The cortisol stress response following surgery for proximal femur fractures in geriatric patients – a prospective pilot study - Summary - MDSpire

The cortisol stress response following surgery for proximal femur fractures in geriatric patients – a prospective pilot study

  • By

  • Menger, Maximilian M.

  • Streck, Laura E.

  • Braun, Benedikt J.

  • Herath, Steven C.

  • Audretsch, Christof K.

  • Bamberg, Maximilian

  • Menger, Michael D.

  • Histing, Tina

  • Fontana, Johann

  • March 30, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To investigate postoperative cortisol levels in geriatric patients with proximal femur fractures and assess the implications for stress response and treatment.

Key Findings:
  • 35% of patients had cortisol levels below the critical illness threshold of 276 nmol/L.
  • A significant correlation was found between IL-6 levels and cortisol levels.
  • Procalcitonin, leukocyte count, and C-reactive protein did not predict cortisol levels.
Interpretation:

A significant portion of elderly patients exhibited lower-than-expected cortisol levels post-surgery, indicating potential adrenal insufficiency.

Limitations:
  • Small sample size of 20 patients limits generalizability.
  • Single-center study may not reflect broader population.
Conclusion:

Postoperative cortisol monitoring in geriatric patients is recommended to identify those with attenuated stress responses, potentially guiding treatment with hydrocortisone to improve outcomes.

Original Source(s)

The cortisol stress response following surgery for proximal femur fractures in geriatric patients – a prospective pilot study

  • by Menger, Maximilian M., Streck, Laura E., Braun, Benedikt J., Herath, Steven C., Audretsch, Christof K., Bamberg, Maximilian , Menger, Michael D., Histing, Tina , Fontana, Johann

  • March 30, 2026

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