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Estrogen can provide protection against ischemic neuronal injury in animal models, but human studies have been few. Deficits in neurocognitive function and memory occur in many patients following cardiac surgery, thus providing an appropriate population in which to test protective interventions. In a randomized prospective trial, investigators administered 17β-estradiol (transdermal patch delivering 0.075–0.1 mg/day) or placebo to postmenopausal women who were undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. The patch was applied 30 minutes before surgery and kept in place for 5 days. Neurocognitive and neurologic testing (including evaluation with the NIH Stroke Scale [NIHSS]) was performed 1 to 2 days before surgery and repeated 4 to 6 weeks an…