Short Orientation Memory Concentration Test Research Articles

A Prospective, Randomized, Open-Label Study Comparing Recovery Characteristics between Desflurane and Sevoflurane Anesthesia in Elderly Patients Undergoing Elective Supratentorial Craniotomy

Abstract Background Sevoflurane and desflurane are the two commonly used volatile anesthetics and it is mandatory to comprehend their hemodynamic and recovery profiles to ensure safe administration and early recovery in elderly neurosurgical patients. The primary objective of the study was to compare the recovery profiles of sevoflurane and desflurane in elderly patients undergoing supratentorial craniotomy. The secondary outcome measures studied were intraoperative hemodynamic changes, intraoperative brain condition, and early postoperative cognition using short orientation memory concentration test (SOMCT). Methods The prospective, open-labeled study involving 78 elderly patients undergoing elective supratentorial craniotomies randomized the subjects into sevoflurane and desflurane groups in the ratio of 1:1 (39 each). Pre- and early postoperative cognitive function of the patient was assessed using SOMCT. Time for emergence, extubation, and recovery were also compared between the groups. Hemodynamic parameters during surgery and brain relaxation were recorded. Student's t-test was used to find the significance of study parameters on a continuous scale and chi-squared test to find the significance of study parameters on a categorical scale between two groups. Results The mean emergence time (minutes) was found to be significantly longer in sevoflurane group as opposed to desflurane (9.44 ± 2.07 vs. 8.28 ± 2.53, p = 0.02). Similarly, the mean recovery time was significantly longer for sevoflurane group than desflurane (17.33 ± 3.36 vs. 15.64 ± 4.63, p = 0.03). A statistically significant difference in pre- and early postoperative SOMCT was observed between the two groups (5.31 ± 2.89 vs. 4.33 ± 1.74, p = 0.04) with better early postoperative SOMCT (p = 0.05) in desflurane group. However, extubation time, average duration of surgery, brain relaxation, and modified Aldrete score were comparable between the groups. Conclusion Elderly patients who received desflurane had a shorter emergence and recovery time compared with sevoflurane. Improved early postoperative SOMCT scores were noted in desflurane group.

Translation and concurrent validity, sensitivity and specificity of Chinese version of Short Orientation Memory Concentration Test in people with a first cerebral infarction.

This study aimed to translate the English version of the Short Orientation-Memory-Concentration (SOMC) test into a Chinese version, denoted the C-SOMC test, and to investigate the concurrent validity, sensitivity, and specificity of the C-SOMC test against a longer and widely used screening instrument in people with a first cerebral infarction. An expert group translated the SOMC test into Chinese using a forward-backward procedure. Eighty-six participants (67 men and 19 women, mean age = 59.31 ± 11.57 years) with a first cerebral infarction were enrolled in this study. The validity of the C-SOMC test was determined using the Chinese version of Mini Mental State Examination (C-MMSE) as the comparator. Concurrent validity was determined using Spearman's rank correlation coefficients. Univariate linear regression was used to analyze items' abilities to predict the total score on the C-SOMC test and the C-MMSE score. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to demonstrate the sensitivity and specificity of the C-SOMC test at various cut-off values distinguishing cognitive impairment from normal cognition. The total score for the C-SOMC test and the score for item 1 on this test exhibited moderate-to-good correlations with the C-MMSE score, with respective ρ-values of 0.636 and 0.565 (P < 0.001). The scores for each of items 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 yielded fair correlations with C-MMSE score, with ρ-value from 0.272 to 0.495 (P < 0.05). The total score on the C-SOMC test and the item score were good predictors (adjusted R2 = 0.049 to 0.615) of the C-MMSE score, and six items were good predictors (adjusted R2 = 0.134 to 0.795) of the total score. The AUC was 0.92 for the C-SOMC test. A cut-off of 17/18 on the C-SOMC test gave optimal performance: correct classification of 75% of participants, with 75% sensitivity and 87.9% specificity. The C-SOMC test demonstrated good concurrent validity, sensitivity and specificity in a sample of people with a first cerebral infarction, demonstrating that it could be used to screen for cognitive impairment in stroke patients.

Comparative study of recovery of airway reflexes and cognitive function following sevoflurane versus desflurane anaesthesia.

