scholarly journals Cognitive function of pregnant women: the problem of postoperative cognitive dysfunction in women after labor

2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-16
Author(s):  
Aleksey V. Shchegolev ◽  
Dmitry M. Shirokov ◽  
Oksana A. Chernykh ◽  
Irina V. Vartanova ◽  
Maria V. Khrabrova

The problem of postoperative cognitive dysfunction is relevant in obstetrics due to the initial psychophysiological state of a pregnant woman and the high frequency of abdominal delivery everywhere. When choosing the optimal method of anesthesia for a cesarean section, which would minimally affect cognitive functions, it is necessary to consider the impact of anesthesia on the memory and attention of puerperas, as well as their initial cognitive status. To assess memory and attention in women of reproductive age, in our opinion, the most appropriate tests are the MoCA-test, Benton test, Wechsler test, hospital anxiety and depression scale, and a self-assessment questionnaire. These tests are recommended by psychophysiologists and have proven themselves to be well applied in daily clinical practice. Standard test kits with a formalized (quantitative) evaluation of the results allow a rapid assessment of several cognitive functions in a limited time. This review article presents the problem of the cognitive function of pregnant women and postoperative cognitive dysfunction during pregnancy.

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 32-39
Author(s):  
M. M. Tanashyan ◽  
K. V. Antonova ◽  
O. V. Lagoda ◽  
E. S. Berdnikovitch ◽  
R. B. Medvedev ◽  
...  

Angioreconstructive interventions are generally known to be of prophylactic value for cerebrovascular diseases (CVD). At the same time, their prognosis in comorbid patients, particularly in those with type 2 diabetes (T2D), have been insufficiently covered.Objective: to study the impact of T2D on cognitive functions after carotid angioplasty with stenting (CAS)Patients and methods. CAS was performed in 99 patients with chronic CVD. Group 1 consisted of 51 patients (median age, 64.5 years) without carbohydrate metabolism disorders. Group 2 included 48 patients (median age, 64 years) with T2D. Over time, all the patients underwent clinical, neurological, and neuropsychological examinations, general clinical and biochemical blood tests, duplex scanning of the brachiocephalic arteries, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. Blood flow in the middle cerebral artery was monitored to assess the embolic and hemodynamic situation during a CAS procedure.Results and discussion. The baseline frequency of neurocognitive impairment was almost the same (75%) in both groups; however, the impairment was more obvious in patients with T2D. Re-examination in Group 1 patients immediately after intervention revealed slight positive cognitive changes, while the patients with T2D showed a decrease in the indicators of mental functions. The improved ability to abstract and increase the level of generalization of functions appeared in T2D patients only 2 months after intervention. Post-CAS MRI revealed ipsilateral acute ischemic foci (AIF) in the brain substance in 11 (22%) patients of Group 1 and in 24 (50%) with concomitant T2D. Comparison of neuroimaging data with cognitive function assessments for the entire group of the examinees established deterioration in the cognitive status in patients with new ischemic brain changes detected after intervention.Conclusion. CVD concurrent with T2D usually contributes to deterioration in the cognitive status. Angioreconstructive interventions, in particular CAS, are frequently accompanied by the identification of AIF (including «silent» ones) that can cause a transient deterioration in cognitive functions. When planning angioreconstructive interventions in patients with T2D, the question arises of predicting such risks and possible neuroprotective methods.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Huimei Huang ◽  
Fei Lin ◽  
Liming Cen ◽  
Ren Jing ◽  
Linghui Pan

Anemia in the elderly may impair cognitive function. Our primary objective was to determine whether cancer-related anemia was associated with postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in nonelderly patients. We conducted an observational prospective study of 177 patients scheduled for laparoscopic surgery. Patients aged 18-64 were divided into two groups according to whether they were anemic due to cancer or not. The cognitive function was assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) 1 day before and 1 week after operation. The cognitive function of the patients was evaluated by using the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-Modified (TICS-M) 3 months after operation. The quality of life of patients was evaluated after operation. The hemoglobin level and other clinical data were recorded before operation. Of the 170 patients, 100 without anemia and 70 anemia patients had been evaluated 1 week after operation. POCD was detected in 43 cases (25.3% of 170 cases) at 1 week and 30 cases (19% of 158 cases) at 3 months postoperatively. Anemia was an independent risk factor for 3-month POCD occurrence (P=0.034). The education level of the patients who had POCD at 1 week and 3 months after operation was lower (P<0.001, P=0.011, respectively). Age was independently associated with the incidence of POCD at 3 months (P=0.011). In general, these findings suggested that anemia may increase the incidence of medium-term POCD in cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. e034702
Author(s):  
Wilco Zijlmans ◽  
Jeffrey Wickliffe ◽  
Ashna Hindori-Mohangoo ◽  
Sigrid MacDonald-Ottevanger ◽  
Paul Ouboter ◽  
...  

