The effect of intravenous magnesium sulfate on cognitive function after coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Neurologic dysfunction is a common complication after coronary artery bypass graft surgeries. Magnesium sulphate is a non competitive NMDA receptor antagonist which is associated with improved neurological function, especially in shortterm memory. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of magnesium sulphate on neurocognitive dysfunction after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

In a double blind clinical trial study 80 patients were randomly entered to two different groups: The first group consisted of patients who got 800 mg of magnesium sulphate 50% during induction of anesthesia in 15 minutes and the following 3200 mg of magnesium sulphate during 24 hours. The second group received normal saline as placebo exactly in the same manner and the same amount. All patients were assessed by Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE) before and 5 to 7 days after operation.

Demographic data were the same between two groups. Post-operative cognitive status scores decreased in comparison with pre-operative state but there was less decrease in magnesium sulphate than the normal saline group (p= 0.02).

According to MMSE scores, magnesium sulphate can decrease cognitive complications after CABG surgeries.