Intraoperative magnesium administration does not improve neurocognitive function after cardiac surgery.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Neurocognitive decline is common after cardiac surgery.
• Magnesium may offer neuroprotection through various mechanisms.
• The study investigated magnesium's potential to prevent cognitive impairment post-surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if intraoperative magnesium administration reduces postoperative cognitive impairment.
• To assess the effect of magnesium on cognitive function and markers of leukocyte and platelet activation.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 389 patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
• Patients received either magnesium or a placebo during surgery.
• Cognitive function was assessed preoperatively and 6 weeks postoperatively; secondary outcomes included markers of cellular activation.

Main Results:

• The incidence of cognitive deficit was similar between the magnesium (44.4%) and placebo (44.9%) groups (P=0.93).
• No significant differences were observed in cognitive change scores or markers of platelet and leukocyte activation.
• A trend suggested heavier patients receiving magnesium might have less cognitive deficit (P=0.06).

Conclusions:

• Intravenous magnesium administered during cardiac surgery does not effectively reduce postoperative cognitive dysfunction.
• The findings do not support the use of magnesium for preventing cognitive impairment in this patient population.