Dexamethasone for the Prevention of Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction

Dexamethasone for the Prevention of Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in Elderly Patients Undergoing to General Anesthesia

This study aims to evaluate the possible effect of dexamethasone on prevention of cognitive dysfunction in the postoperative period of elderly patients undergoing to surgery under general anesthesia.

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction is related with the use of opioids in the postoperative period, lack of physical activity, fatigue, postoperative pain and quality of life. The use of corticosteroids preoperatively reduces postoperative pain, fatigue, nausea and vomiting in the postoperative period and is frequently used as an adjuvant in anesthesia. This study aims to evaluate the possible effect of dexamethasone on prevention of cognitive dysfunction in the postoperative period of elderly patients undergoing to surgery under general anesthesia.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients over 60 years,
• underwent surgery for inguinal hernia repair, Nissen procedure, cholecystectomy or other surgeries midsize under general anesthesia and hospital stay expected within 72 hours.

Exclusion Criteria:

• age less than 60 years,
• history of brain disease or dementia, other psychiatric disorders that affect cognition,
• lack of proficiency in Portuguese,
• use of corticosteroids or opioid preoperatively.