Low tryptophan levels linked to confusion after surgery in older adults

Tryptophan levels were significantly lower in elderly patients who developed postoperative delirium, measuring 29.9 +/- 13.3 microg/mL compared to 48.5 +/- 19.8 microg/mL in those who did not.

• The incidence of postoperative delirium in the studied population was 43%, affecting 21 out of 49 subjects.
• The average duration of delirium was reported as 2.9 +/- 3.0 days.
• Subjects who developed delirium had lower tryptophan levels compared to those who did not, with a statistically significant difference (P = .001).
• These findings suggest a potential link between tryptophan levels and the occurrence of delirium in geriatric patients after surgery.

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