Perioperative probiotics attenuates postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty: A randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common complication in elderly patients following surgery. The preventive and/or treatment strategies for the incidence remain limited.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the preventive effect of perioperative probiotic treatment on POCD in elderly patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty.

METHODS

After obtaining ethical approval and written informed consent, 106 patients (age ≥60 years) were recruited, who scheduled elective hip or knee arthroplasty, from 16 March 2021 to 25 February 2022 for this randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial. They were randomly assigned with a 1:1 ratio to receive either probiotics or placebo treatment (four capsules, twice/day) from hospital admission until discharge. Cognitive function was assessed with a battery of 11 neuropsychological tests on the admission day and the seventh day after surgery, respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 96 of 106 patients completed the study, and their data were finally analyzed. POCD occurred in 12 (26.7%) of 45 patients in the probiotic group and 29 (56.9%) of 51 patients in the placebo group (relative risk [RR], 0.47 [95% confidence interval [CI], 0.27 to 0.81]; = 0.003). Among them, mild POCD occurred in 11 (24.4%) in the probiotic group and 24 (47.1%) in the placebo group (RR, 0.52 [95% CI, 0.29 to 0.94]; = 0.022). No significant difference in severe POCD incidence was found between the two groups ( = 0.209). Compared with the placebo group, the verbal memory domain cognitive function was mainly improved in the probiotic group.

CONCLUSION

Probiotics may be used perioperatively to prevent POCD development and improve verbal memory performance in elderly patients receiving hip or knee arthroplasty.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

www.chictr.org.cn, identifier: ChiCTR2100045620.