Long-term consequences of postoperative cognitive dysfunction

J Steinmetz, KB Christensen, T Lund… - The Journal of the …, 2009 - pubs.asahq.org
Background Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is common in elderly patients after
noncardiac surgery, but the consequences are unknown. The authors' aim was to determine
the effects of POCD on long-term prognosis. Methods This was an observational study of
Danish patients enrolled in two multicenter studies of POCD between November 1994 and
October 2000. The cohort was followed up from the date of surgery until August 2007.
Cognitive function was assessed by a neuropsychological test battery at three time points …