Thiamine treatment for cognitive issues after heart surgery

Thiamine Intervention and Cognition in Older Adults Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting - A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Early Phase 1 Interventional University of California, Los Angeles · NCT06326996

This study is testing if giving thiamine to patients with heart disease after heart surgery can help improve their thinking and memory skills.

Quick facts

PhaseEarly Phase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment52 (estimated)
Ages60 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, Los Angeles Academic / other
Locations1 site (Los Angeles, California)
Trial IDNCT06326996 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of thiamine intervention on cognitive deficits in patients with coronary heart disease undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. It employs a double-blind, randomized design with 52 participants divided into two groups: one receiving thiamine and the other a placebo. The study aims to assess cognitive performance and measure blood levels of thiamine, lactate, and inflammatory markers. The goal is to determine if thiamine can mitigate cognitive decline post-surgery, potentially leading to improved quality of life for patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults aged 60-80 with coronary heart disease scheduled for bypass grafting and exhibiting thiamine deficiency.

Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing dementia, uncontrolled blood glucose levels, or those currently taking thiamine will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce cognitive deficits in patients after heart surgery, enhancing their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using thiamine for cognitive protection is innovative, similar studies have shown promising results in other conditions, suggesting potential efficacy.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) scheduled for Bypass Grafting (CABG)
* Thiamine deficiency before CABG
* European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II (EuroSCORE II) \>1.5%
* Off-pump surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

* Dementia at baseline \[Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) \<21 within 5 days before CABG\]
* Current in-take of thiamine
* Known thiamine allergy
* Uncontrolled blood glucose levels
* Unable to give consent due to illness
* History of hyperlactatemia
* Recent (within several years and/or up to the judgment of the PI/co-PIs) cerebral incidents (seizure or head trauma resulting in loss of consciousness and/or concussion)
* Stroke
* Diagnosed psychiatric diseases (clinical depression, schizophrenia, manic-depression)
* Patients with history of alcohol or substance abuse
* Acute or chronic infections (tuberculosis, hepatitis, or encephalopathy)
* Diagnosed neuro-degenerative diseases (Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease)
* Chronic immunodeficiency (including HIV)
* Congenital brain deficits will also be excluded

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California

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 Coronary Heart DiseaseCoronary Artery Bypass Graftingthiamine intervention
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.