Neuroinflammation and Postoperative Delirium in Cardiac Surgery

Overview

Up to 50% of patients over 60 years old develop postoperative delirium following cardiac surgery. Delirium increases morbidity and mortality, and may lead to long-term cognitive impairment similar to patients with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. The underlying mechanisms behind delirium are not understood, and therefore the current prevention and treatment strategies are inadequate. Several hypotheses exist for the pathophysiology of delirium, one of which is the role of neuroinflammation. The stress associated with high-risk procedures such as cardiac surgery may lead to systemic inflammation causing endothelial dysfunction and disruption of the blood brain barrier (BBB). When this occurs, the brain is susceptible to neuronal injury via neuroinflammation after which a state of delirium may ensue. To characterize the mechanisms of neuroinflammation in delirium, the investigators will explore the biomarkers most closely linked to each step of the proposed pathway.

Aim 1a. Test the hypothesis that endothelial injury is associated with delirium. The investigators hypothesize that endothelial dysfunction is associated with an increased incidence of delirium after cardiac surgery. To test this hypothesis, the investigators will measure biomarkers from subjects undergoing cardiac surgery. Blood samples from three time points \[baseline, upon arrival to the intensive care unit (ICU), and postoperative day 1 (POD1)\] will be analyzed and compared between patients that did and did not develop postoperative delirium. Aim 1b. Test the hypothesis that BBB disruption is associated with delirium. The investigators hypothesize that disruption in the BBB is associated with an increased incidence of delirium after cardiac surgery. To test this hypothesis, the investigators will measure levels of biomarkers at baseline, upon arrival to the ICU, and on POD1. Aim 1c. Test the hypothesis that neuronal injury is associated with delirium. The investigators hypothesize that neuronal injury is associated with an increased incidence of delirium after cardiac surgery. To test this hypothesis, the investigators will measure levels of biomarkers at baseline, upon arrival to the ICU, and on POD1.

Conditions