Background and Aims:Sevoflurane and desflurane have almost similar blood-gas solubility but recent studies suggest that desflurane compared to sevoflurane leads to faster recovery of airway reflexes, but the recovery of cognitive function varies significantly. We conducted this study to compare the times of recovery from anaesthesia following desflurane versus sevoflurane anaesthesia.Methods:This randomised double-blinded study was conducted on 60 patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification I–II, age between 18 and 60 years with body mass index (BMI) ≤30 kg/m2 who underwent elective cholecystectomy. A standard general anaesthesia protocol was followed with either sevoflurane (group A = 30 patients) or desflurane (group B = 30 patients) along with bispectral index and neuromuscular monitoring. Following extubation, tests for recovery of airway reflexes and cognitive function were conducted and various time intervals were noted. Statistical analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) standard software version 17.Results:The mean time from first verbal response to first passing the swallowing test was comparable in both the groups (5.50 ± 3.45 vs. 4.10 ± 3.42 min, P value = 0.120). Patients receiving desflurane showed faster response to verbal commands (5.93 ± 4.13 vs. 8.20 ± 3.39 min, P value = 0.024), passed the swallowing test earlier (10.03 ± 4.97 vs. 13.70 ± 3.48 min, P value = 0.009) and Short orientation memory concentration test (SOMCT) earlier (9.83 ± 4.51 vs. 14.10 ± 4.31 min, P value ≤0.001) compared to sevoflurane.Conclusion:In patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy under controlled conditions, earlier recovery is seen with desflurane compared to sevoflurane.

Simple and Effective Primary Assessment of Emergency Patients in a COVID-19 Outbreak Area: A Retrospective, Observational Study.

BackgroundThe rapid spread of COVID-19 has expanded into a pandemic, for which the main containment strategies to reduce transmission are social distancing and isolation of ill persons. Thousands of medical staff have been infected worldwide. Coronavirus testing kits have been in short supply, and early diagnostic reagents did not have high sensitivity. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of patients requiring emergency surgery in a COVID-19 outbreak area.MethodsWe assessed medical data regarding all patients who underwent emergency surgery at the main campus of Wuhan Union Hospital from January 23, 2020, to February 15, 2020. We classified patients based on suspicion of COVID-19 infection (suspected vs not suspected) before they were admitted to the operating room. We used descriptive statistics to analyze the data. Outcomes included the incidence of confirmed COVID-19 infection and length of stay, which were followed until March 25, 2020.ResultsAmong the 88 emergency patients included in this study, the mean age was 37 years. Twenty-five patients presented with abnormalities observed on chest CT scans and 16 presented with fever. The median wait time for surgery was one day. The median preparation time and median time until short orientation memory concentration test (SOMCT) recovery from anesthesia were 44.0 min and 23.0 min, respectively. The median postoperative length of stay was five days. Compared with patients not suspected of COVID-19 infection, six patients were confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 in the suspected group. No health care workers were infected during this study period.ConclusionSimple identification using temperature screening of patients, respiratory symptoms, and chest CT scans before being admitted for emergency surgery was rapid and effective. Shortened contact times might reduce the risk of infection. Additional investigations with larger samples and improved designs are needed to confirm these observations.

Safety and Use of MLC601/MLC901 (NeuroAiDTM) in Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Cohort Study from the NeuroAiD Safe Treatment Registry.

Background: MLC601/MLC901 (NeuroAiD™) is a combination of natural products shown to be safe and to aid neurological recovery after brain injuries, especially ischemic stroke. Few studies have investigated NeuroAiD in primary intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The NeuroAiD Safe Treatment (NeST) Registry explores NeuroAiD use in the real-world setting. This cohort study aimed to assess its use and safety in ICH. Methods: The online NeST Registry of subjects with ICH given NeuroAiD prospectively collected clinical data at baseline and monthly visits (V) 1 to 3. Outcome measures included compliance, side effects, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and Short Orientation-Memory-Concentration Test (SOMCT). Results: Sixty-six subjects were included. NeuroAiD was well-tolerated with fair compliance over three months. Two non-serious side effects were reported. Mean scores significantly improved on all outcome scales. The proportion of subjects with favorable outcomes significantly improved from baseline to V3: NIHSS 0–4, from 12% to 59% (p < 0.0001); GCS 13–15, from 64% to 88% (p = 0.007); mRS 0–1, from 9% to 37% (p = 0.004); and SOMCT score 0–8, from 44% to 68% (p = 0.029). Conclusions: NeuroAiD in the real-world setting was safe and showed potential for a sustained positive effect on neurological recovery after ICH.