PurposeThe Caribbean Consortium for Research in Environmental and Occupational Health prospective environmental epidemiologic cohort study addresses the impact of chemical and non-chemical environmental exposures on mother/child dyads in Suriname. The study determines associations between levels of environmental elements and toxicants in pregnant women, and birth outcomes and neurodevelopment in their children.ParticipantsPregnant women (N=1143) were enrolled from December 2016 to July 2019 from three regions of Suriname: Paramaribo (N=738), Nickerie (N=204) and the tropical rainforest interior (N=201). Infants (N=992) were enrolled at birth. Follow-up will take place until children are 48 months old.Findings to dateBiospecimens and questionnaire data on physiological and psychosocial health in pregnant women have been analysed. 39.1% had hair mercury (Hg) levels exceeding values considered safe by international standards. Median hair Hg concentrations in women from Paramaribo (N=522) were 0.64 µg/g hair (IQRs 0.36–1.09; range 0.00–7.12), from Nickerie (N=176) 0.73 µg/g (IQR 0.45–1.05; range 0.00–5.79) and the interior (N=178) 3.48 µg/g (IQR 1.92–7.39; range 0.38–18.20). 96.1% of women ate fish, respective consumption of the three most consumed carnivorous species, Hoplias aimara, Serrasalmus rhombeus and Cichla ocellaris, known to have high Hg levels, was 44.4%, 19.3% and 26.3%, respectively, and was greater among the interior subcohort. 89% frequently consumed the vegetable tannia, samples of which showed presence of worldwide banned pesticides. 24.9% of pregnant women had Edinburgh Depression Scale scores indicative of probable depression.Future plansFish consumption advisories are in development, especially relevant to interior women for whom fish consumption is likely to be the primary source of Hg exposure. Effects of potentially beneficial neuroprotective factors in fish that may counter neurotoxic effects of Hg are being examined. A pesticide literacy assessment in pregnant women is in progress. Neurodevelopmental assessments and telomere length measurements of the children to evaluate long-term effects of prenatal exposures to toxicant mixtures are ongoing.


2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 894-901 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna A. Ezhevskaya ◽  
Alexei M. Ovechkin ◽  
Zhanna B. Prusakova ◽  
Valery I. Zagrekov ◽  
Sergey G. Mlyavykh ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVESurgical trauma is known to result in systemic inflammatory changes that can lead to postoperative cognitive dysfunction. In the present study, the authors compared the effects of an epidural anesthesia protocol to those of traditional anesthesia with regard to postoperative inflammatory changes, cellular immunity, and cognitive dysfunction.METHODSForty-eight patients, ages 45–60 years, underwent multilevel thoracolumbar decompression and fusion and were randomly assigned to one of two groups: group 1 (27 patients) had combined epidural and general anesthesia, followed by epidural analgesia for 48 hours after surgery, and group 2 (21 patients) had general anesthesia, followed by traditional opioid pain management after surgery. At multiple time points, data on pain control, cognitive function, cellular immunity, and inflammatory markers were collected.RESULTSGroup 1 patients demonstrated lower pain levels, less systemic inflammation, less cellular immune dysfunction, and less postoperative cognitive dysfunction than group 2 patients.CONCLUSIONSThe use of combined epidural and general anesthesia followed by postoperative epidural analgesia during the first 48 hours after multilevel thoracolumbar decompression and fusion surgery had a significant positive effect on pain management, cellular immune function, systemic inflammation, and postoperative cognitive function.Clinical trial registration no.: 115080510080 (http://rosrid.ru)


Open Heart ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e001569
Author(s):  
Fredrike Blokzijl ◽  
Frederik Keus ◽  
Saskia Houterman ◽  
Willem Dieperink ◽  
Iwan C C van der Horst ◽  
...  

