Electroencephalographic and biological predictors of delirium after cardiac surgery : perioperative indicators of brain vulnerability

Postoperative delirium is among the most prevalent complications after cardiac surgery and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Although pre-existing cognitive impairment is a major predisposing risk factor, patients' cognitive status is not systematically assessed during preoperative clinical examination. This thesis aims to investigate promising electroencephalographic and biological predictors of postoperative delirium in order to help identify patients at risk and to potentially provide reasonable alternatives to a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. In light of the results, strategies to identify vulnerable patients and to prevent postoperative neurocognitive disorders are discussed. These approaches might constitute a first step towards an improvement of patients’ perioperative brain health.