Cognitive outcomes following coronary artery bypass grafting: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 91,829 patients

Int J Cardiol. 2019 Aug 15:289:43-49. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2019.04.065. Epub 2019 Apr 24.

Abstract

Background: Cognitive impairments, including delirium, are common after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, as described in over three decades of research. Our aim was to pool estimates across the literature for the first-time, relative to time (from pre- to post-CABG) and diagnosis (cognitive impairment, delirium and dementia).

Methods: A systematic search of four databases was undertaken. 215 studies incorporating data from 91,829 patients were used to estimate the prevalence of cognitive impairments pre- and post-CABG, including delirium and dementia post-CABG, using random effects meta-analyses.

Results: Pre-surgical cognitive impairment was seen in 19% of patients. Post-operatively, cognitive impairment was seen in around 43% of patients acutely; this resolved to 19% at 4-6 months and then increased to 25% of patients between 6-months to 1-year post-operatively. In the long term, between 1 and 5-years post-operatively, cognitive impairment increased and was seen in nearly 40% of patients. Post-operative delirium was apparent in 18% of CABG patients which increased to 24% when a diagnostic instrument was utilized alongside clinical criteria. Dementia was present in 7% of patients 5-7 years post-surgery.

Conclusion: The results of this meta-analysis demonstrate that cognitive impairment and delirium are major issues in CABG patients which require specific attention. It is imperative that appropriate methods for investigating cognitive impairment, and screening for delirium using a diagnostic instrument, occur in both pre-and post-CABG settings.

Keywords: Cardiac surgery; Coronary artery bypass grafting surgery; Delirium; Dementia; Post-operative cognitive decline.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cognition / physiology*
  • Cognition Disorders / epidemiology
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology*
  • Cognition Disorders / psychology
  • Coronary Artery Bypass / adverse effects*
  • Delirium / epidemiology
  • Delirium / etiology
  • Delirium / psychology
  • Global Health
  • Humans
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Postoperative Complications / psychology
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors