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BMJ Open Jun 2024Cognitive impairment is reported in a variety of clinical conditions including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's and 'long-COVID'. Interestingly, many of these clinical...
INTRODUCTION
Cognitive impairment is reported in a variety of clinical conditions including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's and 'long-COVID'. Interestingly, many of these clinical conditions are also associated with microbial dysbiosis. This comanifestation of cognitive and microbiome findings in seemingly unrelated maladies suggests that they could share a common mechanism and potentially presents a treatment target. Although a rapidly growing body of literature has documented this comorbid presentation within specific conditions, an overview highlighting potential parallels across healthy and clinical populations is lacking. The objective of this umbrella review, therefore, is to summarise and synthesise the findings of these systematic reviews.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS
On 2 April 2023, we searched MEDLINE (Pubmed), Embase (Ovid), the Web of Science (Core Collection), the Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews and Epistemonikos as well as grey literature sources, for systematic reviews on clinical conditions and interventions where cognitive and microbiome outcomes were coreported. An updated search will be conducted before completion of the project if the search-to-publication date is >1 year old. Screening, data abstraction and quality assessment (AMSTAR 2, A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews) will be conducted independently and in duplicate, with disagreements resolved by consensus. Evidence certainty statements for each review's conclusions (eg, Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE)) will be extracted or constructed de novo. A narrative synthesis will be conducted and delineated by the review question. Primary study overlap will be visualised using a citation matrix as well as calculated using the corrected covered area method.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
No participant-identifying information will be used in this review. No ethics approval was required due to our study methodology. Our findings will be presented at national and international conferences and disseminated via social media and press releases. We will recruit at least one person living with cognitive impairment to collaborate on writing the plain language summary for the review.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42023412903.
Topics: Humans; Systematic Reviews as Topic; Cognitive Dysfunction; Cognition; Microbiota; Dysbiosis; Research Design; Alzheimer Disease; COVID-19; Parkinson Disease
PubMed: 38890133
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-077873 -
Neuropsychopharmacology Reports Jun 2024Anticholinergic toxicity is a common occurrence in the emergency room, making it crucial for emergency clinicians to have a good understanding of this toxidrome. The...
Anticholinergic toxicity is a common occurrence in the emergency room, making it crucial for emergency clinicians to have a good understanding of this toxidrome. The neuropsychiatric effects of anticholinergic agents and anabolic steroids (ASs) can manifest as symptoms like anxiety, agitation, dysarthria, confusion, seizures, visual hallucinations, bizarre behavior, delirium, psychosis, and coma. When dealing with a conscious patient who has ingested an anticholinergic substance, a detailed history of ingestion can aid clinicians in making an accurate diagnosis. However, the lack of information about the substances consumed can complicate diagnosis. In cases where the exposure is unknown, clinicians should consider anticholinergic poisoning in patients showing signs of altered mental status and physical examination findings consistent with anticholinergic toxicity. We report four cases presenting a range of symptoms, including neuropsychiatric manifestations, following the ingestion of the same bodybuilding powders with anticholinergic properties. All four patients consumed yellow and white powders at the same time and in the same place. Laboratory analysis revealed that yellow powder and white powder contained ASs and cyproheptadine, respectively.
PubMed: 38889254
DOI: 10.1002/npr2.12460 -
Research Square Jun 2024Preoperative physical activity and intraoperative brain health are recognized to influence postoperative delirium (POD). Electroencephalogram (EEG) burst suppression...
Preoperative physical activity and intraoperative brain health are recognized to influence postoperative delirium (POD). Electroencephalogram (EEG) burst suppression and cerebral desaturation are indicators of abnormal intraoperative brain health. Our study aimed to investigate the associations between preoperative physical activity and intraoperative EEG burst suppression and cerebral desaturation. We retrospectively analyzed data from 67 patients from one of the institutions participating in a multisite randomized controlled trial, PANDORA, involving patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The preoperative PCS12 score calculated using the SF12 questionnaire was used as an indicator of preoperative physical activity. Intraoperative EEG and cerebral oximetry data (not the current standard of care in this facility) were collected, and the anesthesiologists were blinded to the information. We analyzed the following associations between the PCS12 score and i) burst suppression duration, ii) the number of cerebral desaturations, and iii) the number of observations with concurrent cerebral desaturation and burst suppression using a generalized linear model. The results are presented as percentage changes in outcomes, and a 95% C.I. p value < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. Each unit increase in the PCS12 score was associated with a 3.3% decrease in the duration of burst suppression (-3.3 [-5.3, -1.2], p value = 0.002). The duration of burst suppression decreased by 29.2% with each successive quartile increase in the PCS-12 score, indicating a dose‒response relationship (-29.2 [-41.6, -16], p < 0.001). Specifically, the patients in the last three quartiles exhibited a 55.4% reduction in BSD compared to those in the first quartile (-55.4 [-74.4, -24.6], p = 0.002) (Fig. 2). We did not observe any significant association between the PCS12 score and cerebral desaturation. Decreased preoperative physical activity, as measured by the SF-12 questionnaire, is significantly associated with increased EEG burst suppression duration. Preoperative physical activity did not show any association with cerebral desaturations and concurrent cerebral desaturation and burst suppression. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier- NCT04093219 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04093219 Principal Investigator - Balachundhar Subramaniam Date of registration - September 13, 2019.
