Trajectory of Inflammatory biomarkers in the perioperative period and associations with postoperative decline in patients undergoing cardiac surgery

Perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND), including postoperative delirium (POD), are the most common complications of anesthesia and surgery in those 65y or more, especially following cardiac surgery. PND are associated with increased risk of poor recovery and long‐term outcomes including increased risk of morbidity, dementia and mortality. With no therapeutic targets currently available, prevention is the key to reducing PND. Whilst the pathophysiology of POD and PND remains to be elucidated, current hypotheses highlight the impact of inflammation on these outcomes. This study aimed to identify the trajectory of biomarkers throughout the perioperative period and associations with POD and PND to identify targets for therapeutic interventions to prevent POD and other PND.