title: Nitric oxide index is not a predictor of cognitive dysfunction following laparotomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the associations between postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) and plasma concentrations of stable nitric oxide products [nitric oxide index (NOi)].
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Academic hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  28 ASA physical status I, II, and III physical status patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cognitive assessment was performed preoperatively and postoperatively at 4 days (early) and 6 weeks (late).
  
  
  METHODS
  Serial measurements of plasma NOi were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Early POCD with a deficit in one cognitive domain was present in 18 patients (64%), and in 8 patients (28%) with deficits in two or more cognitive domains. Late POCD was evident in three patients (20%) who had a deficit in one domain. Eight patients were lost to late follow-up. There was no difference in baseline or subsequent serum concentrations of NOi between those who showed early and late POCD and those who showed no POCD.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Factors other than nitric oxide-mediated injury is responsible for POCD following major non-cardiac surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Cork University Hospital and University College Cork, Ireland. ctwomey@ualberta.ca <ctwomey@ualberta.ca>
authors.forename: Ciaran
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Twomey
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Corrigan
authors.forename: Crina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Burlacu
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Butler
authors.forename: Gabriella
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Iohom
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Shorten
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007813:Laparotomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000097:blood*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D009569:Nitric Oxide