Clinical Research Directory

Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter and Cognitive Outcomes in Bentall Surgery

Bentall surgery is a major cardiac procedure involving replacement of the ascending aorta, aortic root, and aortic valve, typically requiring cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and sometimes deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA). Due to its complexity, it carries a significant risk of postoperative neurological complications including stroke and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). This prospective observational study aims to evaluate the relationship between perioperative bilateral optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) measurements obtained by ultrasound and postoperative cognitive functions in patients undergoing elective Bentall surgery. ONSD is a non-invasive surrogate marker of intracranial pressure that can be measured at the bedside using ultrasound. In addition to routine hemodynamic monitoring and cerebral oximetry (NIRS), bilateral ONSD will be measured at predefined intraoperative and postoperative time points. Cognitive function will be assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test preoperatively and postoperatively, and delirium will be evaluated using the CAM-ICU scale during ICU stay. The association between perioperative ONSD values and postoperative cognitive outcomes, extubation time, ICU stay, and neurological complications will be analyzed.

Decreasing Preoperative Stress to Prevent Postoperative Delirium and Postoperative Cognitive Decline in Cardiac Surgical Patients.

Patients undergoing cardiac surgery often complain of anxiety before a major operation and the resulting stress. This circumstance is a risk factor for mental problems that may occur after the operation (e.g., delirium or memory deficits). This study aims to prevent these discomforts by a preoperative relaxation intervention.

Transcranial Doppler as a Predictor of Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction Following Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Neurological dysfunction either transient or permanent is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after cardiopulmonary bypass, and cognitive dysfunction is more frequent in cardiac surgery than in non-cardiac procedures. Variations in cerebral blood flow and oxygen extraction are considered key contributing factors. Although pulsatile flow during bypass has shown benefits for renal function and recovery, its effects on postoperative neurological dysfunction and delirium remain unclear due to limited research. This study aims to evaluate the impact of pulsatile versus non-pulsatile cardiopulmonary bypass flow on POCD in adult CABG patients by measuring middle cerebral artery (MCA) flow using transcranial Doppler.

Increasing Preoperative Cognitive Reserve to Prevent Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in Cardiac Surgical Patients

Postoperative delirium (POD) and postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) can be observed after cardiosurgical interventions. Taken together, these postoperative neurocognitive dysfunctions contribute to increased morbidity and mortality and higher economic costs. Preoperative risk factors of postoperative neurocognitive dysfunctions, such as decreased neuropsychometric performance or decreased cognitive daily activities, can be interpreted as reduced cognitive reserve. The aim of this study is to build up cognitive reserves to protect against the development of POD and POCD through preoperative, home-based, cognitive training.

Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in Elderly and it's Relation With Sleep Disorders and Melanin Concentrating Hormone

The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between preoperative sleep disorders, melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), and delayed neurocognitive recovery early after surgery in older adult patients undergoing spinal anesthesia.

Impact of Personalised Cardiac Anaesthesia and Cerebral Autoregulation on Neurological Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

This international, multicentre prospective cohort study will assess whether perioperative duration and magnitude of mean arterial pressure (MAP) outside of an individual's cerebral autoregulation (CA) limits using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and transcranial Doppler (TCD) are associated with adverse neurological events. It is to investigate whether patients with a higher burden of cerebral haemodynamic insults have an increased incidence or poorer neurological outcomes. Associations between neurologic outcomes, neurobiomarkers and genetic tests will be explored.

Retrospective Evaluation of POCD Data of Studies From KAI, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin

Data on prevention of perioperative neurocognitive disorders (pNCDs) are limited. The purpose of this monocentric parallel - grouped observational registry is to collect study data from studies with pNCDs as primary or secondary endpoint to estimate prevalence and incidence of pNCDs.

