Analyzing neuroinflammatory markers in cerebrospinal fluid before and after thoracic aortic surgery
Trajectory of Neuroinflammatory Markers in Cerebrospinal Fluid Prior to and After Thoracic Aortic Surgery: the TURBO Study
This study is trying to see how levels of certain proteins in the fluid around the brain change before and after thoracic aortic surgery to better understand why some patients experience confusion or memory problems afterward.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Radboud University Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nijmegen) |
| Trial ID | NCT04523909 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational pilot study aims to investigate the changes in neuroinflammatory protein levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in patients undergoing thoracic aortic surgery. Patients will have an external lumbar drain placed before surgery, allowing for the collection of paired CSF and blood samples. The study seeks to understand the biochemical pathways involved in postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction by analyzing these samples before and after the surgical procedure. The findings may provide insights into the relationship between systemic inflammation and neuroinflammation following major surgery.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are competent adults aged 18 years and older who are scheduled to undergo thoracic aortic surgery.
Not a fit: Patients with recent neurological conditions, infections, or those who object to the storage of their biological materials may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction in patients undergoing major surgeries.
How similar studies have performed: While there is growing evidence on the impact of systemic inflammation on neuroinflammation, this specific approach to studying neuroinflammatory markers in CSF during thoracic aortic surgery is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Competent patients ≥ 18 years * Patients who will undergo thoracic aortic surgery and will therefore receive an external lumbar drain as a standard of care procedure. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with meningitis/encephalitis/brain abscess within the last 6 months * Patients with other neurological conditions: brain injury (acute stroke, brain trauma or cerebral haemorrhage) within the last 3 months, known brain tumours, neurodegenerative disease or known pre-existing cognitive impairment (to a degree that would be compatible with mild cognitive impairment or more). * Brain or spinal surgery within the last 3 months * Active infection \<2 weeks before surgery * Patients who object against storage of their body material for scientific reasons
Where this trial is running
Nijmegen
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Radboud university medical center — Nijmegen, Netherlands (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Wilson F. Abdo, MD, PhD
- Email: f.abdo@radboudumc.nl
- Phone: +31243617273
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.