Postoperative neurological complications and risk factors for pre-existing silent brain infarction in elderly patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting

The association between preoperative lacunar infarcts and postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing major abdominal surgery: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

The primary goal was to investigate whether the presence of preoperative lacunar infarcts (LACI) was associated with postoperative delirium (POD) in elderly patients undergoing elective major abdominal surgery.

DESIGN

A prospective cohort study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Patients aged ≥ 65 years from a tertiary level A hospital in China.

METHODS

The POD was assessed once daily within the first postoperative 3 days using the Confusion Assessment Method. Neurocognitive tests using the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Beijing version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scales were carried out within 3 days before surgery and 4-7 days after surgery. Regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO2) was recorded in the operating room. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the impact of preoperative LACI on POD and to explore the risk factors for POD.

RESULTS

A total of 369 participants were analyzed, 161 in the preoperative LACI-positive group (P group), and 208 in the preoperative LACI-negative group (N group), respectively. The incidence of POD was 32.7% in our study. The incidence of POD was significantly higher in the P group than in the N group (39.1 vs 27.9%, risk ratio, 1.66; 95% CI 1.07-2.58; P = 0.022). Furthermore, the P group exhibited lower mean rScO2 values during the procedure (P < 0.001). In exploratory analysis, the advanced age (P = 0.005), sex (P = 0.038), and lower preoperative MMSE score (P = 0.019) were independent risk factors for POD in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Preoperative LACI was common, and constituted a risk factor for POD in older patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Despite the frequent subclinical nature, the preoperative LACI led to lower mean rScO2 during the procedure. These findings could help early identification of high-risk POD patients.

The relationship between postoperative cognitive dysfunction and cerebral small vessel disease: A comprehensive review

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common complication in elderly patients, and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) has been suggested as a potential risk factor. This review examines the relationship between POCD and CSVD from epidemiological, pathophysiological, and clinical perspectives, while also considering the role of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. We conducted a comprehensive literature search of major databases, supplemented by reference list checking, to ensure a thorough review of studies published between 2000 and 2023 on the relationship between POCD and CSVD. Epidemiological studies have shown that POCD and CSVD are associated in terms of common risk factors, including advanced age, vascular comorbidities, impaired baseline cognitive function, and certain population characteristics. Animal studies have revealed that CSVD and POCD share similar neuropathological changes, including abnormal cerebral hypoperfusion, inflammatory responses, and blood-brain barrier disruption. Furthermore, recent research suggests a complex interplay between CSVD, AD pathology, and POCD, with potential synergistic effects on cognitive decline. Neuroimaging studies have further demonstrated that preoperative CSVD burden and postoperative CSVD progression are associated with the development of POCD, and the presence of both CSVD and AD markers may increase the risk of cognitive decline. The association between CSVD and POCD has important implications for the perioperative management of elderly patients, including preoperative assessment, choice of anesthesia and surgical methods, intraoperative management, postoperative care, and long-term follow-up. A better understanding of the relationship between CSVD and POCD will guide evidence-based strategies to prevent and manage this debilitating complication in the aging population.

The effect of relative cerebral hyperperfusion during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass to delayed neurocognitive recovery

OBJECTIVE

Delayed neurocognitive recovery (dNCR) remains a common complication after surgery and the incidence of it is determined 30-80% after cardiac surgery with cardiac bypass (CPB) in eldery patients. Many researchers have identified that neuropsychological complications emerge from insufficient cerebral perfusion. Relative cerebral hyperperfusion also disrupts cerebral autoregulation and might play a significant role in dNCR development. The aim of this study is to determine hyperperfusion in the middle cerebral artery during CPB influence to dNCR development and brain biomarker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) impact in diagnosing dNCR.

DESIGNS AND METHODS

This prospective - case control study included patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting or/and valve surgery with CPB. For cognitive evaluation 101 patients completed Addenbrooke's cognitive examination - ACE-III. To determine mild cognitive dysfunction, cut - off 88 was chosen. Mean BFV was monitored with transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) and performed before surgery, after induction of anaesthesia, during CPB and after surgery. Preoperative BFV was converted to 100% and used as a baseline. The percentage change of cerebral blood flow velocity during CPB was calculated from baseline. Patients with decreased blood flow velocity were included for further investigation. To measure glial fibrillary acidic protein, blood samples were collected after anaesthesia induction, 24 and 48 h after the surgery. According to the ACE-III test results, patients with relative hyperperfusion were divided into two groups: with Delayed neurocognitive recovery and without dNCR (non-dNCR group).

