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Effects of cerebral oxygen changes during coronary bypass surgery on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients: a pilot study This study is supported by Istanbul University (Scientific Research Foundation).

Abstract

Background and objectives:

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction is common after cardiac surgery. Adequate cerebral perfusion is essential and near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) can measure cerebral oxygenation. Aim of this study is to compare incidence of early and late postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients treated with conventional or near infrared spectroscopy monitoring.

Methods:

Patients undergoing coronary surgery above 60 years, were included and randomized to 2 groups; control and NIRS groups. Peroperative management was NIRS guided in GN; and with conventional approach in control group. Test battery was performed before surgery, at first week and 3rd month postoperatively. The battery comprised clock drawing, memory, word list generation, digit spam and visuospatial skills subtests. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction was defined as drop of 1 SD (standard deviation) from baseline on two or more tests. Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of quantitative measurements; Chi-square exact test to compare quantitative data.

Results:

Twenty-one patients in control group and 19 in NIRS group completed study. Demographic and operative data were similar. At first week postoperative cognitive dysfunction were present in 9 (45%) and 7 (41%) of patients in control group and NIRS group respectively. At third month 10 patients (50%) were assessed as postoperative cognitive dysfunction; incidence was 4 (24%) in NIRS group (p:0.055). Early and late postoperative cognitive dysfunction group had significantly longer ICU stay (1.74 + 0.56 vs. 2.94 + 0.95; p < 0.001; 1.91 + 0.7 vs. 2.79 + 1.05; p < 0.01) and longer hospital stay (9.19 + 2.8 vs. 11.88 + 1.7; p < 0.01; 9.48 + 2.6 vs. 11.36 + 2.4; p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

In this pilot study conventional monitoring and near infrared spectroscopy resulted in similar rates of early postoperative cognitive dysfunction. Late cognitive dysfunction tended to ameliorate with near infrared spectroscopy. Early and late cognitive declines were associated with prolonged ICU and hospital stays.

KEYWORDS
Postoperative cognitive dysfunction; Cerebral oximetry; Cardiac surgery; Elderly patient

Resumo

Justificativa e objetivos:

A disfunção cognitiva no pós-operatório é comum após cirurgia cardíaca. A perfusão cerebral adequada é essencial e a espectroscopia no infravermelho próximo (NIRS) pode medir a oxigenação cerebral. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a incidência de disfunção cognitiva no pós-operatório, precoce e tardio, em pacientes idosos tratados com monitoração convencional ou espectroscopia no infravermelho próximo.

Métodos:

Os pacientes submetidos à cirurgia coronariana, acima de 60 anos, foram incluídos e randomicamente alocados em dois grupos: grupo controle e grupo NIRS. O manejo dos pacientes no período perioperatório foi feito com NIRS no grupo NH e com abordagem convencional no grupo controle A bateria de testes foi feita antes da cirurgia, na primeira semana e no terceiro mês de pós-operatório. A bateria incluiu o desenho do relógio, a memória, a geração de uma lista de palavras, a sequência de dígitos e subtestes que exigem habilidades visuoespaciais.Disfunção cognitiva no pós-operatório foi definida como queda de um DP (desvio-padrão) da fase basal em dois ou mais testes. O teste U de Mann Whitney foi usado para comparação de medidas quantitativa e o teste exato do qui-quadrado para comparar dados quantitativos.

Resultados:

Vinte e um pacientes do grupo controle e 19 do grupo NIRS concluíram o estudo. Os dados demográficos e operacionais foram semelhantes. Na primeira semana, nove pacientes (45%) do GC e sete pacientes (41%) do grupo NIRS apresentaram disfunção cognitiva no pós-operatório. No terceiro mês, 10 pacientes (50%) foram avaliados como disfunção cognitiva no pós-operatório; a incidência foi de quatro (24%) no grupo NIRS (p = 0,055). O grupo que apresentou disfunção cognitiva no pós-operatório precoce e tardio teve uma permanência significativamente maior na UTI (1,74 + 0,56 vs. 2,94 + 0,95; p < 0,001; 1,91 + 0,7 vs. 2,79 + 1,05; p < 0,01) e permanência hospitalar mais longa (9,19 + 2,8 vs. 11,88 + 1,7; p < 0,01; 9,48 + 2,6 vs. 11,36 + 2,4; p < 0,05).

