Dexmedetomidine and Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction (POCD)

Continuous Dexmedetomidine Infusion Reduces Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction and Postoperative Pain in Patients Undergoing Laparatomy

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) affects all age groups and can lead to increased morbidity and more extended hospital stays. Dexmedetomidine reduces POCD by inhibiting the increase in proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, and its anti-inflammatory activity contributes to its protective effect. Previous studies found that dexmedetomidine reduced POCD incidence in non-cardiac and cardiac surgery. Therefore, the goal of this study was to specifically investigate if using TCI dexmedetomidine to maintain anaesthesia in laparotomy surgeries reduces the incidence of POCD compared to inhalation anaesthesia by sevoflurane.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged >= 18 years old
• Scheduled for laparatomy surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• history of allergies to anaesthetic drugs
• impaired consciousness
• neurocognitive disorder
• psychiatric disorder
• mental disorder
• cerebrovascular disorders
• sick sinus syndrome
• hypoalbuminemia
• massive bleeding
• liver disease
• kidney diseases.