CEReBral AutorEgulation in Non-cardiac SuRgery and Relationship to Postoperative DeliriUm State

The goal of this observational study is to learn the how to determine the mean arterial pressure(MAP) or blood pressure level to be maintained during non-cardiac surgery for optimal brain health in patients above the age of 60 undergoing major non-cardiac surgery. The main question\[s\] it aims to answer are: * Is there a way to tailor the blood pressure to be maintained in such patients during surgery for optimal brain health using non-invasive monitors that check the brains electrical activity, the electroencephalogram(EEG) monitor, and the brain's blood oxygen levels, the cerebral oximetry(CO) monitor? * How much does this optimal blood pressure level vary between patients? Participants will be asked to: * Complete a questionnaire at the time they enroll into the study, as well as a daily questionnaire to help determine their level of thinking and brain health. This questionnaire will be administered by a member of the study team. * They will also have an EEG and CO monitoring sticker placed on their foreheads. This will be connected to a monitor that will collect this data just before, during, and after their surgery. The data collected through these monitors will help us with our study goals.

Remimazolam vs. Midazolam for Sedation and Cognitive Outcomes in Orthopedic Surgery

This study aims to compare two medications, Remimazolam and Midazolam, used for sedation during orthopedic surgeries performed under regional anesthesia. We want to find out which medication provides better sedation during the procedure and which one affects early recovery of brain function after surgery. Older adults (65 years and above) undergoing surgery for bone injuries or conditions will participate. We will monitor their sedation levels, blood pressure, heart rate, side effects, and how quickly they recover after surgery. We also want to see if either medication causes fewer problems with thinking and memory shortly after surgery. The study is designed so neither the patients nor the medical staff know which medication is being given, to ensure unbiased results. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either Remimazolam or Midazolam. The information gathered will help doctors choose the safest and most effective sedative for older patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries, potentially improving patient comfort and recovery.

Perioperative GDNF as a Predictive Factor for Postoperative Delirium and Adverse Neurological Outcomes in Pediatric Surgery

To observe the dynamic changes in serum levels of inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α), Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), and Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) during the perioperative period in pediatric patients undergoing Scheduled Laparoscopic Hernia Repair surgery, and to investigate their relationship with the occurrence of postoperative delirium (POD) and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD),and to compare the different influence between propofol and sevoflurane . The aim is to provide insights into the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these complications and to identify potential biomarkers for risk stratification.

Cognitive Changes After Major Joint Replacement - Full Trial (Cognigram 2)

Patients assume that cognitive performance rapidly returns to baseline after anesthesia and surgery. Several studies have shown that one week after major non-cardiac surgery about 27% of patients have postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) and 10% of patients at 3 months. Very few studies have assessed the incidence of POCD beyond 3 months. POCD significantly reduces quality of life. Identifying risk factors for POCD is important because it is associated with prolonged hospital stay, loss of independence, and premature retirement. There is an urgent need to measure and document the level of cognitive change associated with surgery with an easy to use tool, both prior to admission and after discharge. This information can be used to plan appropriate care paths and to identify or test the efficacy of potential new treatments to alter the negative trajectory.

Kids With Iron Deficiency and Scoliosis

This study is a randomized controlled trial of preoperative oral iron supplementation, to identify whether iron deficiency is a modifiable risk factor for adverse surgical outcomes such as red blood cell transfusion and diminished postoperative cognitive and physical capacity in adolescents undergoing scoliosis surgery. Research Question(s)/Hypothesis(es): Primary * Iron supplementation will reduce the incidence of perioperative RBC transfusion in iron deficient scoliosis patients undergoing spinal fusion. Secondary * Iron supplementation will reduce postoperative neurocognitive functional declines in iron deficient scoliosis patients undergoing spinal fusion. * Iron supplementation will improve patient-reported physical functioning in iron deficient scoliosis patients undergoing spinal fusion.

