Dexmedetomidine, was reported to prevent postoperative delirium in elderly patients following its use in intensive care units. Possible mechanisms included improved quality of sleep and an inhibitory effect on inflammation. A greater number of studies indicated that propofol has negative effect on postoperative cognitive function. In this study, patients who will receive hip and knee arthroplasty will be divided to two groups: Propofol group and Dexmedetomidine group. Spinal anesthesia will be used to meet the requirement of intraoperative analgesia. Patients in two groups will be sedated by propofol and dexmedetomidine, respectively. TNF-α and IL-6 in blood will be detected. And postoperative cognitive function of patients will be investigated. The objective of this study is to clarify the influence of these two different sedative drugs on peripheral inflammation induced by surgery, and the relationship with the change of postoperative cognitive function.
Dexmedetomidine, was reported to prevent postoperative delirium in elderly patients following its use in intensive care units. Possible mechanisms included improved quality of sleep and an inhibitory effect on inflammation. A greater number of studies indicated that propofol has negative effect on postoperative cognitive function. In this study, we planned to investigate the influence of these two different sedative drugs on peripheral inflammation induced by surgery and postoperative cognitive function of patients who will receive hip and knee arthroplasty.