Is peri‐operative cortisol secretion related to post‐operative cognitive dysfunction?

Background: The pattern of cortisol secretion is influenced by surgery. As cortisol can adversely affect neuronal function, this may be an important factor in the development of post‐operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). We hypothesized that the incidence of POCD would be related to changes in cortisol level. Methods: We studied 187 patients aged over 60 years undergoing major non‐cardiac surgery with general or regional anaesthesia. Saliva...