Background

The prophylactic effect of exogenous melatonin and melatonin receptor agonists (MMRAs) on postoperative delirium (POD) in elderly patients remains controversial.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the prophylactic effect of MMRAs on POD by conducting a systemic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

We systematically searched four electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase for the eligible studies up to February 28, 2023. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used for assessing the risk of bias in the included RCTs. The occurrence of POD was the primary outcome. The quality of evidence was evaluated by Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation.

Results

A total of 11 RCTs comprising patients (MMRA group: 777 patients and placebo group: 781 patients) were included. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the MMRA group had a lower occurrence of POD than the placebo group (risk ratio = 0.70, 95% confidence interval: 0.51-0.97, P < 0.05, I² = 59%). The subgroup analysis showed that melatonin significantly reduced the occurrence of POD (moderate-quality evidence), whereas ramelteon and tryptophan had no significant impact (moderate-quality evidence).

Conclusion

Existing evidence suggested that perioperative use of melatonin can prevent POD in elderly patients.