Plasma SOMAmer proteomics of postoperative delirium

Abstract

Abstract Background Postoperative delirium is prevalent in older adults and has been shown to increase the risk of long‐term cognitive decline. Plasma biomarkers to identify the risk for postoperative delirium and the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias are needed. Methods This biomarker discovery case–control study aimed to identify plasma biomarkers associated with postoperative delirium. Patients aged ≥65 years undergoing major elective noncardiac surgery were recruited. The preoperative plasma proteome was interrogated with SOMAmer‐based technology targeting 1433 biomarkers. Results In 40 patients (20 with vs. 20 without postoperative delirium), a preoperative panel of 12 biomarkers discriminated patients with postoperative delirium with an accuracy of 97.5%. The final model of five biomarkers delivered a leave‐one‐out cross‐validation accuracy of 80%. Represented biological pathways included lysosomal and immune response functions. Conclusion In older patients who have undergone major surgery, plasma SOMAmer proteomics may provide a relatively non‐invasive benchmark to identify biomarkers associated with postoperative delirium.

Keywords

• biomarkers
• postoperative delirium
• proteomics