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the influence of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on both postoperative cognitive dysfunction and quality of life (QoL) and the association between the two patient-related outcomes.MethodsIn a prospective, observational cohort study, patients with elective, isolated CABG were included. Cognitive function was assessed using the Cogstate computerised cognitive test battery preoperatively, 3 days and 6 months after surgery. QoL was measured preoperatively and at 6 months using the RAND-36 questionnaire including the Physical Component Score (PCS) and the Mental Component Score (MCS). Regression analysis, with adjustment for confounders, was used to evaluate the association between postoperative cognitive dysfunction and QoL.ResultsA total of 142 patients were included in the study. Evidence of persistent cognitive dysfunction was observed in 33% of patients after 6 months. At 6 months, the PCS had improved in 59% and decreased in 21% of patients, and the MCS increased in 49% and decreased in 29%. Postoperative cognitive changes were not associated with QoL scores.ConclusionsPostoperative cognitive dysfunction and decreased QoL are common 6 months after surgery, although cognitive function and QoL were found to have improved in many patients at 6 months of follow-up. Impaired cognitive function is not associated with impaired QoL at 6 months.Trial registration numberNCT03774342.


2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 229-237
Author(s):  
Grazieli Silva Túbero ◽  
Sebastião Gobbi ◽  
Camila Vieira Ligo Teixeira ◽  
Jessica Rodrigues Pereira ◽  
Ryosuke Shigematsu ◽  
...  

Introduction Cerebral stroke is the interruption of blood flow to the brain and can be classified into hemorrhagic and ischemic. It may result in serious body balance and cognition complications. Kinesiotherapy is a privileged means of rehabilitation.Objective Verify the effects of Square Stepping Exercise (SSE) on cognitive functions, depressive symptoms and the body balance of cerebral stroke sequel patients.Methods Thirteen brain stroke sequel patients were divided into two groups: SSE (SSEG n = 8) and conventional physiotherapy group (PG, n = 5). The SSEG participated only of the SSE training protocol, while the PG participated of its physical therapy routine group, both for 4 months. They were evaluated using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Brief Cognitive Screening Battery (BBRC), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS),Berg Balance Scale(BBS) and Timed Up and Go(TUG).Results The U Mann Whitney test showed no significant differences between groups. In intragroup analysis, the Wilcoxon test showed significant improvement in global cognitive status for PG (p < 0.042), and for SSEG there were positive results for verbal fluency (p < 0.04) and in TUG for number of steps (p < 0.04) and the time (p < 0.02).Conclusion The SSE seems to benefit dynamic balance, influencing gait agility, cognition related to verbal fluency and may have contributed to maintain other cognitive functions.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jillian C. Belrose ◽  
Ruediger R. Noppens

Abstract Background The impact of general anesthesia on cognitive impairment is controversial and complex. A large body of evidence supports the association between exposure to surgery under general anesthesia and development of delayed neurocognitive recovery in a subset of patients. Existing literature continues to debate whether these short-term effects on cognition can be attributed to anesthetic agents themselves, or whether other variables are causative of the observed changes in cognition. Furthermore, there is conflicting data on the relationship between anesthesia exposure and the development of long-term neurocognitive disorders, or development of incident dementia in the patient population with normal preoperative cognitive function. Patients with pre-existing cognitive impairment present a unique set of anesthetic considerations, including potential medication interactions, challenges with cooperation during assessment and non-general anesthesia techniques, and the possibility that pre-existing cognitive impairment may impart a susceptibility to further cognitive dysfunction. Main body This review highlights landmark and recent studies in the field, and explores potential mechanisms involved in perioperative cognitive disorders (also known as postoperative cognitive dysfunction, POCD). Specifically, we will review clinical and preclinical evidence which implicates alterations to tau protein, inflammation, calcium dysregulation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. As our population ages and the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia continues to increase, we require a greater understanding of potential modifiable factors that impact perioperative cognitive impairment. Conclusions Future research should aim to further characterize the associated risk factors and determine whether certain anesthetic approaches or other interventions may lower the potential risk which may be conferred by anesthesia and/or surgery in susceptible individuals.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 117957351988404
Author(s):  
Stijn Denissen ◽  
Alexander De Cock ◽  
Tom Meurrens ◽  
Luc Vleugels ◽  
Ann Van Remoortel ◽  
...  

