An observational study in Delirium, sponsored by Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Recruiting at 1 site in China. Open to participants aged 18 Years and older. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-04-03.
Sponsored by Huazhong University of Science and Technology · Observational
The incidence of postoperative delirium in patients after cardiovascular surgery is very high, which seriously affects the short-term and long-term prognosis of patients, but its mechanism is not clear. Recent studies have found that lactic acid participates in the process of sepsis by inducing histone lactatation in macrophages. histone H3 lysine 18 lactylation (H3K18la) is significantly associated with the severity of disease and inflammatory response. Inflammation plays an important role in postoperative delirium. We therefore hypothesized that macrophage H3K18la also plays a role in postoperative delirium. At the same time, the latest literature shows that the early markers of Alzheimer's disease (AD), such as Aβ, exosomes and phosphorylated tau, etc. [5], can also be detected in the serum of AD patients. Given the obvious correlation between Alzheimer's disease and postoperative delirium [6], we hypothesized that serum biomarkers of AD could also be used as serum biomarkers for postoperative delirium.
The objectives of this study were to investigate the correlation between H3K18 in serum monocytes and postoperative delirium and its severity in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery. Meanwhile, we also detect the serum levels of biomarkers of AD, such as Aβ, tau and exosomes etc., in patients undergoing major cardiac surgery. We aim to find the serum biomarkers of delirium after major cardiac surgery, so as to provide a more convenient diagnostic basis for the prevention of postoperative delirium.
Patients aged over 18 years undergoing cardiovascular surgery
patients who receive cardiovascular surgery
Exclusion Criteria:
Incidence of postoperative delirium
The incidence of postoperative delirium was determined according to the 3-Minute Diagnostic Interview for Confusion Assessment Method (3D-CAM) diagnostic algorithm. The algorithm consists of four clinical criteria: (1) acute onset and fluctuating course, (2) inattention, and either, (3) disorganized thinking, or(4) altered level of consciousness. To define a patient as having delirium, both the first and the second criteria have to be present, as well as either the third or the fourth criteria.
Time frame: After surgery through to postoperative day 7
the level of H3K18 in serum monocytes of postoperative delirium and un-delirium patients
Lactylation levels of all proteins and H3K18 from peripheral blood mononuclear (PBMC) were determined by western blotting and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines by flow cytometry.
Time frame: Perioperative data
the level of Aβ in serum of postoperative delirium and un-delirium patients
the level of Aβ in serum was determined by colorimetric and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) dual-mode magnetic immunosensor
Time frame: Perioperative data
the level of tau in serum of postoperative delirium and un-delirium patients
the level of tau in serum was determined by colorimetric and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) dual-mode magnetic immunosensor
Time frame: Perioperative data
the level of exosomes in serum of postoperative delirium and un-delirium patients
the level of exosomes in serum was determined by colorimetric and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) dual-mode magnetic immunosensor
Time frame: Perioperative data
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Huazhong University of Science and Technology