Comparative evaluation of recovery after desflurane or sevoflurane anaesthesia

Introduction and Aims: Early recovery is seen while using sevoflurane and desflurane for anaesthesia as inhalation agents. Main aim of the study was to compare and analyze desflurane and sevoflurane inhalation agents in terms of emergence from anaesthesia and recovery of cognitive functions using short Orientation-Memory-Concentration Test (SOMCT) and digital symbol substitution test (DSST) in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgeries. Materials and Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted over 60 ASA I-III patients posted for laparoscopic surgeries. The day when patient was posted for surgery, SOMCT and DSST were done and baseline score was noted. Patients were pre-medicated and induced and were maintained on inhalation agents according to the group allocated. Inhalation agent was stopped after the surgery was completed and reversal agent for neuromuscular agent was being given. Total anaesthetic time, Time to extubaton, Time to eye-opening, Time to follow verbal commands, Time to achieve aldrete score 9 were noted. Then, patient was asked to perform SOMCT and DSST. Time required to reach the baseline level was compared. Results: The mean time to extubation was comparable in both groups. The mean time to follow verbal command after stopping study drug was statistically significantly less in desflurane group D (p Conclusion: Desflurane when compared with sevoflurane during laparoscopic surgery produces faster emergence from anaesthesia but time to achieve baseline cognitive function is similar in both. Keywords: DSST, SOMCT, Sevoflurane, Desflurane.

Comparison of Recovery Profile of Propofol, Sevoflurane, and Desflurane Anesthesia in Transnasal Trans-sphenoidal Surgery for Pituitary Tumors: A Prospective Randomized Trial

Abstract Background Smooth and early emergence is always a concern in neurosurgical patients as it prevents complication and facilitates neurological examination and immediate postoperative intervention, if necessary. Methods A prospective randomized trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of propofol, sevoflurane, and desflurane used for maintenance of anesthesia at the time of emergence and recovery from anesthesia in 75 patients undergoing elective trans-sphenoidal surgery for pituitary tumors. We evaluated time for emergence and extubation, modified Short Orientation Memory Concentration Test (SOMCT) score, Aldrete's scores, pain score, and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) score. Results Emergence and extubation times were significantly shorter in patients receiving desflurane as compared with those receiving propofol or sevoflurane (p &lt; 0.001). Modified SOMCT and Aldrete's scores were comparable in all the three groups with better cognitive scores in patients who received desflurane. Heart rate and mean arterial pressure were comparable at emergence and extubation in all the three groups except mean airway pressure (MAP) at extubation that was higher in the desflurane group compared with propofol and sevoflurane groups (p = 0.02), which was clinically comparable. Pain and PONV scores were also comparable between the groups. Conclusions Desflurane had shorter time to emergence and time to extubation in comparison to propofol and sevoflurane. Thus, desflurane can be used as an alternative to propofol and sevoflurane for maintenance of anesthesia in patients undergoing transnasal trans-sphenoidal pituitary surgery for its excellent recovery profile after anesthesia.

Desflurane Allows for a Faster Emergence When Compared to Sevoflurane without Affecting the Baseline Cognitive Recovery Time.

We compared the effect of desflurane and sevoflurane on anesthesia recovery time in patients undergoing urological cystoscopic surgery. The Short Orientation-Memory-Concentration Test (SOMCT) measured and compared cognitive impairment between groups and coughing was assessed throughout the anesthetic. This investigation included 75 ambulatory patients. Patients were randomized to receive either desflurane or sevoflurane. Inhalational anesthetics were discontinued after removal of the cystoscope and once repositioning of the patient was final. Coughing assessment and awakening time from anesthesia were assessed by a blinded observer. Statistical analysis was performed by using t-test for parametric variables and Mann-Whitney U test for non-parametric variables. The primary endpoint, mean time to eye-opening, was 5.0 ± 2.5 min for desflurane and 7.9 ± 4.1 min for sevoflurane (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in time to SOMCT recovery (p = 0.109), overall time spent in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) (p = 0.924) or time to discharge (p = 0.363). Median time until readiness for discharge was 9 min in the desflurane group, while the sevoflurane group had a median time of 20 min (p = 0.020). The overall incidence of coughing during the perioperative period was significantly higher in the desflurane (p = 0.030). We re-confirmed that patients receiving desflurane had a faster emergence and met the criteria to be discharged from the PACU earlier. No difference was found in time to return to baseline cognition between desflurane and sevoflurane.

Comparison of intraoperative brain condition, hemodynamics and postoperative recovery between desflurane and sevoflurane in patients undergoing supratentorial craniotomy.

