Cardiac Autonomic Dysfunction and Perioperative Outcomes After Neurosurgery

Detailed Summary

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is cardinal for maintaining systemic homeostasis and is pivotal for the baseline regulation and modulation of vital cardiovascular, hemodynamic, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and body temperature regulating functions. Pathological perturbations of the ANS leading to cardiac dysautonomia (CAD) affect one in 1000 population. Autonomic dysfunction can occur from a variety of pathological conditions such as ischemic heart disease, systemic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, neurological illnesses, neurotrauma, and cervical spine diseases. When patients with dysautonomia present for surgical procedures, they may manifest severe hemodynamic responses that may be less responsive to pharmacological interventions. Pre-existing autonomic dysfunction accentuates perioperative hemodynamic fluctuations during stressful events like direct laryngoscopy, endotracheal intubation, and extubation, and can result in major adverse cardiac events (MACE). The complications arising from CAD can prolong the duration of hospital stay and contribute to morbidity and mortality. Preoperative diagnosis of CAD helps in anticipation of and preparation for potentially severe adverse events in the perioperative period. Most neurosurgical patients are not candidates for detailed ANS examination in the supine and standing positions due to their underlying neurological condition. Real-time assessment of heart rate variability (HRV) using the ANSiscope equipment provides information on the sympathovagal balance during the immediate preoperative period and aids in the simple rapid bedside assessment of CAD. This study aims to examine the incidence of CAD through HRV assessment in neurosurgical patients, identify the potential risk factors for CAD in this population, and evaluate the impact of CAD on perioperative outcomes.

Study Details

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