Conclusão:

Neste estudo piloto, a monitoração convencional e a espectroscopia no infravermelho próximo resultaram em taxas semelhantes de disfunção cognitiva no pós-operatório precoce. A disfunção cognitiva tardia tende a melhorar com espectroscopia no infravermelho próximo. Os declínios cognitivos precoces e tardios foram associados a internações prolongadas tanto em UTI quanto hospitalares.

PALAVRAS-CHAVE
Disfunção cognitiva no pós-operatório; Oximetria cerebral; Cirurgia cardíaca; Paciente idoso

Introduction

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a well-known phenomenon defined as decline in multiple intellectual domains such as language comprehension, memory, mathematical function or vigilance. Diagnosis is based on neuropsychometric tests. Incidence appears in a wide range from 30% to 80% in early postoperative period.11 Kalman J, Juhasz A, Bogats G, et al. Elevated levels of inflammatory biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid after coronary artery bypass surgery are predictors of cognitive decline. Neurochem Int. 2006;48:177-80.44 van Harten AE, Scheeren TW, Absalom AR. A review of postoperative cognitive dysfunction and neuroinflammation associated with cardiac surgery and anesthesia. Anaesthesia. 2012;67:280-93. Recognized risk factors related to patients are advanced age, preoperative cognitive impairment or previous stroke, lower educational level, alcohol abuse, genetic predisposition (with some alleles) and severe atherosclerosis.55 Monk TG, Price CC. Postoperative cognitive disorders. Curr Opin Anesthesiol. 2011;17:376-81.,66 Berger M, Nadler JW, Browndyke J, et al. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction. Minding the gaps of in our knowledge of a common postoperative complication in elderly. Anesthesiol Clin. 2015;33:517-50. Older people suffer frequently from cardiovascular diseases, diabetes or organ dysfunctions, and are more disposed to complications. Then again older brain is more susceptible as size, distribution and type of neurotransmitters, metabolic function, and capacity for plasticity are all impaired. It is associated with impaired regulatory mechanisms and also, reduced ability to cope with operative stresses. Persistent cognitive decline is associated with loss of independence, reduced life quality and even mortality.55 Monk TG, Price CC. Postoperative cognitive disorders. Curr Opin Anesthesiol. 2011;17:376-81. Thus, measures to decrease incidence of POCD should be encouraged.

Besides age, surgical risk factors have been discussed in previous reports; cardiac and some orthopedic procedures are mainly found to be related with POCD. Microembolism, perfusion problems and inflammatory response probably contribute in the pathogenesis of cognitive decline among cardiac surgical patients.77 Pugsley W, Kingsley L, Paschalis C, et al. The impact of microemboli during cardiopulmonary bypass on neuropsychological functioning. Stroke. 1994;25:1393-9.,88 Kruis RW, Vlasveld FA, van Dijk D. The (un) importance of cerebral microemboli. Semin Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2010;14:111-8. All conditions lead to cerebral tissue hypoxia. Maintenance of “adequate” blood pressures, various degree of hyperoxia or off-pump cardiac surgery were all used to optimize cerebral oxygenation and to improve cognitive outcome with conflicting results.99 Siepe M, Pfeiffer T, Gieringer A, et al. Increased systemic perfusion pressure during cardiopulmonary bypass is associated with less early postoperative cognitive dysfunction and delirium. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2011;40:200-7.1313 Kok WF, van Harten AE, Koene BMJA, et al. A pilot study of cerebral tissue oxygenation and postoperative cognitive dysfunction among patients undergoing coronary bypass grafting randomized to surgery with or without cardiopulmonary bypass. Anaesthesia. 2014;69:613-22.

Regional cerebral oxygen saturation may be measured noninvasively by near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in perioperative period. In the management of CPB, NIRS is frequently used with a clinical algorithm.1414 Denault A, Deschamps A, Murkin JM. A proposed algorithm for the intraoperative use of cerebral near infrared spectroscopy. Semin Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2007;11:274-81. Studies have shown an association of low cerebral local oxygen saturation with neurological complications and cognitive impairment with the use of NIRS.1010 Slater JP, Guarino T, Stack J, et al. Cerebral oxygen desaturation predicts cognitive decline and longer hospital stay after cardiac surgery. Ann Thorac Surg. 2009;87:36-45.,1111 De Tournay-Jette E, Dupuis G, Bherer L, et al. The relationship with cerebral oxygen saturation changes and postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients after coronary bypass graft surgery. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2011;25:95-104. Similarly shortened duration of hospitalization and decreased damage in vital organs were also demonstrated with intraoperative use of NIRS.1515 Murkin JM, Adams SJ, Novick RJ, et al. Monitoring brain oxygen saturation during coronary bypass surgery. Anesth Analg. 2007;104:51-8.

