Prophylactic Effect of Exogenous Melatonin and Melatonin Receptor Agonists on Postoperative Delirium in Elderly Patients: a Systemic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Overview

Journal Aging Clin Exp Res

Publisher Springer

Specialty Geriatrics

Date 2023 Sep 30

PMID 37776484

Authors

Li-Shan Jiang

Lan Lai

Yan-Jun Chen

Ke Liu

Qi-Hong Shen

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: The prophylactic effect of exogenous melatonin and melatonin receptor agonists (MMRAs) on postoperative delirium (POD) in elderly patients remains controversial.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the prophylactic effect of MMRAs on POD by conducting a systemic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods: We systematically searched four electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase for the eligible studies up to February 28, 2023. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used for assessing the risk of bias in the included RCTs. The occurrence of POD was the primary outcome. The quality of evidence was evaluated by Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation.

Results: A total of 11 RCTs comprising patients (MMRA group: 777 patients and placebo group: 781 patients) were included. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the MMRA group had a lower occurrence of POD than the placebo group (risk ratio = 0.70, 95% confidence interval: 0.51-0.97, P < 0.05, I = 59%). The subgroup analysis showed that melatonin significantly reduced the occurrence of POD (moderate-quality evidence), whereas ramelteon and tryptophan had no significant impact (moderate-quality evidence).

Conclusion: Existing evidence suggested that perioperative use of melatonin can prevent POD in elderly patients.

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