Sevoflurane versus propofol on immediate postoperative cognitive dysfunction in patients undergoing cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass: a comparative analysis

ObjectiveThis study aims to compare the effects of sevoflurane (SEV) and propofol (PRO) on postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery (CS) under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), with a focus on evaluating the efficacy of these anesthetic agents in preventing POCD. MethodsA total of 113 patients undergoing CS with CPB were grouped into two: PRO group (n = 58) and SEV group (n = 55). Baseline data, anesthesia effects (CPB duration, anesthesia time, respiratory recovery time, and anesthesia recovery time), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores, POCD incidence, neurological function markers (NSE, S-100 beta, MMP9), and serum inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha) were analyzed. The study was conducted between March 2018 and May 2021. ResultsThe PRO group showed significantly shorter anesthesia time (P < 0.05), respiratory recovery time (P < 0.05), and anesthesia recovery time (P < 0.05) compared to the SEV group. The postoperative MoCA score in the PRO group reduced markedly compared with the baseline, but still higher than that in the SEV group (P < 0.05). The incidence of POCD was significantly lower in the PRO group (5.17% vs. 27.27%, P = 0.001). The levels of NSE, S-100 beta, MMP9, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha were significantly elevated compared to baseline values, but still lower than those in the SEV group (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). ConclusionPRO is more effective than SEV in preventing POCD in patients undergoing CS with CPB. It provides superior anesthetic effects and offers better protection against neuronal damage and serum inflammation compared to SEV. Clinical trial numberNot applicable.