Evaluation of the Ketogenic Diet to Improve Post Operative Cognitive Decline in Cardiac Surgery

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-COLUMBIA · Jun 24, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether a special diet called the ketogenic diet (or KD) can help improve thinking and memory problems that some patients may experience after heart surgery, specifically coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). These problems, known as postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), can make recovery harder and sometimes lead to long-term issues with memory and brain health. The researchers will compare the effects of the ketogenic diet, which is high in fats and low in carbohydrates, with a regular diet over a period of 14 days before the surgery. They hope that the ketogenic diet will reduce the chances and severity of these cognitive problems after surgery.

To be eligible for this trial, participants must be at least 60 years old and scheduled for elective heart surgery. They should also have a good baseline cognitive score and not show any signs of confusion before the surgery. During the trial, participants will follow their assigned diet and undergo brain imaging to measure key factors related to brain health before and after the diet period. This study is important because it could lead to new ways to help older patients recover better after heart surgery and potentially protect their brain health in the long run.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion criteria:
• • Age ≥ 60 years old
• • Undergoing elective on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery with/without valve repair/replacement.
• • Mini-Cog score \>4 at baseline.
• • Negative for delirium on the CAM at baseline.
• Exclusion criteria (general):
• • Pre-existing diagnosis of dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease.
• • Emergent CABG ± valve surgery.
• • Patients already hospitalized for CABG ± valve surgery.
• • Patients using GLP-1 agonists.
• • Inability to provide written, informed consent in English.
• • Patients who cannot tolerate the KD.
• • Patients with alcoholism.
• • Patients with liver failure.
• • Patients with uremia.
• • Mini-Cog score \<4 at baseline.
• • Positive for delirium on the CAM at baseline.
• Exclusion criteria (MRI/MRS):
• • Claustrophobia
• • Patients with any metal in their body.
• • Patients with pacemakers/internal defibrillators/neurostimulators.
• • Patients who have any form of stents.