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Impaired Olfaction and Risk of Delirium or Cognitive Decline After Cardiac Surgery
Author(s) -
Brown Charles H.,
Morrissey Candice,
Ono Masahiro,
Yenokyan Gayane,
Selnes Ola A.,
Walston Jeremy,
Max Laura,
LaFlam Andrew,
Neufeld Karin,
Gottesman Rebecca F.,
Hogue Charles W.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of the american geriatrics society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.992
H-Index - 232
eISSN - 1532-5415
pISSN - 0002-8614
DOI - 10.1111/jgs.13198
Subject(s) - medicine , olfaction , delirium , cognitive decline , population , cardiac surgery , dementia , anesthesia , surgery , psychiatry , psychology , disease , neuroscience , environmental health
Objectives To determine the prevalence of impaired olfaction in individuals presenting for cardiac surgery and the independent association between impaired olfaction and postoperative delirium and cognitive decline. Design Nested prospective cohort study. Setting Academic hospital. Participants Individuals undergoing coronary artery bypass, valve surgery, or both (n = 165). Measurements Olfaction was measured using the Brief Smell Identification Test, with impaired olfaction defined as an olfactory score below the fifth percentile of normative data. Delirium was assessed using a validated chart review method. Cognitive performance was assessed using a neuropsychological testing battery at baseline and 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Results Impaired olfaction was identified in 54 of 165 participants (33%) before surgery. Impaired olfaction was associated with greater adjusted risk of postoperative delirium (relative risk = 1.90, 95% confidence interval = 1.17–3.09, P = .009). There was no association between impaired olfaction and change in composite cognitive score in the overall study population. Conclusion Impaired olfaction is prevalent in individuals undergoing cardiac surgery and is associated with greater adjusted risk of postoperative delirium but not cognitive decline. Impaired olfaction may identify unrecognized vulnerability to postoperative delirium in individuals undergoing cardiac surgery.