RESULTS

101 patients were examined, 67 (69.1%) men and 29 (29.9%) women, age 67.9 (SD 9.2) Increased percentage of BFV was determined for 40 (39.60%) patients. There were no differences in sex, haematocrit, paCO2, aortic cross-clamping or CPB time between the two groups. Percentage change of BFV was 105.60% in the non-dNCR group and 132.29% in the dNCR group, p = .033. Patients who developed dNCR in the early post-surgical period were significantly older, p < .001 and had a lower baseline of BFV, p = .004. GFAP concentration significantly increased in the dNCR group 48 hours after surgery, compared to the non-dNCR group, p = .01.

CONCLUSIONS

Relative hyperperfusion during CPB may cause dNCR. Elderly patients are sensitive to blood flow velocity acceleration during CPB. GFAP concentration increased 48 h after surgery in dNCR group but did not have any connection with risk factors.

The Rationalisation of Intra-Operative Imaging During Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

One critical complication of cardiac surgery is cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs). Ascending aorta atherosclerosis poses a significant risk of embolisation to distal vessels and to cerebral arteries. Epi-aortic ultrasonography (EUS) is thought to offer a safe, high-quality accurate visualisation of the diseased aorta to guide the surgeon on the best surgical approach to the planned procedure and potentially improve neurological outcomes post-cardiac surgery.

METHOD

The authors conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus and Embase. Studies that reported on epi-aortic ultrasound use in cardiac surgery were included. Major exclusion criteria were: (1) abstracts, conference presentations, editorials, literature reviews; (2) case series with <5 participants; (3) epi-aortic ultrasound in trauma or other surgeries.

RESULTS

A total of 59 studies and 48,255 patients were included in this review. Out of the studies that reported patient co-morbidities prior to cardiac surgery, 31.6% had diabetes, 59.5% had hyperlipidaemia and 66.1% had a diagnosis of hypertension. Of those that reported significant ascending aorta atherosclerosis found on EUS, this ranged from 8.3% of patients to 95.2% with a mean percentage of 37.8%. Hospital mortality ranged from 7% to 13%; four studies reported zero deaths. Long-term mortality and stroke rate varied significantly with hospital duration.

CONCLUSION

Current data have shown EUS to have superiority over manual palpation and transoesophageal echocardiography in the prevention of CVAs following cardiac surgery. Yet, EUS has not been implemented as a routine standard of care. Extensive adoption of EUS in clinical practice is warranted to aid large, randomised trials before making prospective conclusions on the efficacy of this screening method.

Comparison of in-hospital outcomes after coronary artery bypass graft surgery in elders and younger patients: a multicenter retrospective study

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to identify in-hospital outcomes in young (≤ 65 years) and old (> 65 years) patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) by analyzing the effect of age on adverse events after on-pump or off-pump CABG.

METHODS

Patients older than 65 years were defined as older patients and others were defined as younger patients. The qualitative data were compared by chi-square or Fisher's exact tests. The quantitative data were compared by the two-sample independent t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. Multifactor binary logistic regression was used to control for confounders and to investigate the effect of age on dichotomous outcome variables such as death.

RESULTS

In the on-pump CABG population, the postoperative in-hospital mortality, the incidence of postoperative symptomatic cerebral infarction (POSCI) and postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) was higher in older patients than in younger patients (P value < 0.05), and age > 65 years was associated with postoperative in-hospital mortality (OR = 2.370, P value = 0.031), POSCI (OR = 5.033, P value = 0.013), and POAF (OR = 1.499, P value < 0.001). In the off-pump CABG population, the incidence of POAF was higher in older patients than in younger patients (P value < 0.05), and age > 65 years was associated with POAF (OR = 1.392, P value = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

In-hospital outcomes after CABG are strongly influenced by age. In on-pump CABG, the risk of postoperative death, POSCI, and POAF was higher in older patients, and in off-pump CABG, the risk of POAF was higher in older patients.

