Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026
Analytical Techniques for Assaying Nitric Oxide Bioactivity
Published on: June 18, 2012
Nitric oxide index is not a predictor of cognitive dysfunction following laparotomy
Ciaran Twomey1, Mark Corrigan, Crina Burlacu
1Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Cork University Hospital and University College Cork, Ireland. ctwomey@ualberta.ca <ctwomey@ualberta.ca>
Study Objective:
To determine the associations between postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) and plasma concentrations of stable nitric oxide products [nitric oxide index (NOi)].
Design:
Prospective study.
Setting:
Academic hospital.
Patients:
28 ASA physical status I, II, and III physical status patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery.
Interventions:
Cognitive assessment was performed preoperatively and postoperatively at 4 days (early) and 6 weeks (late).
Measurements:
Serial measurements of plasma NOi were recorded.
Main Results:
Early POCD with a deficit in one cognitive domain was present in 18 patients (64%), and in 8 patients (28%) with deficits in two or more cognitive domains. Late POCD was evident in three patients (20%) who had a deficit in one domain. Eight patients were lost to late follow-up. There was no difference in baseline or subsequent serum concentrations of NOi between those who showed early and late POCD and those who showed no POCD.
Conclusion:
Factors other than nitric oxide-mediated injury is responsible for POCD following major non-cardiac surgery.
