Objective:To evaluate the relationship between intraoperative concentration of C-X-C motif chemokine 13 (CXCL13) in peripheral blood and postoperative delirium (POD) in elderly patients under general anesthesia.Methods:Ninety-three patients of both sexes, aged 65-85 yr, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical statusⅠor Ⅱ, scheduled for elective hip replacement under general anesthesia, were selected.Peripheral venous blood samples were collected to determine the concentrations of CXCL13 and interleukin-6 (IL-6) before anesthesia and during surgery (30 min after skin incision). The Confusion Assessment Method Scale in Chinese was used to detect the development of POD every day within 7 days after surgery in 2 groups.The patients were divided into POD group and non-POD group.Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for POD.Results:Seventeen patients developed POD (19%). There was significant difference in ages, preoperative mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scores before surgery, hospital stay time and intraoperative concentrations of CXCL13 and IL-6 in peripheral blood between group non-POD and group POD ( P<0.05). The results of logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative MMSE scores, intraoperative concentrations of CXCL13 and IL-6 in peripheral blood and advanced ages were independent risk factors for the development of POD ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Preoperative MMES scores, intraoperative concentrations of CXCL13 and IL-6 in peripheral blood and advanced ages are independent risk factors for the development of POD.