Background: Changes in cognitive function are associated with increased depression and decreased quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to determine the relationship between the characteristics of geriatric patients and anesthetic management with changes in postoperative cognitive function and QOL of geriatric patients undergoing elective surgery.
Methods: This prospective observational analytic multicenter study included patients aged ≥60 years who underwent elective surgery in hospitals in Indonesia. We used the whole sampling method and performed follow-up 30 days after surgery. Data were analyzed using bivariate chi-square and multivariate regression tests with a confidence interval of 95% and α=5%.
Results: Among the 933 geriatric patients included in this study 55.0%, females most (59.8%) received general anesthesia. Factors including age (p<0.001, B=-0.374, odds ratio [OR]=0.688), body mass index (BMI) (p<0.05, B=0.129, OR=1.138), and physical status based on American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification (p<0.001, B=-0.458, OR=0.633) were significantly associated with postoperative cognitive function. BMI (p<0.001, B=-0.218, OR=1.244), absence of comorbidities (p<0.05, B=-0.312, OR=0.732), regional anesthesia (p<0.05, B=0.606, OR=1.883), and changes in cognitive function (p<0.05, B=0.288, OR=1.334) were significantly correlated with changes in postoperative QOL.
Conclusion: Age, BMI, and ASA physical status were significantly associated with postoperative cognitive function in geriatric patients, whereas BMI, comorbidities, regional anesthesia, and changes in postoperative cognitive function were associated with QOL. These preoperative factors can predict postoperative cognitive function and QOL and may be useful during preoperative planning.
Keywords: Anesthesia; Cognitive function; Geriatrics; Postoperative; Quality of life.