Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Postoperative Delirium in Elderly Patients

Launched by HUAZHONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY · Nov 6, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether a treatment called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can help reduce the risk of delirium, which is a sudden change in mental state, in older patients who are having surgery for hip fractures. The trial involves patients aged 65 and older who are scheduled for elective hip surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the active tDCS treatment or a placebo (sham) version that doesn’t deliver any actual current. The active treatment involves having electrodes placed on the head for short sessions before and after surgery, while the placebo group will undergo similar procedures without the current. Researchers will monitor brain activity and assess any changes in confusion, pain, anxiety, and overall mental function after surgery.

To be eligible for this trial, participants must be at least 65 years old and scheduled for specific types of hip surgery, like hip replacements or repairs. They should have a stable health condition and be able to understand and sign a consent form. However, individuals with severe mental disorders, significant injuries or health issues, or those involved in other clinical studies recently may not qualify. This trial is important because finding effective ways to prevent postoperative delirium could greatly improve recovery and quality of life for older adults undergoing surgery.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • (1) aged ≥ 65 years; (2) scheduled for elective hip fracture, including femoral head fractures, femoral neck fractures, intertrochanteric or subtrochanteric fractures, femoral head replacement, total hip arthroplasty, or open or closed reduction; (3) platelet count \> 80 × 10⁹/L; (4) ASA classification ≤ Grade III; (5) Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores ≥ 18 points (13); (6) willingness to participate and sign the informed consent form.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • (1) severe mental disorders,(e.g,depression or schizophrenia requiring medication treatment); (2) cranial or scalp injuries; (3) history of symptomatic cerebrovascular disease, including stroke, transient ischemic attack; (4) compound injuries, multiple fractures, periprosthetic fractures, and hip joint revisions; (5) drug or alcohol abuse; (6) severe visual or hearing impairments; (7) history of epilepsy or intracranial metal implants; (8) severe cardiovascular disease history and liver dysfunction, or kidney dysfunction; (9) coagulation abnormalities; (10) severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; (11) participation in other clinical studies within the past 3 months.