Cognitive Outcomes After Dexmedetomidine Sedation in Cardiac Surgery Patients

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride Group: Dexmedetomidine will be initiated prior to transfer to the CVICU with loading dose of 1.2 ug/kg over approximately 20-60 minutes. This will be followed by an infusion at 0.3 ug/kg/h in CVICU for up to 12 hours from the time DEX infusion started or until the patient is ready for discharge from the CVICU (whichever is earlier). Any additional sedatives necessary at the discretion of ICU.

Study summary

Anesthesia is a drug induced, reversible, comatose state that facilitates surgery and it is widely assumed that cognition returns to baseline after anesthetics have been eliminated. However, many patients have persistent memory impairment for weeks to months after surgery. Cardiac surgery appears to carry the highest risk of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). These cognitive deficits are associated with increased mortality, prolonged hospital stay and loss of independence. The investigators propose to investigate the role of Dexmedetomidine (DEX) in preventing long-term POCD after cardiac surgery and enhancing early postoperative recovery. It is anticipated that DEX will be the first effective preventative therapy for POCD, improve patient outcomes, and reduce length of stay and healthcare costs.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Post-operative cognitive dysfunction — 3 months
  Presence of POCD assessed by CogState Brief Battery (CBB)

Trial sites (8)

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