The aim of this pilot study is to compare the incidence of early and late POCD in elderly undergoing elective coronary surgery, managed according to conventional or NIRS monitoring during intraoperative period.

Methods

After approval of institutional Ethical Committee (nº 2013/15), patients undergoing elective coronary surgery, above 60 years with preserved left ventricle function who gave their consent were included in the study. Other inclusion criteria were fluency in Turkish and graduation at least from primary school. Exclusion criteria were hearing or language disabilities, symptomatic carotid stenosis, alcohol abuse, psychiatric disorders, central nervous degenerative disease, severe hepatic or renal dysfunction, combined intracardiac procedures. Prior to the enrolment subjects were assessed with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and patients with a score below 23 were excluded.

Anesthesia induction was achieved with 10–15 µg.kg−1 fentanyl, 0.1–0.2 mg.kg−1 midazolam, and 0.6 mg.kg−1 rocuronium. Sevoflurane based inhalational anesthesia and remifentanyl infusion with supplemental rocuronium doses were used for maintenance including the cardiopulmonary bypass period. Pressure-controlled mechanical ventilation with FiO2:0.5, inspiratory pressure level to obtain a tidal volume of 8 mL.kg−1, respiration frequency to obtain an ETCO2 of 35–40 mmHg, and 5 cm H2O PEEP were adjusted. During the cardiopulmonary bypass, the lungs were passively deflated.

All patients were operated on by the same surgical team at 32 ºC and a mild level of hemodilution (Hct: 26–28%). Pump flow rates were adjusted to 2.5 L.min−1 per m2 for the normothermic phase and 2.25–2.5 L.min−1 per m2 for the hypothermic phase during which the target systemic arterial pressure was 70 mmHg. Intermittent antegrade blood cardioplegia was applied in a 20 mL.kg−1 induction dose and 10 mL.kg−1 in every 30 min as maintenance. At the end of the intervention, patients were transferred to the intensive care unit under propofol and midazolam sedation and controlled ventilation. The weaning process from sedation, mechanical ventilation, and inotropic support was managed by the intensive care team according to their routine clinical procedure. Finally the need for postoperative inotropic support and mechanical ventilation time were recorded for every patient.

Randomization and NIRS follow-up

Prior to anesthesia induction patients were randomized with sealed envelope system to conventional (GC) or near-infrared spectroscopy group (GN). In the conventional monitoring group, the global perfusion goals including pump flow rates during extracorporeal circulation were determined and achieved by mean arterial pressure, hemoglobin level and oxygen values (arterial and venous). In GN regional cerebral oxygen saturation was added to standard monitoring and prior to induction to anesthesia oximeter sensors (Invos 5100C, Cerebral/Somatic oximeter; Medtronic®) were placed bilaterally on the forehead to obtain baseline cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) values. During surgery a drop of more than 20% from baseline value or rSO2 lesser than 50% are determined as an indication of intervention. The algorithm to correct intraoperative cerebral desaturation proposed by Denault was used to define interventions.1414 Denault A, Deschamps A, Murkin JM. A proposed algorithm for the intraoperative use of cerebral near infrared spectroscopy. Semin Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2007;11:274-81. According to this algorithm, the first step was to rule out any mechanical obstruction which can impede pump flow, than to increase mean arterial pressure and to verify systemic oxygenation. The latter steps were to normalize PaCO2, to optimize hemoglobin level, to evaluate cardiac function and finally to decrease cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen.

Neuropsychological assessment

Cognitive function was assessed by an investigator blinded to study allocation. An initial MMSE was performed, and patient eligibility was determined according to the score obtained on this first assessment. The MMSE is a quantitative and practical testing used to detect a patient's cognitive status such as orientation, memory, attention, language, and visuo-spatial functioning as well as orientation with 30 points at best. If patients scored more than 23 on the MMSE, they were considered eligible for the study and were assessed with a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery. Wechler Memory Scale (WMS) – Logical Memory subtest detects short and long-term memory from a story (two different stories pre-and postoperatively); patients were asked to repeat or to answer about it, with a maximum score of 10. Clock Drawing Test investigates planning, and visual comprehension; its best score is 10. Word List Generation Test assesses sustained attention also called perseverance with a maximum score of 20; patients had to say animal or fruit names with the same initial. Digit Span subtest detects global attention with concentration, and consists of repeating numbers forward or backward after investigator; with 10 points at best. Visuo-Spatial Skills Test evaluates perceptual functions; patients were asked to make a ring, scissors, etc. with their hands.