Background:Post operative recovery has been reported to be faster with desflurane than sevoflurane anesthesia in previous studies. The use of desflurane is often criticized in neurosurgery due to the concerns of cerebral vasodilation and increase in ICP and studies comparing desflurane and sevoflurane in neurosurgey are scarce. So we compared the intraoperative brain condition, hemodynamics and postoperative recovery in patients undergoing elective supratentorial craniotomy receiving either desflurane or sevoflurane.Materials and Methods:Fifty three patients between 18-60yr undergoing elective supratentorial craniotomy receiving N2O and oxygen (60%:40%) and 0.8-1.2 MAC of either desflurane or sevoflurane were randomized to group S (Sevoflurane) or group D (Desflurane). Subdural intra cranial pressure (ICP) was measured and brain condition was assessed.. Emergence time, tracheal extubation time and recovery time were recorded. Cognitive behavior was evaluated with Short Orientation Memory Concentration Test (SOMCT) and neurological outcome (at the time of discharge) was assessed using Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) between the two groups.Results:The emergence time [Group D 7.4 ± 2.7 minutes vs. Group S 7.8 ± 3.7 minutes; P = 0.65], extubation time [Group D 11.8 ± 2.8 minutes vs. Group S 12.9 ± 4.9 minutes; P = 0.28] and recovery time [Group D 16.4 ± 2.6 minutes vs. Group S 17.1 ± 4.8 minutes; P = 0.50] were comparable between the two groups. There was no difference in ICP [Group D; 9.1 ± 4.3 mmHg vs. Group S; 10.9 ± 4.2 mmHg; P = 0.14] and brain condition between the two groups. Both groups had similar post-operative complications, hospital and ICU stay and GOS.Conclusion:In patients undergoing elective supratentorial craniotomy both sevoflurane and desflurane had similar intra-operative brain condition, hemodynamics and post operative recovery profile.

Comparison between remifentanil-sevoflurane and sufentanil-sevoflurane for general anesthesia on the early recovery of cognitive function in elderly patients

Objective To explore the effects of remifentanil-sevoflurane and sufentanil-sevoflurane for general anesthesia on the early recovery of cognitive function in elderly patients postoperative period.Methods Sixty ASA physical Status Ⅰ-Ⅱ patients (aged 60 y-75 y) were randomly assigned to one of two study groups:anesthesia with remifentanil-sevoflurane (R group) and sufentanil-sevoflurane (S group).Induction of anesthesia was performed by administering sevoflurane constantly.Anaesthesia was induced either with remifentanil (1 μg/kg) or sufentanil (0.3 μg/kg) infusion,after loss of consciousness,rocuronium (0.9 mg/kg) was administered to facilitate endotracheal intubation.Remifentanil and sufentanil were subsequently titrated to lower doses according to the clinical need defined as the minimal dose required formaintaining MAP within 20％ of baseline.Sevoflurane was administered at the discretion of the anaesthesiologist to keep the bispectral index (BIS) between 40 and 50.To evaluate cognitive function the Short Orientation Memory Concentration Test(SOMCT) and Rancho Los Amigos Scale(RLAS) were administered to all patients in a double-blind procedure before surgery and at 1,3,6 h and 24 h after extubation (T0,T1,T2,T3,T4).Results There was no significant differences in SOMCT scores and RLAS GradeⅧ at baseline in the two groups.SOMCT scores were significantly reduced in both groups at T1 and recovered to the preoperative level at T2 in R group,but at T3 in S group (P＜0.05).RLAS GradeⅧ were significantly reduced in both groups,at T1 23 patients(77％) in R group and 8 patients (27％) in the S group (P＜0.05),whereas at T2 28 patients (93％) in R group and 15 patients (50％) in the S group(P＜0.05).At T3 and T4 after extubation the RLAS Grade was (aim)ilar in the two groups.Conclusions These preliminary data show remifentanil-sevoflurane and sufentanil-sevoflurane can induce similar intraoperative haemodynamics and extubation time,though the early cognitive recovery is faster after use of remifentanil-sevoflurane than that of sufentanil-sevoflurane. Key words: General anesthesia; Postoperative cognitive recovery; Sevoflurane; Remifentanil; Sufentanil

The Effect of Sevoflurane and Desflurane on the Early Postoperative Cognitive Functions In Geriatric Patients