Predictors of early postoperative cognitive dysfunction in middle-aged patients undergoing cardiac surgery: retrospective observational study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to identify the incidence and risk factors of early post-operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in middle-aged patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

METHODS

Data were examined retrospectively from 71 patients aged 46-64 years who underwent elective cardiac surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MR angiography were obtained preoperatively to assess prior cerebral infarctions, carotid artery stenosis, and intracranial arterial stenosis. Patients also completed six neuropsychological tests of memory, attention, and executive function before and after surgery. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was defined as performance 1.5 standard deviations (SD) below the population means on any neurocognitive battery, whereas POCD was defined as a decrease of 1 SD population means on at least two in the test battery. Patient characteristics were analyzed using univariate analysis, and independent predictors were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

After surgery, 25 patients (35%) were assessed with POCD. Patients with POCD had significantly higher rates of preoperative MCI and cerebral infarcts on MRI. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified preoperative MCI and cerebral infarctions detected by MRI as a predictor of POCD.

CONCLUSION

More than one-third of middle-aged patients undergoing cardiac surgery developed POCD. Our findings suggested preoperative MCI and infarcts detected by MRI were risk factors for POCD in these middle-aged patients.

Silent Brain Infarction, Delirium, and Cognition in Three Invasive Cardiovascular Procedures: a Systematic Review

Silent brain infarctions (SBIs) are brain lesions noted on neuroimaging that are not associated with clinical symptoms. SBIs are associated with a number of vascular risk factors and are common following invasive cardiovascular procedures such as atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Although not eliciting signs of clinical stroke, SBIs are associated with increased frailty, and motor and mood features. Less is known, however, about the relationship between SBI, cognition, and delirium following invasive cardiac procedures and most investigations into these relationships have been reported in large-scale epidemiological studies. In the current paper, we conducted a systematic review to evaluate evidence of a relationship between SBI, delirium, and cognitive decline following CABG, AF ablation, and TAVR. Twenty studies met inclusion criteria. In general, our review identified conflicting results for each cardiac procedure, with some studies suggesting a relationship between SBI, cognitive impairment, and delirium, whereas others showed no relationship between SBI, cognitive impairment, and delirium. Potential reasons for this discrepancy as well as suggestions for future research are discussed.

Cerebrovascular Disease and Cognitive Outcome in Patients with Cardiac Disease

The pace of understanding cognitive decline and dementia has rapidly accelerated over the past decade, with constantly evolving insights into the vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). Notably, more overlap has been discovered in the pathophysiology between what was previously understood to be Alzheimer's disease and VCID, leading to a heightened emphasis on disease prevention through early and aggressive control of vascular risk factors. One particularly vulnerable population may be those with cardiac disease, as they are at risk for cerebrovascular disease, which itself can lead to dementia, and increasing evidence supports cognitive impairment in disease processes such as heart failure and atrial fibrillation, independent of ischemic stroke, suggesting other potential mechanisms. In this article, we review the evidence supporting the relationship between cardiac disease, cerebrovascular disease, and cognitive decline and discuss the ongoing and future research efforts aimed at defining the important relationship between these entities.

Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction and the Protective Effects of Enriched Environment: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Currently, the number of individuals who undergo surgery is greatly increased. As a consequence, postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) has gradually gained more attention.

SUMMARY

POCD is a perioperative complication requiring sensitive preoperative and postoperative neuropsychiatric tests, and its incidence in both cardiac and noncardiac surgery is high, especially in elderly individuals. Surgical, patient, and anesthetic factors may all lead to the occurrence and development of POCD. The key mechanism of POCD may be the inflammatory response of the central nervous system during surgery, which is similar to that of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Enriched environment (EE), a factor that can significantly improve and prevent neurodegenerative diseases, may have a beneficial effect on POCD. Key Messages: This review aims to elucidate the mechanism of the occurrence and development of POCD, analyze the possible influence of EE on POCD at the molecular level, and provide a direction for its treatment.

Preoperative brain MRI features and occurrence of postoperative delirium

OBJECTIVE

Delirium is a frequent complication after surgery with important negative outcomes for affected patients and society. However, it is still largely unknown why some patients have a predisposition for delirium and others not. To increase our understanding of the neural substrate of postoperative delirium, we studied the association between preoperative brain MRI features and the occurrence of delirium after major surgery.

METHODS

A group of 413 patients without dementia (Mean 72 years, SD: 5) was included in a prospective observational two-center study design. The study was conducted at Charité Universitätsmedizin (Berlin, Germany) and the University Medical Center Utrecht (Utrecht, The Netherlands). We measured preoperative brain volumes (total brain, gray matter, white matter), white matter hyperintensity volume and shape, brain infarcts and cerebral perfusion, and used logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, intracranial volume, study center and type of surgery.

