From Collegiate Presswire's RadioWire (https://www.cpwire.com/radio): Radio Certain genes that increase susceptibility to Alzheimer�s disease could also offer a link to why some surgical patients have post-operative brain dysfunction such as confusion or memory loss. A research group at the University of Pennsylvania says the biomarker, e-4, may play a role in increased risk for brain damage after head injuries or major surgery. Doctor Andrew Kofke spoke at the American Society of Anesthesiologists annual meeting:
�It looks like there�s some 15 to 25 percent or so of patients after non-cardiac surgery who may have problems with their thinking after surgery. So, we find that this occurs primarily in patients who have this gene then it will lead to a search for a different anesthetics which, hopefully, won�t predispose to this, or it will perhaps give patients information which may affect their decision on whether to have surgery or not.�
The gene occurs in about 20 percent of the population. CLICK HERE to download a transcript of this story: CLICK HERE to download a multimedia (MP3) file of this story: © Copyright 2003 Collegiate Presswire, Inc. and NBN/CP RadioWire |