Our aim was to compare the effects of desflurane and sevoflurane on cognitive functions of geriatric patients that were planned for elective surgery under general anestesia. After national ethical committee approval, 40 patients (aged 65-75 yr) were enrolled. Patients were allocated to either the desflurane (n=20) or the sevoflurane (n=20) group. In all patients anaesthesia will be induced with propofol and remifentanyl, and maintained with the anaesthetics desflurane, or sevoflurane, and remifentanyl. Emergence times from anaesthesia and Aldrete scores were recorded. Cognitive function will be evaluated with two cognitive test; Blessed Short Orientation Memory Concentration Test (BOMC) and standardized mini mental test (SMMT) preoperatively and postoperatively at 60, and 180 minute after extubation. The mean extubation time, eye opening time and Aldrete scores were similar in the desflurane and sevoflurane groups (p>0,05). There were no significant differences between the desflurane and the sevoflurane groups when the BOMC and MMST scores were compared preoperatively, and postoperatively at 60, and 180 min (p>0,05).The result of this study indicate that there is no difference between effects of desflurane and sevoflurane anesthesia on postoperatif cognitive functions in the elderly.

Effects of aminophylline on cognitive recovery after sevoflurane anesthesia

Aminophylline accelerates the recovery from sevoflurane anesthesia. We studied the effects of escalating doses of aminophylline on cognitive and clinical recovery after sevoflurane anesthesia. After ethical approval and informed consent, 150 patients scheduled for elective surgery under sevoflurane-fentanyl anesthesia were randomly allocated to receive saline or 2, 3, 4 or 5mg/kg of aminophylline (n=30 for each) at the end of anesthesia (T (0)). Short Orientation Memory Concentration Test (SOMCT) scores, entropy values, end-tidal sevoflurane concentrations (EtSevo), times to eyes opening and extubation, respiratory rate (RR) and tidal volume (TV) were recorded. Compared to placebo, patients receiving 2, 3, 4 and 5mg/kg of aminophylline had higher SOMCT scores [median (25th percentile/75th percentile) 20.6 (19/23), 21.5 (21/22), 24.5 (24-25), 25.5 (25/26), respectively, vs. 13.5 (13/14) at 30min after extubation, and 24 (22/26), 25 (24/26), 27.5 (27-28), 27.5 (27/28), respectively, vs. 18.5 (18/19) at 45min after extubation], higher entropy values for the first 10min after T (0), lower EtSevo for the first 4min after T (0), shorter times to eyes opening [5 (4.0/6.0), 5 (4.0/6.0), 4 (2.0/5.5), and 4 (2.0/6.0), respectively, vs. 9.8 (8.0/11.0)min], shorter times to extubation, shorter times to home discharge (P<0.001), and higher RR and larger TV values. Patients who received 4 and 5mg/kg of aminophylline showed higher SOMCT scores, 6min shorter times to eyes opening and to extubation, and 58min shorter times to home discharge. The administration of escalating doses of aminophylline accelerates postoperative cognitive recovery from sevoflurane anesthesia, as measured by the SOMCT, due to increased ventilatory elimination of sevoflurane.

Early postoperative cognitive dysfunction and postoperative delirium after anaesthesia with various hypnotics: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial - The PINOCCHIO trial

BackgroundPostoperative delirium can result in increased postoperative morbidity and mortality, major demand for postoperative care and higher hospital costs. Hypnotics serve to induce and maintain anaesthesia and to abolish patients' consciousness. Their persisting clinical action can delay postoperative cognitive recovery and favour postoperative delirium. Some evidence suggests that these unwanted effects vary according to each hypnotic's specific pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic characteristics and its interaction with the individual patient.We designed this study to evaluate postoperative delirium rate after general anaesthesia with various hypnotics in patients undergoing surgical procedures other than cardiac or brain surgery. We also aimed to test whether delayed postoperative cognitive recovery increases the risk of postoperative delirium.Methods/DesignAfter local ethics committee approval, enrolled patients will be randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups. In all patients anaesthesia will be induced with propofol and fentanyl, and maintained with the anaesthetics desflurane, or sevoflurane, or propofol and the analgesic opioid fentanyl.The onset of postoperative delirium will be monitored with the Nursing Delirium Scale every three hours up to 72 hours post anaesthesia. Cognitive function will be evaluated with two cognitive test batteries (the Short Memory Orientation Memory Concentration Test and the Rancho Los Amigos Scale) preoperatively, at baseline, and postoperatively at 20, 40 and 60 min after extubation.Statistical analysis will investigate differences in the hypnotics used to maintain anaesthesia and the odds ratios for postoperative delirium, the relation of early postoperative cognitive recovery and postoperative delirium rate. A subgroup analysis will be used to categorize patients according to demographic variables relevant to the risk of postoperative delirium (age, sex, body weight) and to the preoperative score index for delirium.DiscussionThe results of this comparative anaesthesiological trial should whether each the three hypnotics tested is related to a significantly different postoperative delirium rate. This information could ultimately allow us to select the most appropriate hypnotic to maintain anaesthesia for specific subgroups of patients and especially for those at high risk of postoperative delirium.Registered at Trial.gov NumberClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00507195

Xenon anaesthesia produces better early postoperative cognitive recovery than sevoflurane anaesthesia

Xenon anaesthesia may have the potential to reduce postoperative cognitive impairment after general anaesthesia. This randomized double-blind controlled trial was designed to compare the early postoperative cognitive recovery after xenon and sevoflurane anaesthesia. After institutional ethics approval, we obtained informed written consent from 60 adults, with American Society of Anesthesiologists I or II status, scheduled for elective surgery with an estimated surgery time between 60 and 360 min. Patients were randomized to receive xenon or sevoflurane anaesthesia. Both groups received a remifentanil infusion adjusted to clinical needs based on patients' haemodynamic and state entropy of less than 60. In cases of state entropy of at least 60 during the first 15 min after induction, patients in the xenon group received a propofol infusion targeted to state entropy of less than 60. The primary end-point of the study was the early postoperative cognitive recovery evaluated by the Short Orientation Memory Concentration Test. There was no significant difference in the mean preoperative Short Orientation Memory Concentration Test values between groups (sevoflurane 2.7 +/- 3.2 and xenon 3.2 +/- 2.6; P, 0.53). Awakening was significantly faster in the xenon group (sevoflurane 8 +/- 4 min and xenon 3 +/- 1 min; P < 0.001). Patients receiving xenon presented significantly lower Short Orientation Memory Concentration Test scores at 30 min (sevoflurane 6.7 +/- 5.9 and xenon 3.3 +/- 3.1; P 0.003) and 60 min (xenon 2.1 +/- 3 and sevoflurane 5 +/- 4.1; P 0.003) after extubation. Xenon anaesthesia was associated with faster emergence and with better early postoperative cognitive recovery than sevoflurane anaesthesia.

Accuracy in Scoring Vignettes Using the Mini Mental State Examination and the Short Orientation Memory Concentration Test

To compare the accuracy in scoring of vignettes of 2 cognitive screening tests-the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Short Orientation Memory Concentration Test (S-OMC). Within group comparison. Academic institution. A total of 74 student nurses. Participants received instruction on the scoring of each test and were then asked to score 6 videotaped clinical vignettes. Scores allocated by participants on the vignettes for the MMSE and S-OMC. The proportion of participants assigning the correct total score to the vignettes was low (MMSE 53.2%, S-OMC 66.7%), and the difference in accuracy between tests was significant (P = .005). The total scores that were assigned resulted in misclassification across all 4 caseness cutoffs within each test (MMSE 0.9%-5.9%; S-OMC 1.4%-2.7%). The differences in correct caseness placement between the 2 tests were significant only for the moderate impairment cutoff, where the S-OMC achieved greater correct caseness placement. The high proportion of scoring mistakes overall has implications for the use of both the tests in routine clinical practice but in particular for the MMSE. An increased awareness is needed in clinical settings and among tests developers, of the likelihood of, and implications arising from, variations in scoring accuracy. In the current study, the S-OMC was scored more accurately than the MMSE.

A Comparison Between Sevoflurane and Desflurane Anesthesia in Patients Undergoing Craniotomy for Supratentorial Intracranial Surgery