Except for the MMSE, all patients were examined 2–3 days before surgery (baseline), postoperatively at the first week (early), and at 3rd month (late). All evaluation was conducted by the same anesthesiologist (CS) who was blinded to perioperative monitoring, and who was trained and supervised by the faculty's Neurology Clinic's consultants during the entire study period. The neuropsychological test battery lasted approximately 45 min. All tests were administered in same time of day and same location, a private room at surgical service. Each subject was evaluated three times during study: preoperatively, at first week and at 3rd month postoperatively.

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (early or late) was defined as a drop of 1 standard deviation from baseline on two or more neuropsychological tests as described by Höcker et al. in their recent study.1616 Höcker J, Stapelfeldt C, Leiendecker J, et al. Postoperative neurocognitive dysfunction in elderly patients after xenon versus propofol anesthesia for major non cardiac surgery: a double-blinded randomized controlled pilot study. Anesthesiology. 2009;110:1068-76. Because of the lack of a non-surgical control group, the cognitive function evaluation was performed only as a between-group comparison. The standard deviation (SD) of each preoperative test was calculated, and the number of patients who deteriorated or improved postoperatively was determined.1616 Höcker J, Stapelfeldt C, Leiendecker J, et al. Postoperative neurocognitive dysfunction in elderly patients after xenon versus propofol anesthesia for major non cardiac surgery: a double-blinded randomized controlled pilot study. Anesthesiology. 2009;110:1068-76.

Statistical analysis

The results of the study, SPSS 19.0 for WINDOWS software were used for statistical analysis. In assessing the study data, statistical methods (median, range, mean, standard deviation) and Mann–Whitney U test was used for intergroup comparison of quantitative measurements. Chi-square test and Fischer's exact test, where necessary, was used in a four-fold design to compare quantitative data. Friedmann test was used for intragroup changes in time. Results were evaluated by applying 95% Confidence Interval and p < 0.05 significance level.

Results

Forty-six patients meeting the criteria were included in this study. In GC 4 patients whose postoperative tests could not be completed, were excluded from data analysis. Moreover one patient who experienced a late cerebrovascular event (at 2 months postoperatively), was not excluded in terms of “intention-to-treat” principle. Two patients were excluded from GN due to change in surgical plan (additional intracardiac procedure). Another 2 patients in GN required reoperation due postoperative bleeding; they were enrolled in the study, similarly in terms of “intention-to-treat” principle. Thus, the study was completed with 21 patients in GI and 19 patients in the GII (Fig. 1).

Figure 1
Flowchart.

Demographic and operative data were comparable between groups (Table 1).

Table 1
Patient characteristics and operative data.

In the NIRS group 6 patients experienced desaturation requiring intervention. In 3 of them significant cerebral saturation desaturation (a drop more than 50% compared to baseline and lasting for 15–10 min), the resting had a moderate desaturation (less than 40% and lasting for 5–8 min). Restoration of blood pressure improved cerebral oximetry in the moderate group. In the severe desaturation group, normal values were obtained in a few minutes subsequent erythrocyte transfusion according to algorithm.

Neuropsychological test results were presented in Table 2.

Table 2
Summary of neuropsychological tests.

Early POCD was detected in 10 of 21 subjects (45%) of control group while the incidence was 7 of 19 (37%) in GN (p > 0.05) (Table 3). In GN 4 of 7 patients among early POCD cases recovered at 3rd postoperative month; whereas all patients in control group showed persistent cognitive decline. In both groups, a new patient who was not detected as cognitively impaired in the early period was added to those with late cognitive dysfunction. Late POCD was detected among patients with severe desaturation.

Table 3
Comparison of POCD incidence in groups.

ICU and hospital stays were both similar between GC and GN (ICU stay 2.4 ± 0.9 and 2.1 ± 1.2 days; hospital stay 11.1 ± 4.7 and 9.25 ± 4 respectively). However both early and late POCD were found to be associated with prolonged ICU and hospital stays (Table 4).