The Impact of Remimazolam Tosilate on Oxygenation and Postoperative Cognitive Function in Elderly Patients Undergoing Thoracoscopic Lobectomy

Background: During thoracoscopic lobectomy in elderly patients, one-lung ventilation (OLV) is a common procedure. However, this process is prone to cause hypoxemia and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), which seriously affect the postoperative recovery and prognosis of patients. At present, there is still a need for further exploration and optimization of effective anesthetic drugs and regimens to improve intraoperative oxygenation and reduce the occurrence of POCD in such patients. Remimazolam besylate, as a novel anesthetic drug, has not yet had its advantages in thoracoscopic surgery in elderly patients fully clarified. This study is conducted to explore its effects on oxygenation and postoperative cognitive function in this specific surgical setting, so as to provide new references for clinical drug use and improve the perioperative management and postoperative outcomes of elderly patients. Objective:To mainly investigate the effects of remimazolam besylate on oxygenation and intrapulmonary shunting during one-lung ventilation in elderly patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery, as well as its impact on postoperative cognitive dysfunction. Research Content:The research content includes the observation and evaluation of oxygenation index, shunt fraction, cognitive function status, intraoperative conditions (such as OLV duration, blood loss, etc.),hemodynamic indicators, blood gas analysis indicators, serum indicators, and postoperative recovery status (such as postoperative sedation, pain, adverse reactions, pulmonary complications, hospital stay duration, etc.) in elderly patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy. Research Methods: Study Design: A randomized controlled study will be adopted. Case Selection: Inclusion Criteria: Patients aged 65-75 years old, with a BMI of 18-30 kg/m², ASA classification of I-III, no contraindications to related drugs, and consent from the patient and their family to participate in the study and sign the informed consent form, who are scheduled for thoracoscopic surgery under general anesthesia at the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from December 2024 to December 2025, will be selected. Exclusion Criteria: Patients with severe arrhythmias, preoperative respiratory tract infections, central nervous system diseases, hepatic or renal insufficiency, immune system diseases, a history of preoperative radiotherapy or chemotherapy, communication barriers, etc., will be excluded. Exclusion Criteria: Patients with OLV duration less than 60 minutes or conversion to thoracotomy, intraoperative blood loss greater than 1000 ml, and those transferred to the ICU after surgery will be excluded. Grouping and Anesthesia Methods: Patients will be randomly divided into three groups: Remimazolam Group (R Group), Propofol Group (P Group), and Remimazolam Combined with Propofol Group (C Group), with 50 cases in each group. After anesthesia induction, the three groups will be maintained with different drugs and doses until 10 minutes before the end of the surgery, while remifentanil will be combined, and the infusion rate of the drugs will be adjusted according to the BIS value. Data Collection: Detailed records will be kept of the patient's general information, intraoperative conditions, perioperative cardiovascular reactions, blood gas analysis indicators, serum indicators, as well as postoperative cognitive function assessment, sedation and pain assessment, adverse reactions, and complications. Sample Size Calculation: Based on the oxygenation index at 60 minutes of OLV, which is the primary endpoint, and in combination with relevant literature and statistical requirements, the sample size for each group is calculated to be 58. Considering the dropout and withdrawal rates, the final sample size for each group is determined to be 70. Statistical Analysis: SPSS 27.0 software will be used. Normal distribution measurement data, non-normal distribution measurement data, and count data will be analyzed using independent sample t-test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and chi-square test or Fisher's exact probability method, respectively. A P value less than 0.05 will be considered statistically significant. Technical and Feasibility Assurance: Relying on the clinical resources and technical platform of the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, as well as the research team's proficiency in thoracic anesthesia techniques and the operation of related equipment, the smooth conduct of the study will be ensured.

The Caffeine, Postoperative Delirium, and Change in Outcomes After Surgery (CAPACHINOS-2) Study

The objective of this study is to test the effects of caffeine on neurocognitive and clinical recovery after major surgery. Specifically, this trial tests the primary hypothesis that caffeine will reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium.