Desflurane in neurosurgery may be beneficial because it facilitates postoperative early neurologic evaluation. However, its use has been debated because of its capacity to promote cerebral vasodilatation. Sevoflurane has been extensively used in neurosurgical patients. In this prospective clinical trial, we compared early postoperative recovery and cognitive function in patients undergoing craniotomy for supratentorial expanding lesions and receiving sevoflurane or desflurane anesthesia. One hundred twenty patients, ASA physical status I-III (66 men), Glascow Coma Scale 15, undergoing craniotomy for supratentorial expanding lesions were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly allocated to two anesthetic regimens. In Group S (60 patients, 52 +/- 16 yr), anesthesia was maintained using sevoflurane with end-tidal of 1.5%-2% and was age adjusted to obtain approximately 1.2 minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration. In Group D (60 patients, 60 +/- 14 yr), anesthesia was maintained using desflurane with end-tidal of 6%-7% and was age adjusted to obtain approximately 1.2 minimum alveolar concentration. Emergence time was measured as the time from drug discontinuation to the time at which patients opened their eyes; tracheal extubation time was measured as the time from anesthetic discontinuation and tracheal extubation. Recovery time was measured as the time elapsing from discontinuation of anesthetic and the time when patients were able to recall their name and date of birth. Cognitive behavior was evaluated with the Short Orientation Memory Concentration Test. In the postanesthesia care unit, a blinded observer monitored the patients for 3 h; the incidence of hemodynamic events, pain, nausea, and shivering requiring rescue medication was recorded. The mean emergence time (12.2 +/- 4.9 min in Group S vs 10.8 +/- 7.2 min in Group D; P = ns) was similar in the two groups, whereas the mean extubation time and recovery time were longer in Group S (15.2 +/- 3.0 min in Group S vs 11.3 +/- 3.9 min in Group D and 18.2 +/- 2.3 min in Group S vs 12.4 +/- 7.7 min in Group D, respectively; P < 0.001). The Short Orientation Memory Concentration Test score differed between the two groups only at the earliest assessment (15 min after extubation). No difference between the two groups was found in pain, shivering, nausea, vomiting, and incidence of postoperative hemodynamic events. Patients who received desflurane had a shorter extubation and recovery time but similar intraoperative and postoperative incidence of complications compared with those who received sevoflurane.

Early Postoperative Cognitive Recovery and Gas Exchange Patterns After Balanced Anesthesia With Sevoflurane or Desflurane in Overweight and Obese Patients Undergoing Craniotomy

Overweight and obese patients are at especially high risk for delayed awakening after general surgery. Whether this risk also applies to cerebral neurosurgical procedures remains unclear. This study evaluated early postoperative cognitive recovery and gas exchange patterns, after balanced anesthesia with sevoflurane or desflurane, in overweight and obese patients undergoing craniotomy for supratentorial expanding lesions. Fifty-six patients were consecutively enrolled, and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 study groups to receive balanced anesthesia with sevoflurane or desflurane. Cognitive function was evaluated with the Short Orientation Memory Concentration Test and the Rancho Los Amigos Scale and gas exchange patterns (pH, PaO2, and PaCO2) were recorded in all patients at 5 time-points: preoperatively and postoperatively, after patients reached an Aldrete score >or=9, at 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes. Preoperative cognitive status was similar in the 2 treatment groups. Early postoperative cognitive recovery was more delayed and Short Orientation Memory Concentration Test scores at 15 and 30 minutes postanesthesia were lower in patients receiving sevoflurane-based anesthesia than in those receiving desflurane-based anesthesia (21.5+/-3.5 vs. 14.9+/-3.5) (P<0.005) and (26.9+/-0.7 vs. 21.5+/-1.4) (P<0.005), and the postoperative Rancho Los Amigos Scalegrade 8 showed a similar trend (25/28 patients 89% vs. 8/28 patients 28% (P<0.005) and 28/28 patients (100% vs. 13/28 patients 46%) (P<0.005). Similarly, gas-exchange analysis showed higher PaCO2 at 15 and 30 minutes and lower pH up to 45 minutes postextubation in patients receiving sevoflurane-based anesthesia. In overweight and obese patients undergoing craniotomy desflurane-based anesthesia allows earlier postoperative cognitive recovery and reversal to normocapnia and normal pH.

Recovery Profiles from Dexmedetomidine as a General Anesthetic Adjuvant in Patients Undergoing Lower Abdominal Surgery

