Perioperative GDNF as a Predictive Factor for Postoperative Delirium and Adverse Neurological Outcomes in Pediatric Surgery

Perioperative GDNF as a Predictive Factor for Postoperative Delirium and Adverse Neurological Outcomes in Pediatric Surgery:a Single-center, Prospective, Randomized Controlled Study

To observe the dynamic changes in serum levels of inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α), Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), and Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) during the perioperative period in pediatric patients undergoing Scheduled Laparoscopic Hernia Repair surgery, and to investigate their relationship with the occurrence of postoperative delirium (POD) and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD),and to compare the different influence between propofol and sevoflurane . The aim is to provide insights into the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these complications and to identify potential biomarkers for risk stratification.

Clarify the Correlation Between Perioperative Changes in Inflammatory Factors, BDNF, and GDNF Levels and Postoperative delirium (POD) Blood and urine samples were collected from pediatric patients at three time points: 5 minutes before anesthesia induction (T0), 1 hour after surgery began (T1), and on the first postoperative day (T2). Serum levels of inflammatory factors (such as IL-6 and TNF-α) as well as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) were measured. The Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) was used to assess the children within 5-10 minutes after awakening from anesthesia. The RASS score ranges from +4 (combative agitation) to -5 (coma), comprising 10 levels, with higher scores indicating more agitated states and lower scores indicating deeper sedation. A score ≥+1 was defined as agitation. By comparing changes in inflammatory factors and neurotrophic factor levels across different time points, the association with the occurrence of postoperative agitation was analyzed.

Clarify the Correlation Between Perioperative Changes in Inflammatory Factors, BDNF, and GDNF Levels and Learning and Memory Abilities at Age 5 For the same cohort of children, based on blood and urine samples collected at the aforementioned time points (T0, T1, T2), concentrations of inflammatory factors (such as IL-6 and TNF-α), BDNF, and GDNF were measured. When the children reached 5 years of age, standardized neurocognitive assessment tools (such as the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-IV [WPPSI-IV] or age-appropriate memory and learning function tests) were used to evaluate their learning and memory abilities. Statistical analysis was performed to explore the potential correlation between the dynamic changes in the aforementioned biomarkers during the perioperative period and cognitive function scores at age 5.

Inclusion Criteria:

• (1) Aged 1-3 years; (2) American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status Classification I-II; (3) Body Mass Index (BMI) 18-35 kg/m²; (4) Agreement to participate in the study and signed informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

• (1) Surgical duration exceeding 4 hours; (2) Patients with language or hearing impairments hindering effective communication; (3) Patients with postoperative infections or perioperative cardiopulmonary complications; (4) Patients with preoperative psychiatric disorders.