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Postoperative delirium: does melatonin really work?
13 mars 2025
#Delirium #Surgery #Melatonin #Prevention #Cognition #Sleep #Geriatrics #Anesthesia
Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common disorder in elderly patients following surgery. It manifests as attention, perception, and cognitive disturbances, potentially leading to severe complications. POD increases the risk of cognitive decline, loss of autonomy, and mortality.
Unfortunately, few effective treatments exist once delirium has set in. The medications used often have significant side effects, particularly in older adults. This makes prevention essential to reducing risks and improving patient recovery.
Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common disorder in elderly patients following surgery. It manifests as attention, perception, and cognitive disturbances, potentially leading to severe complications. POD increases the risk of cognitive decline, loss of autonomy, and mortality.
Unfortunately, few effective treatments exist once delirium has set in. The medications used often have significant side effects, particularly in older adults. This makes prevention essential to reducing risks and improving patient recovery.
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Scientific reference
Khaled, M., et al. (2025). Melatonin for preventing postoperative delirium in elderly patients: A multicenter randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. Medicine, 104(8), e41615
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