PubMed: 38883767
DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4427122/v1 -
Journal of Thoracic Disease May 2024Although aortic aneurysm is associated with vascular aging and atherosclerosis, carotid and intracranial vascular disease prevalence in patients with aortic arch...
Prevalence of carotid artery stenosis and intra-cranial lesions in patients with aortic arch aneurysm and its association with intraoperative regional cerebral oxygen saturation and postoperative neurological outcomes.
BACKGROUND
Although aortic aneurysm is associated with vascular aging and atherosclerosis, carotid and intracranial vascular disease prevalence in patients with aortic arch aneurysm remains unclear. Similarly, the effect of carotid and intracranial lesions on postoperative outcomes is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of carotid artery stenosis and intracranial lesions in patients with aortic arch aneurysm and its association with intraoperative regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO2) and postoperative neurological outcomes, including delirium and cerebral infarction.
METHODS
This retrospective observational study included 133 patients with true aortic arch aneurysm who underwent preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We evaluated the prevalence of carotid and intracranial arterial lesions. Symptomatic cerebral infarction and delirium, defined by the confusion assessment method for the intensive care unit, were evaluated for their association with preoperative cerebrovascular lesions. Additionally, changes in regional saturation of the cerebral tissue at different surgical phases were evaluated for patients with and without cerebrovascular lesions.
RESULTS
Fifteen (11.3%) patients experienced symptomatic cerebral infarction, and 64 (48.1%) had postoperative delirium. Preoperative MRI showed old infarction, microbleeds, significant carotid artery stenosis, and intracranial lesions in 21.1%, 14.3%, 10.5%, and 7.5% of the patients, respectively. White matter hyperintensities with Fazekas scale 2 were observed in 40.6% of the patients, while Fazekas scale 3 were observed in 18.8% of the patients. Preoperative MRI findings and postoperative neurological outcomes were not significantly different. Seventy-six patients underwent rScO2 monitoring intraoperatively. Changes in rScO2 in patients with and without carotid/cerebrovascular lesions were not significantly different. However, rScO2 was significantly lower in patients who developed cerebral infarction.
CONCLUSIONS
Significant carotid artery stenosis and intracranial lesions were observed in 10.5% and 7.5% of the patients, respectively. Although preoperative MRI findings and changes in rScO2 or postoperative outcomes showed no significant association, patients with postoperative cerebral infarction showed significantly lower rScO2 intraoperatively.
PubMed: 38883627
DOI: 10.21037/jtd-24-78 -
American Journal of Translational... 2024Electroencephalography (EEG) is a widely used tool in neuroscience. To explore the features of the top 100 cited articles related to EEG and aging over the past decade,...
Electroencephalography (EEG) is a widely used tool in neuroscience. To explore the features of the top 100 cited articles related to EEG and aging over the past decade, we conducted a bibliometric analysis using Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) data as of January 21, 2024. The selected top 100 cited papers were analyzed using VOSviewer and Excel. We examined the distribution of publication years, authors, institutions, countries/regions, and journals. Hotspots were identified through keyword analysis. The analyzed articles were published between 2014 and 2021, with the majority being published before 2020 (n=91). Citation counts in WoSCC ranged from 24 to 250, with a median of 40 and a mean of 53. A total of 818 authors from 283 institutions in 35 countries/territories contributed to these top papers. The United States of America (USA) (n=37), Germany (n=14), and Canada (n=11) ranked in the top three in terms of total publications or citations. The predominant journals were in the fields of Neuroscience (n=58), Geriatrics & Gerontology (n=22), Clinical Neurology (n=13), and Anesthesiology (n=9), which published most of the high-quality articles. Key themes included EEG, aging, Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, functional connectivity, and alpha oscillations. Emerging topics included sleep, machine learning, delirium, postoperative cognitive function, virtual reality, monitoring, resting state, coherence, and transcranial direct current stimulation. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the trends in scientific literature on EEG in aging over the past decade. Authors and institutions from North America, Europe, and East Asia led in contributions. Journals focusing on neuroscience, geriatrics, and anesthesiology published the majority of articles. Degenerative neurological diseases and cognitive impairment were prominent topics, suggesting future studies should explore EEG's diagnostic utility for these disorders.
