Key Points
- To evaluate the incidence, severity, functional consequences, and preoperative risk factors of intellectual dysfunction six months after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
- Prospective cohort of 259 patients underwent psychometric testing using 10 standard tests preoperatively, at 7 days, and at 6 months following coronary bypass surgery.
- Multivariate analysis evaluated 91 patient variables to identify independent clinical predictors of long-term neuropsychological deterioration.
- Overall group mean scores remained stable or improved on most tests, but 57% of individuals (147 of 259) declined on at least one test at six months (130 mild, 17 moderate or severe).
- Functional impairment was uncommon among deteriorated patients: 71% experienced no significant symptoms, 27% reported minor symptoms, 2% had serious disability, and only one patient was unable to resume work due to cognitive decline.
- Preoperative cardiac failure and global impairment of left ventricular function were the only factors significantly correlated with long-term intellectual deterioration.
Structured PICO
PPopulation259 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery
IInterventionCoronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery
OOutcomeIntellectual dysfunction assessed by a battery of 10 standard tests of intellectual function at 7 days and 6 months post-operation
While mild cognitive decline is common 6 months after CABG, it rarely causes significant functional disability or prevents return to work.