Research Progress of Melatonin in the Prevention and Treatment of Delirium in Critically Ill Patients
10.3870/j.issn.1004-0781.2025.08.017
- VernacularTitle:褪黑素在重症患者谵妄防治中的研究进展
- Author:
Wanchun TANG
1
;
Nan LI
1
;
Zhongqi ZHANG
1
;
Xiangrong ZUO
1
Author Information
1. 南京医科大学第一附属医院重症医学科,南京 210029
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Melatonin;
Delirium;
Melatonin receptor agonists;
Critically ill patients
- From:
Herald of Medicine
2025;44(8):1302-1308
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Delirium is an acute brain dysfunction syndrome,mainly manifested by cognitive impairment and mental abnormalities.It is the most common manifestation of brain dysfunction associated with severe diseases.Critically ill patients with delirium often have poor prognosis,but there is currently no"miracle drug"for the prevention and treatment of delirium in clinical practice.Melatonin is an endogenous neurohormone secreted by the pineal gland,which has the functions of regulating sleep circadian rhythm,anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,and neuroprotective.When delirium occurs in critically ill patients,the serum melatonin level often changes,indicating that melatonin may be involved in the occurrence and development of delirium.Current research suggests that exogenous supplementation of melatonin may have a preventive and therapeutic effect on delirium.This article reviews researches on the mechanism and clinical efficacy of melatonin in the prevention and treatment of delirium in critically ill patients,with the aim of providing reference for basic and clinical research on the prevention and treatment of delirium in critically ill patients.
