Effect of intraoperative 40-hz gamma-frequency auditory stimulation on postoperative delirium in older adults undergoing major surgery: a randomized clinical trial protocol.
Qiyun Tan, Xiaoxuan Hu, Chong Fu et al.
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In 30 seconds
This prospective, parallel-group randomized controlled trial protocol will evaluate intraoperative 40-Hz gamma-frequency auditory stimulation in 550 older adults undergoing major noncardiac, nonneurosurgical surgery under general anesthesia. Participants will be assigned 1:1 to active stimulation through headphones for 2 h after anesthesia induction or sham headphones without active output. The primary outcome is postoperative delirium incidence on postoperative days 1 through 3, assessed with CAM or CAM-ICU. The abstract reports no trial results; whether stimulation reduces delirium or improves recovery remains to be determined.
Key findings
- The planned trial will enroll 550 older adults and randomize them 1:1 to active auditory stimulation or sham.
- Active stimulation is planned for 2 h following successful anesthesia induction.
- The primary outcome is delirium incidence on postoperative days 1 through 3, assessed using CAM or CAM-ICU.
Why it matters
Postoperative delirium is a clinically significant complication in older adults having major surgery. This trial addresses whether a noninvasive auditory intervention delivered during anesthesia can reduce delirium, while also assessing recovery-related outcomes. Its findings may clarify whether the proposed neuroprotective approach has clinical benefit in this perioperative population.
What to keep in mind
This is a trial protocol and reports no outcome data, so efficacy and safety cannot yet be assessed.