Original Research
Subjective and objective cognition 6-week post-coronary artery bypass graft surgery: A descriptive pilot study
Submitted: 16 September 2019 | Published: 09 July 2020
About the author(s)
Ntokozo N. Ngcobo, Department of Psychiatry, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South AfricaAndrew Tomita, Department of Psychiatry, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
Suvira Ramlall, Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
Abstract
Background: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery has been found to be associated with post-operative cognitive decline. Despite the large and growing numbers being conducted in South Africa, the associated or ensuing cognitive symptoms or impairment have received little research attention.
Aim: The aim of this pilot study was to describe the nature and extent of subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs) and objective cognitive impairments in patients 6-week post-CABG surgery in a clinical sample in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province, South Africa.
Setting: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among outpatients attending their 6-week post-CABG surgical review at a cardiology clinic in a KZN provincial hospital.
Method: Socio-demographic and clinical data were captured, with SCCs being determined by using standardised questions; cognition was assessed with the Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA).
Results: The mean age of the sample (n = 28) was 58.72 years. The mean MoCA score was 23.96 (SD = 4.32); 60.71% (n = 17) screening positive (< 25/30) and more likely to be older, male, hypertensive and diabetic. A third (n = 9; 35.71%) reported at least one new SCC; their mean age was 55.36 years which was lower than those without subjective complaints (59.81).
Conclusions: Subjective and objective cognitive impairments were evident in patients 6-week post-CABG surgery identifying a need for longitudinal cognitive screening both pre- and post- operatively in patients undergoing CABG surgery.
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