Orthostatic hypotension and cerebral oxygenation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Orthostatic Hypotension as an indicator of risk for intraoperative cerebral hypoxia in Older Patients Undergoing Non-Cardiac Surgery
IRAS ID
351038
Contact name
Amal M Sobahi
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 1 days
Research summary
This pilot/feasibility study investigates the relationship between orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure
when standing) and cerebral hypoxia (low oxygen levels in the brain) in older adults undergoing non-cardiac surgery.
Orthostatic hypotension is common in patients aged 70 and older. It is linked to complications during and after
surgery, including reduced blood flow to the brain, which may lead to cognitive issues such as delirium (a sudden
state of confusion).
The study uses a non-invasive technique called near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to monitor brain oxygen levels
continuously during surgery. Blood pressure will also be recorded to explore whether patients with orthostatic
hypotension are more likely to experience brain oxygen deprivation or drops in blood pressure. The research aims to
establish if these changes are associated with developing delirium after surgery.
Participants will include individuals aged 70 or older scheduled for non-cardiac surgery requiring at least an overnight
hospital stay. The study does not involve any changes to routine care but adds continuous monitoring of brain oxygen
levels and blood pressure before, during, and after surgery.
The feasibility of this study will assess whether the research design and methods can be successfully implemented
in this patient population. Outcomes will include evaluating participant recruitment, the willingness of patients and
clinical teams to participate, and the ability to collect near‑infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), blood pressure (BP), and
postoperative Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) data. The completeness and reliability of data collection, as well
as the incidence of postoperative delirium, will also be assessed.
This research aims to enhance understanding of cerebral oxygenation changes during surgery in older adults with
orthostatic hypotension and to identify targeted interventions that may reduce adverse effects and improve patient
outcomes, and evaluate the feasibility of implementing the study design and methods for future larger-scale researchREC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NE/0150
Date of REC Opinion
5 Nov 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion