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Intraoperative Electroencephalogram Suppression Predicts Postoperative Delirium
Bradley A Fritz1, Philip L Kalarickal, Hannah R Maybrier
1From the *Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; and †Department of Mathematics, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri.
Anesthesia and Analgesia
|September 30, 2015
Summary
Intraoperative electroencephalogram (EEG) suppression is an independent risk factor for postoperative delirium. Minimizing EEG suppression during anesthesia may reduce delirium incidence.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Neuroscience
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Postoperative delirium is a frequent complication with significant morbidity and mortality.
- Intraoperative electroencephalogram (EEG) slowing is linked to delirium, but EEG suppression's role is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between intraoperative EEG suppression and postoperative delirium.
- To determine if EEG suppression impacts long-term functional and cognitive outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Observational cohort study of 727 adult patients under general anesthesia.
- Recorded intraoperative EEG suppression duration.
- Assessed delirium using the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU.
- Measured quality of life, functional independence, and cognition post-surgery.
Main Results:
- 26% of patients experienced postoperative delirium.
- Increased EEG suppression duration correlated with higher delirium risk (P < 0.0001).
- EEG suppression was linked to reduced functional independence (P = 0.02).
Conclusions:
- Intraoperative EEG suppression is an independent risk factor for postoperative delirium.
- Further research should explore anesthesia titration to minimize EEG suppression.
- This may reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium.