RESULTS

Postoperative delirium was present in a total of 70 patients (17%). Preoperative cortical brain infarcts increased the risk of postoperative delirium, although this did not reach statistical significance (OR (95%CI): 1.63 (0.84-3.18). Furthermore, we found a trend for an association of a more complex shape of white matter hyperintensities with occurrence of postoperative delirium (OR (95%CI): 0.97 (0.95-1.00)). Preoperative brain volumes, white matter hyperintensity volume, and cerebral perfusion were not associated with occurrence of postoperative delirium.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that patients with preoperative cortical brain infarcts and those with a more complex white matter hyperintensity shape may have a predisposition for developing delirium after major surgery.

Risk Factors for Delayed Neurocognitive Recovery According to Brain Biomarkers and Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study is to identify risk factors for the development of delayed neurocognitive recovery (dNCR). Methods: 140 patients underwent neurocognitive evaluations (Adenbrooke, MoCa, trial making, and CAM test) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) blood flow velocity (BFV) measurements, one day before cardiac surgery. BFV was re-evaluated after anesthesia induction, before the beginning, middle, end, and after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and postsurgery. To measure glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neurofilament heavy chain (Nf-H), blood samples were collected after anesthesia induction, 24 and 48 h after the surgery. Neurocognitive evaluation was repeated 7-10 days after surgery. According to the results, patients were divided into two groups: with dNCR (dNCR group) and without dNCR (non-dNCR group). Results: 101 patients completed participation in this research. GFAP increased in both the non-dNCR group (p < 0.01) and in the dNCR group (p < 0.01), but there was no difference between the groups (after 24 h, p 0.342; after 48 h, p 0.273). Nf-H increased in both groups (p < 0.01), but there was no difference between them (after 24 h, p = 0.240; after 48 h, p = 0.597). MCA BFV was significantly lower in the dNCR group during the bypass (37.13 cm/s SD 7.70 versus 43.40 cm/s SD 9.56; p = 0.001) and after surgery (40.54 cm/s SD 11.21 versus 47.6 cm/s SD 12.01; p = 0.003). Results of neurocognitive tests correlated with CO₂ concentration (Pearson's r 0.40, p < 0.01), hematocrit (r 0.42, p < 0.01), MCA BFV during bypass (r 0.41, p < 0.01), and age (r -0.533, p < 0.01). The probability of developing dNCR increases 1.21 times with every one year of increased age (p < 0.01). The probability of developing dNCR increases 1.07 times with a decrease of BFV within 1 cm/s during bypass (p = 0.02). Conclusion: Risk factors contributing to dNCR among the tested patients were older age and middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity decrease during bypass.

Evaluation of the risk factors for neurological and neurocognitive impairment after selective cerebral perfusion in thoracic aortic surgery

PURPOSE

Neurologic complications are seen often after the surgery of the thoracic aorta that uses selective antegrade cerebral perfusion. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of atherosclerotic risk factors on neurologic complications in patients who underwent surgery to the thoracic aorta using SCP.

METHODS

Data were collected retrospectively on 94 patients who underwent elective ascending aorta/aortic arch replacement. Concomitant procedures were performed as needed. All patients had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), angiography (MRA) and carotid ultrasound before surgery. Individual cognitive status was measured using four neuropsychological tests before surgery and 7 days after extubation. We compared perioperative factors for risk factors associated with postoperative stroke and postoperative cognitive decline (POCD).

RESULTS

11 patients had strokes after surgery. Operation and extracorporeal circulation times were significantly longer in patients with stroke than those without stroke. Coronary artery disease and SCP time > 150 min were independently associated with postoperative stroke. Of the 83 patients without postoperative stroke, 20 suffered POCD. POCD patients had a significantly higher rate of heterogeneous carotid plaque, and operation time was significant longer in patients with POCD than those without POCD. Independent predictors of POCD were concomitant CABG, heterogeneous carotid plaque, history of cerebrovascular disease and operation time > 450 min.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that prolonged SCP time and coronary artery disease increased the risk of postoperative stroke. Heterogeneous carotid plaque, history of cerebrovascular disease, concomitant CABG and prolonged operation time were further significant predictors of POCD.

MRI Markers of Neurodegenerative and Neurovascular Changes in Relation to Postoperative Delirium and Postoperative Cognitive Decline

Postoperative delirium (POD) and postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) are common in elderly patients. The aim of the present review was to explore the association of neurodegenerative and neurovascular changes with the occurrence of POD and POCD. Fifteen MRI studies were identified by combining multiple search terms for POD, POCD, and brain imaging. These studies described a total of 1,422 patients and were all observational in design. Neurodegenerative changes (global and regional brain volumes) did not show a consistent association with the occurrence of POD (four studies) or POCD (two studies). In contrast, neurovascular changes (white matter hyperintensities and cerebral infarcts) were more consistently associated with the occurrence of POD (seven studies) and POCD (five studies). In conclusion, neurovascular changes appear to be consistently associated with the occurrence of POD and POCD, and may identify patients at increased risk of these conditions. Larger prospective studies are needed to study the consistency of these findings and to unravel the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.

