitive outcome of patients, to find out the independent risk factors of POCD. The general incidence of POCD was 15.6%. The univariate analysis revealed that POCD was associated with general anesthesia, surgical and anesthesia duration, early postoperative fever (EPF), and surgical history. However, only the history of surgery (p = 0.029), anesthesia duration (p = 0.010), and EPF (p < 0.001) were demonstrated to be independent risk factors for POCD. The occurrence rate of early POCD after noncardiac surgery in children is 15.6%. Children who had surgical history, longer anesthesia duration, or EPF are more prone to develop POCD.