An Association Between C-Reactive Protein Levels and the Occurrence of Cognitive Dysfunction After Heart Valve Replacement.

Background: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is defined as cognitive dysfunction related to inflammation after surgical procedures, which is common following cardiac surgery. Cognitive deficits are thought to result from a systemic inflammatory response. C-reactive protein (CRP) and other proinflammatory cytokines, which are released in response to inflammation, disrupt the blood-brain barrier and neurotransmission, resulting in POCD.