Predictors of intracranial cerebral artery stenosis in patients before cardiac surgery and its impact on perioperative and long-term stroke risk

BACKGROUND

The aim of this prospective study was to determine the prevalence of stenosis within intracranial and extracranial arteries in patients before coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), to evaluate the influence of intracranial artery stenosis on neurological outcome and to identify preoperative risk factors for these patients.

METHODS

One hundred and seventy-five patients (71% males, mean age=66.1) scheduled for CABG were enrolled for extracranial Doppler duplex sonography, transcranial color-coded duplex sonography (TCCS) and transcranial Doppler (TCD) examination.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients (14.7%) had extracranial stenosis or occlusion and 13 patients (7.3%) intracranial vascular disease. Six patients (3.5%) had both extra- and intracranial artery disease. The presence of peripheral artery disease and diabetes mellitus was a strong risk factor for extracranial artery stenosis but not for intracranial artery stenosis, which occurred independently also of typical atherosclerotic risk factors like age >70, male sex, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, smoking habit, obesity (BMI>30) and waist to hip ratio >1. Functional neurological outcome of the patients with intracranial arterial disease evaluated 7 days after CABG was the same as the patients without extra- and intracranial stenosis. However, 12-months neurological follow-up revealed significantly more ischemic strokes in patients with intracranial artery stenosis compared to patients without intracranial stenosis (p=0.015).

CONCLUSION

The occurrence of intracranial artery stenosis in CABG patients cannot be predicted by well-known atherosclerotic risk factors and seems not to be associated with perioperative stroke.

The Presence of New MRI Lesions and Cognitive Decline After Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review

Patients are commonly reported to experience postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) and new ischemic lesions following surgery, which many researchers have hypothesised to result from emboli entering the cerebral circulation during surgery. Modern magnetic resonance imaging techniques have enabled clear and accurate identification of ischemic lesions. However, difficulties in assessing subtle changes in cognitive impairment clinically remain. The purpose of this systematic review is to discuss the literature that has investigated cognitive outcome in relation to new ischaemic brain lesions after cardiac surgery.

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Older patients in particular are vulnerable to memory disturbances and other types of cognitive impairment after surgical operations. In one study, roughly 12% of patients over age 60 had postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) three months after surgery. This is an important issue in perioperative care as extensive surgery on older patients becomes more common.

METHOD

Selective review of the literature.

RESULTS

POCD is usually transient. It is diagnosed by comparing pre- and postoperative findings on psychometric tests. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial, with the immune response to surgery probably acting as a trigger. Factors that elevate the risk of POCD include old age, pre-existing cerebral, cardiac, and vascular disease, alcohol abuse, low educational level, and intra- and postoperative complications. The findings of multiple randomized controlled trials indicate that the method of anesthesia does not play a causal role for prolonged cognitive impairment. POCD is associated with poorer recovery and increased utilization of social financial assistance. It is also associated with higher mortality (hazard ratio 1.63, 95% confidence interval 1.11-2.38). Persistent POCD enters into the differential diagnosis of dementia.

CONCLUSION

POCD can markedly impair postoperative recovery. The findings of pertinent studies performed to date are difficult to generalize because of heterogeneous patient groups and different measuring techniques and study designs. Further investigation is needed to determine which test instruments are best for clinical use and which preventive strategies might lessen the incidence of POCD.

Current readings: neurocognitive impairment and clinical implications after cardiac surgery

The earliest reports of cardiac surgery literatures reported evidence of neurocognitive decline, highlighted in the 1995 statement of Consensus on assessment of neurobehavioral outcomes after cardiac surgery. Until now, the magnitude and clinical importance of neurocognitive outcomes continues to fluctuate and lack clarity. The aim of this review is to evaluate the contemporary status of neurocognitive outcomes in relation to pre-existing impairment, revascularization strategy, broader cardiovascular pathophysiological processes, and any longer-term clinical implications. Five studies published between 2009 and 2013 were reviewed. A meta-analysis did not find differences between on- and off-pump procedures. In other studies, there was evidence for extensive preoperative neurocognitive impairments. Additional 2 studies showed that longer-term neurocognitive impairment, including dementia, was not dissimilar to nonsurgical patients with cardiovascular disease. Currently, there is no convincing evidence to suggest that cardiac surgery, and cardiopulmonary bypass in particular, has a causal role in progression to dementia, or long-term deficit, independent of pre-existing neurocognitive impairments and cardiovascular disease.

