Comparing intravenous and inhalation anesthesia effects on cognitive function in elderly patients

Evaluation of the Effect of Intravenous Anesthesia Versus Volatile Anesthesia on Blood-brain Barrier Permeability and Neuroinflammation Affecting Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in Elderly Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital · NCT06353516

This study is testing whether intravenous anesthesia or inhalation anesthesia affects thinking and memory in older patients after surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment154 (estimated)
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorChung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi-do)
Trial IDNCT06353516 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the differences in blood-brain barrier permeability and the incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction between elderly patients receiving intravenous anesthesia with propofol and those receiving inhalation anesthesia with sevoflurane. Participants aged 60 and older will be randomly assigned to one of the two anesthesia groups before undergoing surgery. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples will be collected at various time points to assess inflammatory markers and cognitive function. Patients will be monitored for postoperative delirium and cognitive assessment will be conducted three months post-surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are elderly patients aged 60 years or older with ASA physical status I to III undergoing general anesthesia for more than two hours.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of dementia, schizophrenia, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, stroke, or craniectomy will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved anesthesia practices that minimize cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients after surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored the effects of different anesthesia types on cognitive outcomes, indicating potential for significant findings in this area.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* age equal to or older than 60
* american Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade I to III
* general anesthesia longer than 2 hours

Exclusion Criteria:

* history of dementia
* history of schizophrenia, epilepsy, or Parkinson's disease
* history of stroke or craniectomy
* patient denial

Where this trial is running

Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi-do

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction, total intravenous anesthesia, inhaled gas anesthesia, blood-brain barrier permeability, neuroinflammation, delirium, postoperative cognitive dysfunction

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.