PubMed: 38883376
DOI: 10.62347/CCTI1306 -
Contemporary Clinical Trials... Jun 2024Postoperative agitation is common after non-cardiac surgery. It is associated with postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction, leading to prolonged hospital stay...
BACKGROUND
Postoperative agitation is common after non-cardiac surgery. It is associated with postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction, leading to prolonged hospital stay and delayed social readjustment. Prevention and treatment strategies are lacking. We assessed the efficacy of a novel approach, the Wash In/Wash Out procedure, in reducing post-anesthetic agitation.
METHODS
This multicenter, parallel-group, double-blind randomized controlled trial is enrolling 200 patients undergoing open abdominal surgery. Participants are randomly assigned to either a control group receiving standard recovery methods or an investigational group undergoing the Wash In/Wash Out procedure. In the Wash In/Wash Out procedure group, sevoflurane is stopped and then promptly restarted when the patient shows the first signs of awakening to achieve an end-tidal concentration of 1 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) for 5 min. This stop-and-restart cycle is performed three times. The trial's primary outcome is the rate of postoperative agitation. Secondary outcomes include rate of postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and length of intensive care and hospital stay.
DISCUSSION
The OPERA trial investigates the effect of the Wash In/Wash Out procedure to reduce post-anesthetic agitation in non-cardiac surgery. This study could offer a significant contribution to improving patient outcomes and optimizing recovery protocols in surgical settings.
PubMed: 38881542
DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2024.101316 -
Age and Ageing Jun 2024Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is the lower limb manifestation of systemic atherosclerotic disease. PAD may initially present with symptoms of intermittent... (Review)
Review
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is the lower limb manifestation of systemic atherosclerotic disease. PAD may initially present with symptoms of intermittent claudication, whilst chronic limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI), the end stage of PAD, presents with rest pain and/or tissue loss. PAD is an age-related condition present in over 10% of those aged ≥65 in high-income countries. Guidelines regarding definition, diagnosis and staging of PAD and CLTI have been updated to reflect the changing patterns and presentations of disease given the increasing prevalence of diabetes. Recent research has changed guidelines on optimal medical therapy, with low-dose anticoagulant plus aspirin recommended in some patients. Recently published randomised trials highlight where bypass-first or endovascular-first approaches may be optimal in infra-inguinal disease. New techniques in endovascular surgery have increased minimally invasive options for ever more complex disease. Increasing recognition has been given to the complexity of patients with CLTI where a high prevalence of both frailty and cognitive impairment are present and a significant burden of multi-morbidity and polypharmacy. Despite advances in minimally invasive revascularisation techniques and reduction in amputation incidence, survival remains poor for many with CLTI. Shared decision-making is essential, and conservative management is often appropriate for older patients. There is emerging evidence of the benefit of specialist geriatric team input in the perioperative management of older patients undergoing surgery for CLTI. Recent UK guidelines now recommend screening for frailty, cognitive impairment and delirium in older vascular surgery patients as well as recommending all vascular surgery services have support and input from specialist geriatrics teams.
Topics: Humans; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Aged; Endovascular Procedures; Risk Factors; Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia; Vascular Surgical Procedures; Age Factors; Practice Guidelines as Topic
PubMed: 38877714
DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afae114 -
Perioperative Medicine (London, England) Jun 2024Remimazolam is a short-acting benzodiazepine newly approved for the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. Remimazolam emerges as an ideal drug for the...
BACKGROUND
Remimazolam is a short-acting benzodiazepine newly approved for the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. Remimazolam emerges as an ideal drug for the neurosurgical population due to its rapid emergence, enabling early neurological assessment, and its ability to maintain perfusion pressure, which is crucial for preventing cerebral ischemia. However, the use of benzodiazepine has been associated with an increased risk of postoperative delirium (POD). There is currently limited evidence about the relationship between remimazolam-based total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) and POD.
METHODS
In this double-blind, randomized, non-inferiority trial, we plan to include 696 adult patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status class I to III, undergoing elective neurovascular surgery under general anesthesia. After informed consent, the patients will be randomized to receive either remimazolam or propofol-based TIVA with a 1:1 ratio. The primary outcome is the incidence of POD within 5 days after surgery. Secondary outcomes include subtypes, number of positive assessments and severity of POD, emergence agitation, intraoperative awareness and undesirable patient movement, intraoperative hypotension, and postoperative cognitive function. The data will be analyzed in modified intention to treat.
