Investigating how obesity affects cognitive function after surgery

Impact of Obesity on Post-operative Cognitive Dysfunction: Role of Adipose Tissue

University Hospital, Toulouse · NCT04907565

This study is trying to see if obesity-related inflammation affects thinking and memory problems in people after they have hip or heart surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment408 (estimated)
Ages60 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Toulouse (other)
Locations1 site (Toulouse)
Trial IDNCT04907565 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research explores the connection between inflammation in white adipose tissue and post-operative cognitive dysfunctions, such as delirium and cognitive impairment. It focuses on patients undergoing elective hip arthroplasty or cardiac surgery and examines how systemic inflammation from surgical wounds may lead to cognitive issues in obese individuals. The study involves blood and tissue sampling to assess inflammatory cytokines and their potential role in cognitive decline post-surgery. The hypothesis suggests that obesity-related inflammation increases the risk of cognitive dysfunction after surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are obese patients scheduled for elective hip arthroplasty or cardiac surgery who can provide informed consent and have a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of 20 or higher.

Not a fit: Patients undergoing emergency surgery, those with known dementia, or those with an altered MMSE score may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved strategies for preventing cognitive dysfunction in obese patients undergoing surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While the relationship between obesity and cognitive dysfunction post-surgery has been explored, this specific investigation into adipose tissue inflammation is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* patient about to receive a hip arthroplasty under general anesthesia, elective cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass,
* patient with a MMSE score \> or = 20(/30),
* patient able to give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* emergency surgery, or surgery in a septic context,
* patient with a known dementia or altered MMSE score (under 20)

Where this trial is running

Toulouse

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: Obesity, Cognitive Impairment, Post-Operative Confusion, Post-operative cognitive dysfunction, Inflammation, Inflammatory cytokines

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.