The role of SOAT-1 polymorphisms in cognitive decline and delirium after bypass heart surgery

Background Cognitive decline (CD) and delirium (PD) are commonly observed complications after bypass heart surgery. In this study we aimed to investigate whether certain genetic factors (alleles of the SOAT-1 gene) play a role in their appearance. Patients and methods We examined 137 patients receiving coronary bypass surgery with a neuropsychiatric test battery consisting of the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), the Wechsler's Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R) on admission and one month after surgery, and the Delirium Rating Scale postoperatively, when indicated, and genotyped them in relation to the SOAT–1 genotypes (AA positive group with augmented protection of the nerve cells against stress and the AA negative group – AC and CC subgroups – with diminished protection against stress). Results We noted a significant decline in test results postoperatively and a high frequency of delirium (29.92% of the patients). None of these complications could be associated to the SOAT-1 genotypes. Conclusions Our study confirmed the expected cognitive decline and highly frequent delirium after bypass heart surgery and excluded the possible role of SOAT-1 genotype polymorphisms in their genesis.