Table 4
Comparison of ICU and hospital stays in patients with or without POCD.

Discussion

In this pilot study, conventional monitoring compared to NIRS guided management resulted in similar rates of early POCD in coronary surgery. Late cognitive dysfunction tended to ameliorate in NIRS group but without statistical difference. Both early and late cognitive declines were found to be associated with prolonged ICU and hospital stays.

Major neurological complications decreased over decades; cognitive decline remains a concern for caregivers as it can persist during months to years. Preventive measures to improve neurological outcome implies maintenance of pressures, assessment of adequate perfusion or management of metabolic state.99 Siepe M, Pfeiffer T, Gieringer A, et al. Increased systemic perfusion pressure during cardiopulmonary bypass is associated with less early postoperative cognitive dysfunction and delirium. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2011;40:200-7.1212 Fontes MT, Mc Donagh DL, Phillips-Bute D. Neurologic outcome research group (NORG) of Duke Heart Center. Arterial hyperoxia during cardiopulmonary bypass and postoperative cognitive dysfunction. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2014;28:462-6.,1717 Kurnaz P, Sungur Z, Camci E, et al. The effects of two glycemic management protocols on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in coronary artery bypass surgery. Rev Bras Anestesiol. 2017;67:258-65.,1818 Puskas F, Grocott HP, White WD, et al. Intraoperative hyperglycemia and cognitive decline after CABG. Ann Thorac Surg. 2007;84:1467-73. Evaluation of cerebral perfusion with cerebral oximetry is easy with fast signal response time and allows early recognition of brain perfusion abnormalities.1919 Fedorow C, Grocott HP. Cerebral monitoring to optimize outcomes after cardiac surgery. Curr Opin Anesthesiol. 2010;23:89-94. Relationship between neurological complications and cerebral oximetry has been investigated after cardiac surgery with inconsistent results.1010 Slater JP, Guarino T, Stack J, et al. Cerebral oxygen desaturation predicts cognitive decline and longer hospital stay after cardiac surgery. Ann Thorac Surg. 2009;87:36-45.,1111 De Tournay-Jette E, Dupuis G, Bherer L, et al. The relationship with cerebral oxygen saturation changes and postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients after coronary bypass graft surgery. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2011;25:95-104.,1515 Murkin JM, Adams SJ, Novick RJ, et al. Monitoring brain oxygen saturation during coronary bypass surgery. Anesth Analg. 2007;104:51-8.,2020 Schoen J, Husemann L, Tiemeyer C, et al. Cognitive function after sevoflurane vs propofol based anesthesia for on-pump cardiac surgery: a randomized controlled trial. Br J Anaesth. 2011;106:840-50. Denault et al. proposed an algorithm for intraoperative use of near-infrared spectroscopy regarding blood pressures, systemic saturation and arterial CO2 pressure.1414 Denault A, Deschamps A, Murkin JM. A proposed algorithm for the intraoperative use of cerebral near infrared spectroscopy. Semin Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2007;11:274-81. In a large study referring Denault's algorithm, patients with POCD had significantly higher desaturation scores (considering both deep and duration of desaturation below the 50% threshold).1010 Slater JP, Guarino T, Stack J, et al. Cerebral oxygen desaturation predicts cognitive decline and longer hospital stay after cardiac surgery. Ann Thorac Surg. 2009;87:36-45. However in the multivariate analysis, reduction of cognitive decline was not significantly different in the interventional group. Authors commented that lack of impact might be due to poor compliance to treatment protocol. Another investigation focused on early follow-up affirmed that cerebral desaturation below 50% was a predictor of POCD in 6 days.2020 Schoen J, Husemann L, Tiemeyer C, et al. Cognitive function after sevoflurane vs propofol based anesthesia for on-pump cardiac surgery: a randomized controlled trial. Br J Anaesth. 2011;106:840-50. Patients with desaturation had lower initial values as well as worse baseline test performance. They unsurprisingly showed increased incidence of early cognitive decline. More recently both early (at first week) and late (at first month) POCD in coronary surgery were found to be associated with cerebral desaturation.1111 De Tournay-Jette E, Dupuis G, Bherer L, et al. The relationship with cerebral oxygen saturation changes and postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients after coronary bypass graft surgery. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2011;25:95-104. Patients with rSO2 values below 50% were approximately 8 times at increased risk. Investigators affirmed that a fall of more than 30% cerebral oximetry was a predictor of late POCD, but not of early POCD. In our study control and cerebral oximetry groups showed similar incidence of early POCD. We found a trend of recovery of POCD in late assessment (at 3rd month) for cerebral oximetry group; whereas cognitive decline persisted in control group. It is well known that cognitive deterioration is multifactorial. Surgically triggered inflammation, microembolism, inadequate pain control, metabolic problems (glycemic control, presence of metabolic syndrome) and hypoperfusion are mainly responsible in the beginning of phenomenon. In our study optimized cerebral saturation appeared to intervene in recovery period among patients with early cognitive impairment; but not in early period of cardiac surgery.

