Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience (Sep 2023)

Resting-state prefrontal EEG biomarker in correlation with postoperative delirium in elderly patients

  • Jeongmin Kim,
  • Jeongmin Kim,
  • Sujung Park,
  • Sujung Park,
  • Keung-Nyun Kim,
  • Yoon Ha,
  • Yoon Ha,
  • Sang-Jun Shin,
  • Wonseok Cha,
  • Ki-young Lee,
  • Ki-young Lee,
  • Jungmi Choi,
  • Bon-Nyeo Koo,
  • Bon-Nyeo Koo

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2023.1224264
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15

Abstract

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Postoperative delirium (POD) is associated with adverse outcomes in elderly patients after surgery. Electroencephalography (EEG) can be used to develop a potential biomarker for degenerative cerebral dysfunctions, including mild cognitive impairment and dementia. This study aimed to explore the relationship between preoperative EEG and POD. We included 257 patients aged >70 years who underwent spinal surgery. We measured the median dominant frequency (MDF), which is a resting-state EEG biomarker involving intrinsic alpha oscillations that reflect an idle cortical state, from the prefrontal regions. Additionally, the mini-mental state examination and Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) were performed before surgery as well as 5 days after surgery. For long-term cognitive function follow up, the telephone interview for cognitive status™ (TICS) was performed 1 month and 1 year after surgery. Fifty-two (20.2%) patients were diagnosed with POD. A multivariable logistic regression analysis that included age, MoCA score, Charlson comorbidity index score, Mini Nutritional Assessment, and the MDF as variables revealed that the MDF had a significant odds ratio of 0.48 (95% confidence interval 0.27–0.85). Among the patients with POD, the postoperative neurocognitive disorders could last up to 1 year. Low MDF on preoperative EEG was associated with POD in elderly patients undergoing surgery. EEG could be a novel potential tool for identifying patients at a high risk of POD.

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