WashIn /WashOut Procedure To Prevent Agitation During Recovery After Inhalational Anesthesia With Sevoflurane

Inhalation anesthesia is the most frequently used technique and is performed in around 70% of surgeries worldwide. Sevoflurane is the most frequently used halogenated anesthetic and is used in 2/3 of the cases. The anesthetic strength of inhalation agents was established in the classic work of Eger and colleagues who determined the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of an inhaled anesthetic at atmospheric pressure, necessary to prevent a motor reaction in response to a pain stimulus in 50% of patients. Agitation is a frequent anesthesia complications and it not only lengthens the period of post anesthetic awakening and need for advance monitoring of the patient, but may be a predisposing factor in the development of postoperative delirium (POD) and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) which are independent predictors of increased mortality, prolonged treatment in the ICU and hospital, and prolonged social adaptation of the operated patients.(The ability of the patient to serve themselves independently.). There is a fairly popular point of view that there is no specific prophylaxis or treatment of postoperative agitation. However, a variant of anesthesia induction with sevoflurane was recently proposed, which reduced the frequency of agitation in children from 24.7% to 4.4%. The technique consisted in interrupting anesthesia at the moment of loss of consciousness, awakening the patient and subsequently performing re-induction. Since this technique might be time consuming in the busiest period of a surgical theatre and not safe if performed with the airways still unsecured it is advisable to shift the Wash In/Wash Out procedure to the stage of awakening at the end of surgery.

Biomarkers Associated With Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction

Loss of cognitive function after major surgery is a significant risk in older people. It can occur acutely in the days after surgery as delirium or in months to years later as a persistent reduction in brain function termed neurocognitive decline. Together these conditions are called post operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). They can be acutely distressing for patients and are associated with other problems after surgery. The causes of post operative cognitive dysfunction are poorly understood. Studies have been limited by a lack of biomarkers to predict which patients are at high risk of developing POCD. Research suggests silent strokes occurring during surgery and different sensitivities to anaesthetic medicines are associated with POCD. The project consists of a feasibility study to investigate markers that might predict people over 65 years old getting POCD. The first biomarker is a non-invasive monitor of anaesthetics effects on brain function called electroencephalography (EEG): The investigators will identify which EEG patterns predict delirium within five days surgery. The second set of biomarkers are two blood tests of proteins that increase after strokes: these are neurofilament light chains and tau proteins. The investigators will establish if these can be used to predict having POCD up to one year after surgery and long term cognitive impairment up to 5 years after surgery.

Evaluation of the Ketogenic Diet to Improve Post Operative Cognitive Decline in Cardiac Surgery

Postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) is a significant neurological problem that commonly follows coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) in elderly patients. This can result in longer hospital stays and generate worsening morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, POCD often persists in some patients for more than a year and puts them at higher risk for developing Alzheimer's Disease or dementia. The cause of POCD is a topic of ongoing work, with recent hypotheses linked with cell dysfunction and death in the brain, and neuroinflammation related to the surgical trauma and related systemic inflammation. In this project, the investigators will test whether the pre-operative use (14 days) of a ketogenic diet (KD), compared to a control diet (CD) will lower the incidence, duration, and severity of POCD in cardiac patients. The ketogenic diet has been associated with improved memory function, as well as reduction of inflammation in conditions such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease. A subset of patients from each group will also undergo a 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy scan, where key brain metabolites of mitochondrial function and neuronal integrity will be measured in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. In the KD group, cerebral b-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) to evaluate cerebral ketosis will also be measured. These will be measured prior to starting the KD/CD and after a minimum of 10 days on the KD/CD. From both CD and KD groups, levels of key cytokines linked with inflammation will be measured during the protocol. Our outcome parameters for POCD will include measures that evaluate cognition, delirium and length of hospitalization. The following hypotheses will be investigated: 1) lower incidence, duration and severity of POCD in the KD group, compared to the CD group; and 2) better pre-operative values of neuronal integrity and in the KD group, higher levels of brain ketone levels will be associated with patients who do not experience POCD or have less severe POCD. This project tests the use of the multi-factorial effects of the KD for an important problem in Anesthesiology. With state-of-the-art imaging technology and cytokine evaluation, the investigators hypothesize this work can have substantial implications for prevention and management of postoperative cognitive decline.

