Using the Sustained Attention to Response Test to detect cognitive dysfunction after day case surgery.

Full Abstract

BACKGROUND

AND OBJECTIVE:
Cognitive dysfunction has been reported after general anaesthesia, but its assessment is time consuming and difficult to evaluate. This pilot study assessed the feasibility of using the Sustained Attention to Response Test to assess 35 ASA I-II adults (mean age 31.6 yr) undergoing day case surgery under general anaesthesia, and 25 ASA I-II adults (mean age 47.8 yr) undergoing day case surgery under local anaesthesia.

METHODS:
The Sustained Attention to Response Test was performed before surgery and repeated 2 h after surgery.

RESULTS:
When patients repeated the test after surgery under local anaesthesia, the number of incorrect responses increased, but reaction times decreased (P < 0.05). Following general anaesthesia, the number of incorrect responses increased (P < 0.05), but reaction times remained unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS:
The Sustained Attention to Response Test is simple to administer and may be a useful tool when comparing different anaesthetic techniques and their effects on postoperative deficits in sustained attention.

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Author information

Author/s: Thompson, J P (JP); Rushman, S C (SC); Fox, A J (AJ); Lloyd, A J (AJ); Atcheson, R A (RA);

Affiliation: Leicester Royal Infirmary, University Department of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University Hospital of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK. jt23@le.ac.uk

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Evaluation Studies; Journal Article

Journal: European journal of anaesthesiology (Eur J Anaesthesiol), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-Aug; vol 19 (issue 8) : pp 585-8

Dates: Created 2002/08/30; Completed 2003/02/25; Revised 2004/11/17;

PMID: 12200948, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adult
Anesthesia Recovery Period
Anesthesia, General - adverse effects
Attention
Cognition Disorders - etiology
Female

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