British journal of anaesthesia
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The posterior dominant rhythm (PDR) was the first oscillatory pattern noted in the EEG. Evoked by wakeful eyelid closure, these oscillations dissipate over seconds during loss of arousal. The peak frequency of the PDR maintains stability over years, suggesting utility as a state biomarker in the surveillance of acute cognitive impairments. This EEG signature has not been systematically investigated for tracking cognitive dysfunction after anaesthetic-induced loss of consciousness. ⋯ NCT01911195.
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Dexmedetomidine is a widely used anaesthetic adjuvant for cancer resection surgeries. However, recent reports suggest that it may promote tumour growth or metastasis, so it is essential to clarify its tumour-related effects. ⋯ Dexmedetomidine conferred colorectal tumour-type specific suppression by modulation of tumour CD4+ and CD8+ T cells without tumour-enhancing effects.
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It remains controversial whether general anaesthetic drugs contribute to perioperative neurocognitive disorders in adult patients. Preclinical studies have generated conflicting results, likely because of differing animal models, study protocols, and measured outcomes. This scoping review of preclinical studies addressed the question: 'Do general anaesthetic drugs cause cognitive deficits in adult animals that persist after the drugs have been eliminated from the brain?' ⋯ Most studies reported cognitive deficits after general anaesthesia, with age, use of volatile anaesthetic drugs, and duration of anaesthesia as risk factors. Recommendations to improve study design and guide future research are presented.