Cognition and the Immunology of Postoperative Outcomes

Launched by BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · Mar 8, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating how problems with thinking and memory (cognitive impairment) might affect the health of older patients after they have surgery, particularly spine surgery. The researchers believe that when older adults have cognitive impairment, it may disrupt their immune system, which could lead to more complications after surgery. By studying this relationship, they hope to better understand how cognitive health can influence recovery and improve outcomes for elderly patients undergoing surgery.

To participate in this study, you should be at least 65 years old and scheduled for elective spine surgery. You will also need to be in fairly good health, classified as ASA physical status I-III, which means you have no serious health problems that would make surgery very risky. However, if you have a history of stroke, brain tumors, autoimmune disorders, or are currently dealing with an infection, you won't be eligible to join. If you decide to participate, you will help researchers learn more about how cognitive health and the immune system interact, which could lead to better care for older surgical patients in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients ≥ 65 years of age
• • American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status of I-III
• • Scheduled for elective spine surgery.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • History of stroke (not including transient ischemic attacks, or TIAs)
• • History of brain tumor
• • History of autoimmune disorders
• • Medications likely to significantly impact inflammation (e.g. steroids)
• • Current infection
• • Uncorrected vision or hearing impairment
• • limited use of the dominant hand (limited ability to draw)
• • inability to speak, read, or understand English.