Delirium after surgery and melatonin levels in older adults

Patients older than 80 years had significantly lower peak melatonin values of 7.2 +/- 2.3 pg/mL compared to younger patients at 24.4 +/- 4.1 pg/mL.

• Patients without delirium showed consistent melatonin secretion patterns preoperatively and postoperatively over 24 hours.
• In patients with delirium, two distinct melatonin patterns were observed post-surgery: one group had lower levels than preoperative values, while another group exhibited markedly increased levels.
• The group with complications had melatonin levels rise significantly from 21.1 +/- 4.5 pg/mL preoperatively to 58.8 +/- 12.4 pg/mL postoperatively.
• These findings suggest that abnormal melatonin secretion may be associated with postoperative sleep disturbances in elderly patients.

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