Investigating biomarkers for cognitive decline after surgery in older adults
Feasibility Study of the Use of Biomarkers to Detect Perioperative Brain Injury: the Association Between Serum Neurofilament Light Chains, Tau Proteins, Continuous Intra-operative Electroencephalography, and the Development of Post Operative Cognitive Dysfunction After Surgery
This study is testing if certain brain markers can help predict which older adults might have memory problems after having non-heart surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Oxford Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Reading, Berkshire) |
| Trial ID | NCT05464355 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to identify biomarkers that may predict postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in patients aged 65 and older undergoing elective non-cardiac surgery. It focuses on the use of intraoperative electroencephalography to monitor brain function and measures of neurofilament light chain and tau protein as potential indicators of cognitive decline. By understanding these biomarkers, the study seeks to improve the prediction of which patients are at higher risk for developing cognitive issues post-surgery. The findings could lead to better management strategies for at-risk patients.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 65 and older who are scheduled for elective non-cardiac surgery under general anesthesia.
Not a fit: Patients who have a known history of dementia or severe traumatic brain injury may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help identify older patients at risk for cognitive decline after surgery, allowing for targeted interventions to mitigate these risks.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using biomarkers to predict cognitive dysfunction is being explored, this specific study's focus on intraoperative monitoring and its combination of biomarkers is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Greater than or equal to 65 years of age * Having elective non-cardiac surgery under general anaesthesia * Anticipated to have at least 48 hours of inpatient admission * Able \& willing to give informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to participate in neurocognitive assessments * Presence of delirium prior to surgery * Contraindication to use of EEG electrodes (e.g. known allergy to a component of the electrodes) * Known history of severe traumatic brain injury * Learning disability specifically with a known structural brain lesion * Known history of dementia * Participants undergoing operations on the carotid artery
Where this trial is running
Reading, Berkshire
- Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust — Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Martyn Ezra — University of Oxford
- Study coordinator: Martyn Ezra
- Email: martyn.ezra@ndcn.ox.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 1865572878
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.