ES Exploring Cognitive Changes in High-Risk Cardiac Patients Receiving Dexmedetomidine and Evaluating the Correlation between Different Cognitive Tools: A Cohort Study
Executive Summary
Noor Anisah Abu Yazit, Kamilah Muhammad Hafidz, Nur Adilah Shuhada Abd Aziz, Suhaini Kadiman
Noor Anisah Abu Yazit, Norsham Juliana, Kamilah Muhammad Hafidz, Nur Adilah Shuhada Abd Aziz, Sofwatul Mokhtarah Maluin, Sahar Azmani, Nur Islami Mohd Fahmi Teng, Srijit Das, Suhaini Kadiman
Published: Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine. 1 Aug 2024;25(8):273
Background
This study looked at changes in thinking and memory (cognitive function) in people who had heart surgery. The focus was on patients who were at high risk during surgery and received a drug called dexmedetomidine, which helps with pain and keeps patients calm. Even though this drug has benefits, some patients still experience problems with thinking and memory after surgery, which is known as postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD).
Study Design:
The study included 188 patients who were going through heart surgery. Their thinking and memory were tested the day before surgery, when they left the hospital, and six weeks later. Different tools were used to measure various aspects of cognitive function, like memory, attention, and the ability to focus.
Key Points:
Prevalence of POCD:
Around 20% of patients had POCD when they left the hospital, but this number dropped to about 7% six weeks later.
Cognitive Changes:
There were noticeable differences in cognitive function before and after surgery in all the patients. The tools used to measure these changes were consistent and reliable.
Conclusion:
The study suggests that it’s important to regularly check the thinking and memory of patients after heart surgery. This helps in identifying those who might have cognitive problems early on, so they can receive the proper care. The researchers believe that using a combination of different cognitive tests gives a clearer picture of a patient’s brain health after surgery.