Evaluating the effects of anesthesia on cognitive function after VP shunt surgery

The Application of Anesthesia Depth Monitoring on Post-operative Cognitive Dysfunction for Patients With Hydrocephalus Receiving Ventricular-peritoneal Shunt Surgery and Associated Change in CSF Metabolomics and Glymphatic Function.

Not applicable Interventional Chang Gung Memorial Hospital · NCT06005363

This study is testing how different types of anesthesia during VP shunt surgery affect thinking skills and brain function in patients with hydrocephalus.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment48 (estimated)
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorChang Gung Memorial Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Taoyuan)
Trial IDNCT06005363 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how different anesthetic techniques affect postoperative cognitive dysfunction, neuroinflammation, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) metabolomics, and glymphatic function in patients undergoing VP shunt surgery for communicating hydrocephalus. A total of 48 patients will be randomly assigned to receive either standard anesthesia care or enhanced monitoring and dexmedetomidine infusion during surgery. Intraoperative CSF and plasma samples will be collected for metabolomic analysis using advanced techniques like nuclear magnetic resonance and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Post-surgery, cognitive function and glymphatic activity will be assessed using various cognitive tests and functional MRI.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients over 60 years old with communicating hydrocephalus scheduled for elective VP shunt surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with unstable preoperative conditions or significant neuropsychological disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved postoperative cognitive outcomes for patients undergoing VP shunt surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research in this area, the specific combination of anesthetic techniques and their effects on glymphatic function and cognitive outcomes in this context is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* patients with communicating hydrocephalus for elective VP shunt surgery under general anesthesia
* age\> 60 y/o
* conscious clear
* fluency in Chinese
* anticipated hospital stay ≥ 3 days after surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

* unstable preoperative condition (unstable angina, CHF, asthma attack) within 4 weeks before surgery,
* severe hepatic dysfunction or renal failure
* history of neuropsychological diseases such as schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, dementia, stroke,
* pre-op cognitive impairment,
* preoperative delirium,
* preoperative depression,
* allergy to contrast medium of MRI.

Where this trial is running

Taoyuan

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.
Conditions The Association of Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction With Glymphatic Function and NeuroinflammationThe Association of Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction With CSF Metabolomic Changeanesthesia depth monitoringpostoperative cognitive dysfunctionmetabolomicscerebrospinal fluidglymphatic function
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.