Incidence and risk factors assessment of early postoperative cognitive decline in elderly patients after spinal surgery

Abstract

Background: As global life expectancy increases, spinal disorders and the need for spinal surgery among elderly individuals are becoming more prevalent. Postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) is a common complication in this population, adversely affecting functional recovery and quality of life. Despite substantial research, effective preventive strategies for POCD remain limited. Aim: To determine the incidence of POCD and to identify perioperative risk factors associated with its development in elderly patients undergoing spinal surgery. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted at the Second AfÏliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University. Of 200 elderly patients who underwent spinal surgery between, 122 met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled. Preoperative clinical assessments, intraoperative surgical and anesthetic parameters, and postoperative evaluations were systematically collected. Cognitive function was assessed using standardized and validated tools both before and after surgery. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of POCD. Results: POCD was observed in a notable proportion of patients postoperatively. Multivariate analysis revealed that prolonged surgical duration (OR=0.989; p=0.005), intraoperative hypotension (OR=0.964; p=0.009), higher intensity of postoperative pain (OR=10.073; p=0.015), and elevated postoperative C-reactive protein levels (OR=1.039; p<0.001) were significantly associated with an increased risk of developing POCD. Conclusion: In elderly patients undergoing spinal surgery severe postoperative pain, and systemic inflammatory responses contribute significantly to the development of POCD. Optimizing perioperative management, including minimizing surgical time, maintaining stable hemodynamics, and controlling postoperative inflammation and pain, may mitigate the risk of cognitive decline.