Neuropsychologic testing within 18 hours after cardiac surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To undertake neuropsychologic testing within 18 hours of cardiac surgery after fast-track anesthesia.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
University hospital, single center.


METHODS
Fifty patients undergoing first-time elective coronary artery surgery.


METHODS
A neuropsychologic test battery was administered preoperatively and 18 hours and 5 days after surgery.


RESULTS
Seven patients were withdrawn, and 9 patients did not attempt the postoperative tests (on both occasions) because of medical complications. Thirty patients completed > or =4 tests at both postoperative occasions. Of these, 9 patients (30%) showed a deficit in > or =2 tests at 18 hours postoperatively, and 3 (10%) showed a deficit at 5 days postoperatively.


CONCLUSIONS
In the absence of medical complications and despite the difficulties, early postoperative neuropsychologic testing is possible after fast-track anesthesia. Such testing has the potential to more clearly define the course of cognitive decline after cardiac surgery.
Department of Anaesthesia, St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
B S
BS
Silbert
D A
DA
Scott
T J
TJ
Doyle
C
C
Blyth
M C
MC
Borton
J L
JL
O'Brien
D J
DJ
De L Horne
D000368:Aged; D000758:Anesthesia; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000523:psychology*; D002315:Cardiopulmonary Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D014145:Trail Making Test