Ketamine and Dexmedetomidine for Delirium in Joint Arthroplasty

This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the effects of intraoperative ketamine and dexmedetomidine on the incidence of postoperative delirium (POD) and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty. Given the high incidence of neurocognitive complications in elderly patients following major orthopedic surgeries, neuroprotective strategies during anesthesia are of growing interest. Both ketamine and dexmedetomidine have shown potential in reducing neuroinflammation and improving postoperative cognitive outcomes in previous studies. Eighty adult patients (ASA I-III, aged 18-100) scheduled for elective total hip or knee arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia will be randomized into four groups: control (saline infusion), ketamine infusion, dexmedetomidine infusion, and combined ketamine + dexmedetomidine. Cognitive assessments will be performed preoperatively and on postoperative days 2 and 15 using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Delirium assessments will be conducted using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) postoperatively on days 1, 3, and 15. Secondary outcomes include perioperative levels of cortisol, CRP, and fibrinogen, as well as postoperative pain scores (VAS) and analgesic consumption. The results are expected to clarify whether intraoperative administration of ketamine or dexmedetomidine can reduce the incidence of POD/POCD and improve postoperative recovery.

Effects of Brain Beta-Amyloid on Postoperative Cognition

Postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) affects up to 50% of non-cardiac surgical patients greater than or equal to 65 years of age. This study will test the hypothesis that preoperative presence of brain beta-amyloid plaques in non-demented subjects increases postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) in elderly subjects scheduled for hip or knee replacement. The investigators hypothesize that preoperative beta-amyloid plaques will predict postoperative cognitive decline.

The Effect of Desflurane Versus Sevoflurane Versus Propofol on Postoperative Delirium

Patients over the age of 65 years are at increased risk for developing delirium after noncardiac surgeries, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. The prevention of postoperative delirium has been classified as a public health priority. However, so far data regarding possible intraoperative interventions to reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium is very scarce. Due to the more rapid wash-in and wash-out times of desflurane as compared to sevoflurane or propofol it seems reasonable that desflurane might be beneficial for the prevention of postoperative delirium. Therefore, we evaluate the effect of maintenance of anesthesia using desflurane, sevoflurane or propofol on postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing moderate- to high-risk major noncardiac surgery.

Development of a Prediction Model for Delirium After Cardiac Surgery Using a Novel Self-Administered Preoperative Cognitive Assessment Tool

This observational cohort study is designed to validate the CogCheck application as a risk prediction tool for postoperative delirium in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Bilateral Bispectral Index, Asymmetries and Post-operative Delirium

The primary objective of the study is to describe the value of interhemispheric asymmetry (ASYM), during the different intra- and peri-operative phases, in those patients who develop or do not develop post-operative delirium (POD) during the first 30 post-operative days and postoperative cognitive disfunction (POCD) in the first 90 post-operative days, in a population undergoing head\&neck and plastic surgery with a priori increased probability of POD.

Dexmedetomidine to Reduce the Incidence of POCD After Open Cardiac Surgery

Anesthesia is a drug induced, reversible, comatose state that facilitates surgery and it is widely assumed that cognition returns to baseline after anesthetics have been eliminated. However, many patients have persistent memory impairment for weeks to months after surgery. Cardiac surgery appears to carry the highest risk of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). These cognitive deficits are associated with increased mortality, prolonged hospital stay and loss of independence. The investigators propose to investigate the role of Dexmedetomidine (DEX) in preventing long-term POCD after cardiac surgery and enhancing early postoperative recovery. It is anticipated that DEX will be the first effective preventative therapy for POCD, improve patient outcomes, and reduce length of stay and healthcare costs.

Effects of Dexmedetomidine on Postoperative Neurocognitive Disorder

This prospective study involves assessing neurocognitive function in patients undergoing laparotomic gastrointestinal surgery. Mini Mental state Assessment test and Mini-Cog tests will be conducted at multiple intervals preoperatively and postoperatively. Anesthesia management, vital signs, drug consumption, and blood gas values will be recorded throughout the surgery. After all neurocognitive evaluations of the patients are performed at planned intervals for 1 week, the levels of dexmedetomidine and remifentanyl consumed by the patients in the peroperative period will be determined from the anesthesia follow-up sheet and the total duration and amount used will be recorded. At the end of the study, the relationship between neurocognitive values and dexmedetomidine will be compared.