DISCUSSION
This trial will evaluate the effect of remimazolam on the development of POD compared to propofol anesthesia. The results of this trial will provide evidence regarding the choice of optimal anesthetics to minimize the risk of POD in neurosurgical patients.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The study protocol was prospectively registered at the Clinical trials ( https://clinicaltrials.gov , NCT06115031, principal investigator: Jiseon Jeong; date of first registration: November 2, 2023, before the recruitment of the first participant.
PubMed: 38877533
DOI: 10.1186/s13741-024-00415-6 -
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery Jun 2024Women undergoing cardiac surgery have been historically recognized to carry higher periprocedural mortality risk. We aimed to investigate the influence of sex on...
BACKGROUND
Women undergoing cardiac surgery have been historically recognized to carry higher periprocedural mortality risk. We aimed to investigate the influence of sex on clinical presentation, perioperative, and long-term outcomes in patients who undergo surgery for ascending aortic aneurysm.
METHODS
We conducted a retrospective review of 1148 consecutive patients (380 [33.1%] female) who underwent thoracic aortic surgery under moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest for ascending aortic aneurysms between 2001 and 2021. Baseline and operative characteristics, in-hospital mortality, and survival were compared between male and female patients before and after propensity-score-matched (PSM) analysis.
RESULTS
Women were significantly older (median age: 69 [IQR: 63-75] vs. 67 [IQR: 58-73]; P < 0.001), while men had a higher prevalence of aortic valve stenosis, bicuspid valve and coronary artery disease at the time of surgery (P < 0.05). After PSM, EuroSCORE II (4.36 [2.68; 6.87] vs. 3.22 [1.85; 5.31]; p < 0.001), and indexed aortic diameter were significantly higher in female patients (2.94 [2.68; 3.30] vs. 2.58 [2.38; 2.81] cm/m2, p < 0.001). In the matched cohort, men were more likely to experience postoperative delirium (18.1% vs. 11.5%; P = 0.002), and postoperative neurological deficits (6.7% vs. 3.0%, P = 0.044),. Female patients were more likely to receive postoperative packed red blood cells (p = 0.036) and fresh frozen plasma (p = 0.049). In-hospital and 30-day mortality was similar between both groups. Long-term survival was comparable between both groups with 88% vs. 88% at 5 years, 76% vs. 71% at 10 years, and 59% vs. 47% at 15 years.
CONCLUSION
Female patients required more transfusions, while males had a higher incidence of postoperative delirium and neurological deficits. Differences in preoperative age and timing of surgery between the sexes could be attributed to variations in comorbidity profiles and the greater prevalence of concomitant surgery indications in males.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Propensity Score; Retrospective Studies; Aged; Middle Aged; Sex Factors; Hospital Mortality; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Postoperative Complications; Treatment Outcome; Risk Factors; Aneurysm, Ascending Aorta
PubMed: 38877532
DOI: 10.1186/s13019-024-02646-6 -
Intensive & Critical Care Nursing Jun 2024We tested the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial for comparing primary nursing with standard care.
OBJECTIVE
We tested the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial for comparing primary nursing with standard care.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Elective cardiac surgical patients were eligible for inclusion. Patients with an intensive care unit stay of ≥ 3 days were followed up until intensive care unit discharge. Recruitment period was one year.
SETTING
Two intensive care units at a university hospital specialized in cardiovascular and diabetic diseases.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Primary outcomes were recruitment and delivery rate. Primary clinical outcome was duration of delirium, as assessed by the Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Units. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of delirium, anxiety (10-point Numeric Rating Scale), and the satisfaction of patient relatives (validated questionnaire).
RESULTS
Of 369 patients screened, 269 could be allocated to primary nursing (n = 134) or standard care (n = 135), of whom 46 patients and 48 patients, respectively, underwent an intensive care unit stay ≥ 3 days. Thus, recruitment and delivery rates were 73 and 26 %, respectively. During primary nursing and standard care, 18 and 24 patients developed a delirium, with a median duration of 32 (IQR: 14-96) and 24 (IQR: 8-44) hours (P = 0.10). The risk difference of delirium for primary nursing versus standard care was 11 % and the relative risk was 0.65 (95 % CI: 0.28-1.46; P = 0.29). The extent of anxiety was similar between groups (P = 0.13). Satisfaction could be assessed in 73.5 % of relatives, without substantial differences between groups.
CONCLUSION
Data demonstrate that a trial for comparing primary nursing with standard care is generally feasible. However, the incidence of delirium may be a better primary outcome parameter than delirium duration, both in terms of long-term patient outcome and robustness of data quality.
IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE
A randomized clinical trial regarding nursing organization during intensive care unit stay requires detailed planning of patient recruitment, data evaluation, and power calculation.
PubMed: 38875775
DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2024.103748