Definition of cerebral desaturation was not uniform in all trials as threshold values indicating cerebral ischemia have been derived from carotid surgery.2121 Zheng F, Sheinberg R, Yee MS, et al. Cerebral near-infra-red spectroscopy (NIRS) monitoring and neurological outcomes in adult cardiac surgery patients and neurological outcomes: systematic review. Anesth Analg. 2013;116:663-76. Slater et al. described a rSO2 score by the product of levels below rSO2 with time. However Schoen accepted absolute values below 50%. Another approach that we adopted, defines a decrease more than 30% compared to baseline and an absolute value below 50% as well.1111 De Tournay-Jette E, Dupuis G, Bherer L, et al. The relationship with cerebral oxygen saturation changes and postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients after coronary bypass graft surgery. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2011;25:95-104.

The incidence of POCD varies between 30–80% at discharge and falls 20–40% after 6 month.2222 Goto T, Maekawa K. Cerebral dysfunction after coronary artery surgery. J Anesth. 2014;28:242-8. In oximetry-guided studies POCD was 60–75% at initial assessment and decreased to 35% at 3rd month.1010 Slater JP, Guarino T, Stack J, et al. Cerebral oxygen desaturation predicts cognitive decline and longer hospital stay after cardiac surgery. Ann Thorac Surg. 2009;87:36-45.,1111 De Tournay-Jette E, Dupuis G, Bherer L, et al. The relationship with cerebral oxygen saturation changes and postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients after coronary bypass graft surgery. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2011;25:95-104.,1313 Kok WF, van Harten AE, Koene BMJA, et al. A pilot study of cerebral tissue oxygenation and postoperative cognitive dysfunction among patients undergoing coronary bypass grafting randomized to surgery with or without cardiopulmonary bypass. Anaesthesia. 2014;69:613-22. Consistent with these reports incidence of early POCD was about 50%. At 3rd month there was no recovery in control group what is different from aforementioned studies. Moreover, we observed one new diagnosis of POCD in each group. Newman noticed new cognitive decline after coronary surgery which occurred in years compared to our study.2323 Newman MF, Kirchner JL, Phillips-Bute B, et al. Longitudinal assessment of neurocognitive function after coronary artery bypass surgery. N Engl J Med. 2001;344:395-402. Selnes et al. pointed out the relation between severity of atherosclerosis and late cognitive impairment.2424 Selnes OA, Gottesman RF, Grega MA, et al. Cognitive and neurological outcomes after coronary artery bypass surgery. N Engl J Med. 2012;366:250-7.

