Predicting Delirium After Neck of Femur Fracture
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating post-operative delirium following fractured neck of femur in patients over the age of 65 by using functional MRI imaging pre-operatively in order to assess whether any significant neural changes were evident in those patients who go on to develop post operative delirium.
IRAS ID
125202
Contact name
Michael Fertleman
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College
Research summary
The aim of the study is to determine whether it is possible to better understand the aetiology of post-operative delirium following a surgical procedure using a functional MRI (fMRI) scan. By analysing the scan data we hope to determine whether significant alterations or disruption of neuronal connectivity are evident in an fMRI pre-operatively in those who go on to develop post operative delirium.
In order to assess which of the patients who undergo surgery have delirium a series of cognitive tests will be undertaken. These tests will be the Abreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Confusion Assessment Method (CAM)both pre and post – operatively. Those patients who agree to participate in the project would undergo an fMRI prior to their orhopaedic procedure. This would not delay the scheduled operation. We hope to be able to demonstrate how it is possible to predict which patients will develop delirium and secondly from the changes noted, potentially develop a targeted biological agent to arrest this process.
A second stage of the study, for which separate ethical approval will be saught, will be a randomised control study to trial a biological agent that has already been shown to be successful at preventing delirium in a mouse model.REC name
London - London Bridge Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/0683
Date of REC Opinion
27 Sep 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion