The plasma levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor are positively associated with emergence agitation in the elderly after gastrointestinal surgery

Abstract

Aims: To explore the association between plasma concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the occurrence of emergence agitation (EA) in the elderly after gastrointestinal surgery.

Methods: Seventy-two patients were recruited, who received gastrointestinal surgery and general anesthesia. BDNF level of blood was detected by ELISA before anesthesia (baseline), 10 min after tracheal intubation before the start of surgery, at skin closure, 10 min after tracheal extubation, and 24 h postoperatively. Patients with a Ricker Sedation-Agitation Scale (RSAS) score ≥5 at any time in the post anesthesia care unit were considered to have emergence agitation.

Results: The incidence of EA in this population was 40 % (29/72). The EA group had higher plasma BDNF levels at skin closure (497.86 ± 69.65 vs. 307.86 ± 51.91, p < 0.05) and especially at 10 min after tracheal extubation (900 ± 224.6 vs. 476.28 ± 107.15, p < 0.001). Moreover, the levels of plasma BDNF at skin closure, 10 min after tracheal extubation and postoperative pain, were positively related with RSAS scores.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that plasma BDNF is associated with the occurrence of emergence agitation after gastrointestinal surgery.

Keywords: BNDF; Elderly; Emergence agitation; General anesthesia.