Using robotic technology to quantify neurological deficits among survivors of critical illness: do they relate to brain tissue oxygen levels? a pilot study

摘要

Long-term cognitive dysfunction is common among survivors of critical illness. The etiology of this cognitive dysfunction is unknown, but it may relate to cerebral hypoxemia and hypoperfusion. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been used to measure brain tissue oxygenation(BtO2) in patients during cardiac surgery and after cardiac arrest. Preliminary studies have suggested that BtO2 levels may correlate with neurological recovery. The KINARM robot provides quantitative metrics of sensory, motor, and cognitive function involving the upper limbs. It can quantify sensory processing of the limb, basic motor skills as well as a range of cognitive processes including executive function, working memory, and attention. There is a large normative database for the majority of tasks to which patient performance can be compared. It can detect subtle neurological deficits post ischemic stroke, which are not apparent on routine clinical testing. It is unknown if deficits can be identified in survivors of critical illness.