Short-term outcome of attention and executive functions from aorta no-touch and traditional off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery

OBJECTIVES

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is an important neuropsychiatric complication of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). It is most likely caused by microembolic brain damage and affects domains of attention, memory, executive functions and dexterity. In order to achieve better neuroprotection, surgeons introduced some advantageous operating procedures. Noteworthy among them is a state-of-the-art off-pump CABG aorta no-touch technique ("no touch" OPCABG). The aim of this study was to investigate the short-term effect of "no touch" OPCABG on patients' attention and executive functions.

METHODS

In this prospective, observational, single-surgeon trial, 74 patients scheduled for elective CABG were studied. Thirty-five patients underwent "no-touch" OPCABG and were compared to 39 patients who underwent "traditional" OPCABG. Subjects underwent neurological and neuropsychological evaluation at the time of admission (7 ± 2 days preoperatively) and discharge (7 days postoperatively).

RESULTS

Patients who underwent "traditional" OPCABG showed a significant decline in postoperative performance on 4 neuropsychological tests, while patients treated with "no touch" OPCABG showed a significant decline on 1 test. Twenty patients from "traditional" OPCABG group and ten patients from "no touch" OPCABG group were diagnosed with POCD.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of "no touch" OPCABG was associated with better attention and executive functions 1 week after surgery compared with "traditional" OPCABG.

Silent cerebral infarcts associated with cardiac disease and procedures

The occurrence of clinically silent cerebral infarcts (SCIs) in individuals affected by cardiac disease and after invasive cardiac procedures is frequently reported. Indeed, atrial fibrillation, left ventricular thrombus formation, cardiomyopathy, and patent foramen ovale have all been associated with SCIs. Furthermore, postprocedural SCIs have been observed after left cardiac catheterization, transcatheter aortic valve implantation, CABG surgery, pulmonary vein isolation, and closure of patent foramen ovale. Such SCIs are often described as precursors to symptomatic stroke and are associated with cognitive decline, dementia, and depression. Increased recognition of SCIs might advance our understanding of their relationship with heart disease and invasive cardiac procedures, facilitate further improvement of therapies or techniques aimed at preventing their occurrence and, therefore, decrease the risk of adverse neurological outcomes. In this Review, we provide an overview of the occurrence and clinical significance of, and the available diagnostic modalities for, SCIs related to cardiac disease and associated invasive cardiac procedures.

Complement polymorphisms and cognitive dysfunction after carotid endarterectomy

OBJECT

The role of genetic polymorphisms in the neurological outcome of patients after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) remains unclear. There are single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that predispose patients to postoperative cognitive dysfunction (CD). We aim to assess the predictability of three complement cascade-related SNPs for CD in patients having CEAs.

METHODS

In 252 patients undergoing CEA, genotyping was performed for the following polymorphisms: complement component 5 (C5) rs17611, mannose-binding lectin 2 (MBL2) rs7096206, and complement factor H (CFH) rs1061170. Differences among genotypes were analyzed via the chi-square test. Patients were evaluated with a neuropsychometric battery for CD 1 day and 1 month after CEA. A multiple logistic regression model was created. All variables with univariate p < 0.20 were included in the final model.

RESULTS

The C5 genotypes A/G (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.11-0.60, p = 0.002) and G/G (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.09-0.52, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with lower odds of exhibiting CD at 1 day after CEA compared with A/A. The CFH genotypes C/T (OR 3.37, 95% CI 1.69-6.92, p < 0.001) and C/C (OR 3.67, 95% CI 1.30-10.06, p = 0.012) were significantly associated with higher odds of exhibiting CD at 1 day after CEA compared with T/T. Statin use was also significantly associated with lower odds of exhibiting CD at 1 day after CEA (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.22-0.84, p = 0.01). No SNPs were significantly associated with CD at 1 month after CEA.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of a deleterious allele in the C5 and CFH SNPs may predispose patients to exhibit CD after CEA. This finding supports previous data demonstrating that the complement cascade system may play an important role in the development of CD. These findings warrant further investigation.