Anticholinergic Burden as a Modifiable Risk Factor in Cardiac Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Study.
J Cardiothorac Vasc AnesthMay 8, 2026 (epub)
Muhammed Cobas, Zeliha Aslı Demir, Aslıhan Aykut et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact of reducing perioperative anticholinergic burden on functional recovery in 122 older patients (≥60 years) undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The deprescribing strategy led to significantly higher rates of full independence (75.0% vs 41.1%, p < 0.001) and lower frailty scores at 90 days compared to standard care.
Key findings
- 75.0% of the deprescribing group achieved full independence compared to 41.1% in the standard group (p < 0.001).
- The median frailty score was significantly lower in the deprescribing group at 90 days (3 vs 4, p < 0.001).
- Perioperative anticholinergic use was an independent predictor of total complications (odds ratio, 2.430; p = 0.042).
Why it matters
Addressing anticholinergic burden in older surgical patients may enhance functional recovery and reduce complications, highlighting the importance of medication management in perioperative care.