Abstract

Neurological/neuropsychiatric complications are commonly observed after heart surgery. They include the cerebral ischemic episode, transient ischemic attack, postoperative cognitive decline and postoperative delirium. In this review article, we are dealing with the etiology of these complications, mainly focusing on the role of genetic components. We are also commenting on the putative role of certain pharmacologic agents in the treatment of the aforementioned nosological entities.

Keywords: Genetic polymorphisms, brain injury, heart surgery, risperidone, ondasentron, adamantines, inflammatory response