Association of neurogranin with delirium among critically ill patients

Preclinical and translational models for delirium: Recommendations for future research from the NIDUS delirium network

Delirium is a common, morbid, and costly syndrome that is closely linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and AD-related dementias (ADRD) as a risk factor and outcome. Human studies of delirium have advanced our knowledge of delirium incidence and prevalence, risk factors, biomarkers, outcomes, prevention, and management. However, understanding of delirium neurobiology remains limited. Preclinical and translational models for delirium, while challenging to develop, could advance our knowledge of delirium neurobiology and inform the development of new prevention and treatment approaches. We discuss the use of preclinical and translational animal models in delirium, focusing on (1) a review of current animal models, (2) challenges and strategies for replicating elements of human delirium in animals, and (3) the utility of biofluid, neurophysiology, and neuroimaging translational markers in animals. We conclude with recommendations for the development and validation of preclinical and translational models for delirium, with the goal of advancing awareness in this important field.

The association between the inflammatory response following surgery and post-operative delirium in older oncological patients: a prospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Post-operative delirium (POD) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates in older patients. Neuroinflammation, the activation of the intrinsic immune system of the brain, seems to be one of the mechanisms behind the development of POD. The aim of this study was to explore the association between the perioperative inflammatory response and the development of POD in a cohort of older oncological patients in need for surgery.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study, patients 65 years and older in need for oncologic surgery were included. Inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, IL10 and Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) were measured in plasma samples pre- and post-operatively. Delirium Observation Screening Scale (DOS) was used as screening instrument for POD in the first week after surgery. In case of positive screening, diagnosis of POD was assessed by a clinician.

RESULTS

Between 2010 and 2016, plasma samples of 311 patients with median age of 72 years (range 65-89) were collected. A total of 38 (12%) patients developed POD in the first week after surgery. The perioperative increase in plasma levels of IL-10 and NGAL were associated with POD in multivariate logistic regression analysis (OR 1.33 [1.09-1.63] P = 0.005 and OR 1.30 [1.03-1.64], P = 0.026, respectively). The biomarkers CRP, IL-1β and IL-6 were not significantly associated with POD.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased surgery-evoked inflammatory responses of IL-10 and NGAL are associated with the development of POD in older oncological patients. The outcomes of this study contribute to understanding the aetiology of neuroinflammation and the development of POD.