Effects of administration of melatonin on the incidence of delirium and the duration of stay in the patients admitted to neurosurgical intensive care unit- A prospective observational Study

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

Effects of administration of melatonin on the incidence of delirium and the duration of stay in the patients admitted to neurosurgical intensive care unit- A prospective observational Study

STUDY DESIGN:

A prospective observational study

PARTICIPANTS:

60 patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures and admitted to NSICU were enrolled

METHODS:

In this study, the patients were divided into two groups, Group P received placebo (tablet sucrose) and another Group M received tablet melatonin 3mg. The effect of melatonin on incidence of delirium and duration of NSICU stay in these two groups were studied.

RESULTS:

Decreased incidence of delirium was observed in patients in group M (33.3%) at the end of 12 hours post extubation as compared to group P (43.3%). The mean duration of stay for the patients in NSICU in group M and P were 2.7 and 3.2 days respectively with range (1-14 Days) in group M and group P was (1-20 days).

CONCLUSIONS:

The mean duration of the ICU stay was lesser in patients with melatonin administration as compared to the placebo group.

IMPLICATIONS:

 Pre-op administration of melatonin was associated with decreased incidence of delirium in the postoperative period and decreased NSICU stay.