Publications [#270929] of James A. Blumenthal

Journal Articles

1. Tardiff, BE; Newman, MF; Saunders, AM; Strittmatter, WJ; Blumenthal, JA; White, WD; Croughwell, ND; Davis, RD; Roses, AD; Reves, JG (1997). Preliminary report of a genetic basis for cognitive decline after cardiac operations. The Neurologic Outcome Research Group of the Duke Heart Center.. The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, 64(3), 715-720. [doi]
   (last updated on 2024/01/01)

   Abstract:
   BACKGROUND: Changes in memory and cognition frequently follow cardiac operations. We hypothesized that patients with the apolipoprotein E-epsilon 4 allele are genetically predisposed to cognitive dysfunction after cardiac operations. METHODS: The apolipoprotein E-epsilon 4 allele was evaluated as a predictor variable for postoperative cognitive dysfunction in 65 patients undergoing cardiac bypass grafting at Duke University Medical Center. The primary outcome measure was performance on a cognitive battery administered preoperatively and at 6 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: In a multivariable logistic regression analysis including apolipoprotein E-epsilon 4, preoperative score, age, and years of education, a significant association was found between apolipoprotein E-epsilon 4 and change in cognitive test score in measures of short-term memory at 6 weeks postoperatively. Patients with lower educational levels were more likely to show a decline in cognitive function associated with the apolipoprotein E-epsilon 4 allele. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that apolipoprotein E genotype is related to cognitive dysfunction after cardiopulmonary bypass. Cardiac surgical patients may be susceptible to deterioration after physiologic stress as a result of impaired genetically determined neuronal mechanisms of maintenance and repair.