Early Post Operative Cognitive Dysfunction (POCD) in middle aged hypertensive patients: A pilot study

Abstract

Background: Nowadays, hypertension is prevalent in middle aged persons. Patients with hypertension are known to have cognitive dysfunction and, therefore, may be vulnerable for post-operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) also. Intra-operative hypotension is documented to be associated with cognitive decline in hypertensive patients. Materials and Methods: A prospective pilot study was conducted in 30 hypertensive (Group H) and 30 non-hypertensive (Group N) patients, aged 40-59 years, undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia to estimate the incidence of early POCD in known hypertensive patients and compared with non-hypertensive patients. All patients underwent a “Neuro-psychological Test Battery” to assess cognitive function on preoperative day and on 7th postoperative day. A standard anaesthesia protocol was followed. Vasopressor boluses were used to maintain mean arterial pressure (MAP) within 20% of the baseline value in both groups. Results: The incidence of POCD was 23.3% in hypertensive patients and 20% in non-hypertensive patients. The vasopressor boluses used to maintain blood pressure was more in hypertensive patients (P = 0.041). Consequently, hypertensive patients had a significantly higher minimal MAP (P = 0.001) and a lower fractional minimal MAP (P = 0.011) compared to non-hypertensive patients. No significant correlation was observed between fractional minimal MAP and occurrence of POCD. Conclusion: This pilot trial shows that the incidence of early POCD in middle aged hypertensive and non-hypertensive patients are similar after general anaesthesia.