Background: Cognitive dysfunction is a frequent manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS) but its effect on locomotor rehabilitation is unknown. Objective: To study the impact of cognitive impairment on locomotor rehabilitation outcome in people with MS. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis involving ambulatory patients with MS who were admitted for intensive, inpatient, multidisciplinary rehabilitation at the National Multiple Sclerosis Center of Melsbroek between the years 2012 and 2017. The Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests (BRB-N) was used to determine the cognitive status of subjects as either impaired (COG–) or preserved (COG+). Locomotor outcome was compared between groups with the difference in 6-minute walk test (6MWT) measured at admission and discharge (Δ6MWT). In addition, individual test scores of the BRB-N for attention (Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test 2” and 3”), visuospatial learning/memory (7/24 Spatial Recall Test), verbal learning/memory (Selective Reminding Test) and verbal fluency (Controlled Oral Word Association Test) were correlated to the Δ6MWT. Results: A total of 318 complete and unique records were identified. Both groups showed a significant within-group Δ6MWT during hospitalization (COG+: 47.51 m; COG–: 40.97 m; P < .01). In contrast, Δ6MWT values were comparable between groups. The odds of achieving a minimal clinical important difference on the 6MWT did not differ significantly between both groups. Only attention/concentration was significantly correlated with Δ6MWT (r = 0.16, P = .013). Conclusion: Cognitive impairment based on BRB-N results appears not to impede locomotor rehabilitation in ambulatory patients with MS. Attentional deficits are correlated to the extent of locomotor rehabilitation, suggesting the presence of a subtle effect of cognition.


2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 234-234
Author(s):  
K. Miskowiak ◽  
M. Vinberg ◽  
E.M. Christensen ◽  
L.V. Kessing

IntroductionCognitive dysfunction in unipolar depression (UD) and bipolar disorder (BD) may persist into periods of remission and affect psychosocial function. Attention and memory deficits may be more pronounced during remission in BD compared with UD. However, patients’ subjective experience of cognitive difficulties is poorly understood, and it is unclear whether this differs between BD and UD.Aims and objectivesTo examine self-reported cognitive function in remitted patients with BD and UD.MethodsPatients with BD (n = 54) and UD (n = 45) were referred to the outpatient clinic at Department of Psychiatry, Copenhagen University Hospital, following hospital discharge.Affective symptoms and patients’ experience of cognitive symptoms were assessed at their initial consultation at the clinic.ResultsPatients in remission experienced mild to moderate impairment of cognitive function with greatest difficulties in motivation, energy, attention and memory. Subjective experience of cognitive function were similar for BD and UD and were predicted by affective symptoms rather than by diagnosis, age, gender or comorbid alcohol misuse.ConclusionsThe absence of differences between UD and BD in the subjective experience of cognitive difficulties contrasts with evidence of greater objective cognitive dysfunction in BD. This highlights a potential discord between subjective and objective measures of cognitive function. The impact of affective symptoms on the subjectively experienced cognitive difficulties suggests that they reflect mood symptoms rather than objective cognitive deficits. Further investigation of the relation between objective and subjective measures of cognitive function and the influence of affective symptoms is warranted.


Author(s):  
Chris Dodds ◽  
Chandra M. Kumar ◽  
Frédérique Servin

Cognitive dysfunction is largely a problem in the elderly, but it can occur at any age. The two major presentations, delirium and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), are compared. Risks for delirium are explored; key points from the patient’s history and possible ways to ameliorate the onset are then reviewed. The presentation of POCD is described, and the lack of our understanding of its causes is highlighted. Known triggers such as centrally active anticholinergic drugs or pain are identified. Current thinking in the inflammatory responses within microglia and astrocytes is summarized. Sleep in the elderly is contrasted with that in younger persons, and the main stages of sleep, SWS and REM, described. The impact and importance of the effects that surgery/anaesthesia has on sleep stages is reviewed. Obstructive sleep apnoea is described, including its effect on the safety of anaesthesia and recovery. Periodic limb movement disorders and early Parkinson disease are described.


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