Details
Question
- What is the clinical effectiveness of melatonin versus no treatment or placebo for the treatment or prevention of delirium in adult patients in the hospital or intensive care unit?
- What is the clinical effectiveness of melatonin versus antipsychotic drugs for the treatment or prevention of delirium in adult patients in the hospital or intensive care unit?
- What is the clinical effectiveness of melatonin versus cholinergic agents for the treatment or prevention of delirium in adult patients in the hospital or intensive care unit?
- What is the clinical effectiveness of melatonin versus dexmedetomidine for the treatment or prevention of delirium in adult patients in the hospital or intensive care unit?
- What are the evidence-based guidelines regarding the use of melatonin for the treatment or prevention of delirium in adult patients in the hospital or intensive care unit?
Key Message
Variable findings were reported for clinical effectiveness of melatonin for the prevention or treatment of delirium compared with placebo in the literature that met the criteria for this review.
No studies that met the criteria for this review were found on the clinical effectiveness of melatonin for the prevention and/or treatment of delirium versus antipsychotic drugs or cholinergic agents.
There was limited evidence available on the clinical effectiveness of melatonin for the prevention and/or treatment of delirium versus dexmedetomidine.
There were no statistically or clinically significant harms reported from the use of melatonin in the treatment of patients at risk from or experiencing delirium.
Limited guidance was found that provided recommendations for the use of melatonin in the prevention and//or treatment of delirium for hospitalized inpatients.