Postoperative Cognitive Rehabilitation and Oxytocin Levels in Biological Fluids in Patients After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Objective: to assess the relationship between oxytocin levels in biological fluids and cognitive function indicators before and after coronary artery bypass grafting. To evaluate the effectiveness of postoperative cognitive rehabilitation using computer programs that stimulate cognitive function.

Materials and methods: the study included 47 men hospitalized for elective coronary artery bypass grafting under cardiopulmonary bypass. Cognitive function was assessed preoperatively and on the 10th postoperative day using the MMSE, FAB, Schulte tests, and the 10-word memory test. Biological fluid samples were collected to determine oxytocin levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. During the hospitalization period, patients received medication therapy and underwent cognitive rehabilitation using computer programs that stimulate cognitive function.

Results: following surgery, positive changes in cognitive abilities were recorded in several tests, including the one-hour drawing task and the three-part ten-word recall test, compared to preoperative results. Meanwhile, in a number of other tests, such as the MMSE, FAB, and Schulte test, results remained consistent with preoperative results, indicating stability of cognitive function. Plasma- and salivary-bound oxytocin concentrations significantly decreased on the second day after surgery, but a characteristic increase was noted by the tenth day. The study found a significant correlation between cognitive function and oxytocin levels in both plasma and salivary samples.

Conclusion: the study demonstrated the effectiveness of postoperative cognitive rehabilitation using computerized stimulation programs. Oxytocin may be considered as a biomarker for vascular cognitive impairment.

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