Dexmedetomidine induces less change in hemodynamic values during the extubation period. This drug may be useful in anesthetic management requiring smooth emergence from anesthesia. We sought to determine the effects of co-administration of dexmedetomidine on the recovery profiles from sevoflurane and propofol, which usually provide safe and rapid recovery when administered alone. Sixty patients undergoing lower abdominal surgery were randomly divided into four groups according to the anesthetic to be administered; namely, sevoflurane (group S), propofol (group P), both sevoflurane and dexmedetomidine (group SD), or propofol and dexmedetomidine (group PD) as maintenance general anesthetics. After induction, anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane (0.6%-1.5%) in group S, propofol (2-5 mg/kg/h) in group P, sevoflurane and dexmedetomidine (1 microg/kg over 10 min followed by 0.4 microg/kg/h until the end of surgery) in group SD, and propofol and dexmedetomidine in group PD with continuous epidural infusion. Bispectral Index values were maintained within 45 +/- 5 by changing the concentration of sevoflurane or the infusion rate of propofol in all groups. The time between the interruption of maintenance general anesthetics and eye opening was measured. Postoperative cognitive function was evaluated using the Short Orientation Memory Concentration Test. The time to eye opening of groups S (8.5 +/- 2.5 min, mean +/- SD; n = 15) and SD (12.0 +/- 3.3 min) were comparable, whereas that of group PD (21.7 +/- 7.1 min) was longer than that of group P (11.0 +/- 4.4 min). The time to eye opening of group PD was significantly (P < 0.001) longer than those of the other three groups. The scores of Short Orientation Memory Concentration Test between groups S and P were similar and were not changed by co-administration of dexmedetomidine. When co-administered with dexmedetomidine, sevoflurane produced a shorter time to eye opening than propofol. Postoperative cognitive function was not affected by dexmedetomidine administration. These results suggest dexmedetomidine may delay recovery when given as an adjuvant to propofol during total i.v. anesthesia.

Early postoperative cognitive recovery after remifentanil–propofol or sufentanil–propofol anaesthesia for supratentorial craniotomy: a randomized trial

This study was designed to evaluate early postoperative cognitive recovery after total intravenous anaesthesia with remifentanil-propofol or sufentanil-propofol in patients undergoing craniotomy for supratentorial expanding lesions. Sixty patients were consecutively enrolled, and randomly assigned to one of two study groups: remifentanil-propofol or sufentanil-propofol anaesthesia. To evaluate cognitive function the Short Orientation Memory Concentration Test (SOMCT) and Rancho Los Amigos Scale (RLAS) were administered to all patients in a double-blind procedure before surgery at 15, 45 min and 3 h after extubation. Mean extubation time was similar in the two groups (13 +/- 5 min vs. 19 +/- 6 min). A significantly larger number of patients in the remifentanil-propofol group than in the sufentanil-propofol group required antihypertensive medication postoperatively to maintain mean arterial pressure within 20% of baseline (18/30 vs. 4/29; P = 0.0004). Intergroup analysis showed no differences in baseline SOMCT scores (28 +/- 1 vs. 28 +/- 1) whereas mean SOMCT scores at 15, 45 min and 3 h after extubation were significantly higher in the remifentanil-propofol group (30 patients) than in the sufentanil-propofol group (29 patients) (22 +/- 3 vs. 16 +/- 3; P < 0.0001 and 27 +/- 1 vs. 22 +/- 3; P < 0.0001; 28 +/- 1 vs. 26 +/- 2; P = 0.0126). In conclusion, propofol-remifentanil and propofol-sufentanil are both suitable for fast-track neuroanaesthesia and provide similar intraoperative haemodynamics, awakening and extubation times. Despite a higher risk of treatable postoperative hypertension propofol-remifentanil allows earlier cognitive recovery.

The validity and reliability of the Turkish versii̇on of Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐Cognitive Subscale (ADAS‐Cog) in patients with mild and moderate Alzheimer's disease and normal subjects

The cognitive subscale of the Alzheimer's Disease Assesment Scale (ADAS-Cog) is the most widely used test in clinical trials dealing with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aim of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of ADAS-Cog. Twenty-nine patients with AD, fulfilling NINCDS-ADRDA criteria of probable AD, who were in stage 3-5 according to the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS), and 27 non-demented control subjects with similar age, gender and educational status were recruited for the study. The Turkish version of ADAS-Cog, Standardized Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) and Short Orientation-Memory-Concentration Test (SOMCT) were applied to both of the groups. Inter-rater reliability, internal consistency, test-retest reliability; face validity, differential validity and convergent validity were statistically analyzed. Both MMSE and ADAS-Cog have significantly differentiated patients with AD and control subjects (p < 0.001). A significant correlation was established between MMSE and ADAS-Cog scores in AD group (r: -0.739). ADAS-Cog was also highly significantly correlated with GDS (r: 0.720) and SOMCT (r: 0.738). For the group with AD, control and whole cohort coefficients of internal consistency, Cronbach's alpha: 0.800, 0.515, 0.873 were found respectively. Inter-rater reliability for total ADAS-Cog score was found as ICC: 0.99 and 0.98 and test-retest reliability was found as ICC: 0.91 and 0.95 for demented and nondemented subjects, respectively. The Turkish version of ADAS-Cog has been found to be highly reliable and valid in differentiating patients with mild and moderate AD from nondemented subjects.