Most remarkable result of this study is the association of prolonged ICU and hospital discharge and cognitive decline at any time. Patients with early or late POCD had approximatively 2 days longer hospital stay and the difference in ICU stay was about 1 day. In one hand cerebral desaturation was found to be associated longer hospital stay in both cardiac1010 Slater JP, Guarino T, Stack J, et al. Cerebral oxygen desaturation predicts cognitive decline and longer hospital stay after cardiac surgery. Ann Thorac Surg. 2009;87:36-45.,1515 Murkin JM, Adams SJ, Novick RJ, et al. Monitoring brain oxygen saturation during coronary bypass surgery. Anesth Analg. 2007;104:51-8.,2525 Fischer GW, Lin HM, Krol M, et al. Noninvasive cerebral oxygenation may predict outcome in patients undergoing aortic arch surgery. J Cardiovasc Thorac Surg. 2011;141:815-21. and noncardiac surgery.2626 Casati A, Fanelli G, Pietropaoli P, et al. Monitoring cerebral oxygen saturation in elderly patients undergoing general abdominal surgery. Eur J Anesth. 2007;24:59-65.,2727 Kazan R, Bracco D, Hemmerling TM. Reduced cerebral oxygen saturation measured by absolute cerebral oximetry during thoracic surgery correlates with postoperative complications. Br J Anaesth. 2009;103:811-6. Fischer et al. suggested to accept brain as a sentinel organ and cerebral oximetry as an overall monitoring organ perfusion.2525 Fischer GW, Lin HM, Krol M, et al. Noninvasive cerebral oxygenation may predict outcome in patients undergoing aortic arch surgery. J Cardiovasc Thorac Surg. 2011;141:815-21. On the other hand patient with cognitive decline – with or without desaturation – require more care and have longer hospital stay.1515 Murkin JM, Adams SJ, Novick RJ, et al. Monitoring brain oxygen saturation during coronary bypass surgery. Anesth Analg. 2007;104:51-8. Thus cognitive decline – as a sign of global hypoperfusion or itself – is found to be associated with increased need for medical support. Moreover long term cognitive decline results in reduced activity in daily living, severe neurological prognosis even mortality.66 Berger M, Nadler JW, Browndyke J, et al. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction. Minding the gaps of in our knowledge of a common postoperative complication in elderly. Anesthesiol Clin. 2015;33:517-50.,2828 Ramaiah R, Lam AM. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly. Anesthesiol Clin. 2009;27:485-6. The problem seems to have medical, social and economic aspects.

Although POCD is a well-known phenomenon assessment is still problematic; there is no clear agreement for threshold or cut-off points.2929 Funder KS, Steinmetz J, Rasmussen LR. Methodological issues of postoperative cognitive dysfunction research. Semin Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2010;14:119-22. Commonly each subject has to respond to questionnaires 2 or 3 times. Preoperative assessment constitutes basic performance and subsequent answers (at early and late postoperative course) are compared to the initial evaluation. Diagnosis is based on a decrease more than 1SD on neuropsychological tests. Learning effect (due to repeated tests), floor-ceiling (too easy or too difficult), reliability of preoperative assessment (due to anxiety or pain) and timing are known problematic issues of neuropsychological tests.2929 Funder KS, Steinmetz J, Rasmussen LR. Methodological issues of postoperative cognitive dysfunction research. Semin Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2010;14:119-22. We used a test battery of Behavioral Sciences Unit of the Neurology Department. In our study, tests are predisposed to evaluate all intellectual domains such as memory, vigilance, mathematical thinking, and psychomotor abilities. Assessing investigator began performing the assessments after receiving training from psychologists with relevant qualifications. Patients were in initially assessed 2 or 3 days prior to surgery with a preliminary Mini-Mental test to exclude subjects less than 22 points. Second evaluation was performed when patients were at ward in pain free status to avoid any sedative/opioid interaction. Not surprisingly some participants had higher scores in memory or language tests; but in a similar rate within study groups. Despite these inconvenient issues, neuropsychological tests remain the only valid tool to diagnose POCD.

Primary limitation of our pilot study is the relative small sample size. Second, the cerebral saturation monitoring was not applied “blindly” in the control group to permit more suitable intergroup comparison, due to financial issues. Thus, the control group patients were totally treated with conventional approach using perfusion pressures, hemoglobin values, etc. Third, we excluded patients with impaired left ventricle function and carotid stenosis who could benefit more from NIRS. Finally, we did not follow cerebral oxygenation postoperatively which could be interesting as written in a recent multi-centric study.3030 Deschamps A, Hall R, Grocott H, et al. Cerebral oximetry monitoring to maintain normal cerebral oxygen during high risk cardiac surgery. Anesthesiology. 2016;124:826-36.

In conclusion cognitive dysfunction is common after coronary surgery. Conventional and cerebral oximetry monitoring resulted similar rates of cognitive decline; however cerebral desaturation tended to be associated with persistent POCD.

  • This study is supported by Istanbul University (Scientific Research Foundation).

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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    Mar-Apr 2018

History

  • Received
    26 July 2016
  • Accepted
    5 Oct 2017
Sociedade Brasileira de Anestesiologia R. Professor Alfredo Gomes, 36, 22251-080 Botafogo RJ Brasil, Tel: +55 21 2537-8100, Fax: +55 21 2537-8188 - Campinas - SP - Brazil
E-mail: bjan@sbahq.org