title: Correlates of neurocognitive function of patients after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Decreases in neurocognitive function have been reported in patients who have undergone off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery; however, few investigators have examined the correlates of the decreases.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To explore and determine the correlates of neurocognitive function at the time of discharge from the hospital in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, Minn, were administered tests of neuro-cognition (cognition and motor function), anxiety, depression, and quality of life preoperatively (within 72 hours of surgery) and postoperatively (at least 72 hours after surgery but before discharge from the hospital).
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 54 patients (79.6% men), mean age 64.5 years, completed tests both preoperatively and postoperatively. When baseline function was controlled for, increased age and new-onset atrial fibrillation (F(3,40)=42.97; P<.001) were associated with decreases in postoperative cognitive function; increased age and anxiety (F(3,35)=15.83; P<.001) were associated with decreases in postoperative motor function.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Older patients, anxious patients, and patients with new-onset atrial fibrillation are at risk for neurocognitive changes after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. Further studies with larger sample sizes should be done to examine interventions to reduce preoperative anxiety in these patients. Interventions to prevent postoperative atrial fibrillation should be explored to determine whether the interventions prevent a decline in neurocognitive function.
authors.affiliation: Abbott Northwestern Hospital, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sendelbach
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lindquist
authors.forename: Shigeaki
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Watanuki
authors.forename: Kay
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Savik
mesh_terms: D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors