Early post-op blood biomarkers and the risk of delirium after major surgery

The Association Between Postoperative Inflammatory and Neuroogical Serum Biomarker Concentrations and Occurrence of Postoperative Delirium - a Prospective Observational Study

Observational Medical University of Vienna · NCT07411612

We will test whether blood levels of S100B, NSE, IL-6, and Copeptin measured within two hours after surgery can help predict delirium in people 65 and older having major non-cardiac, non-intracranial, non-vascular elective surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1170 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMedical University of Vienna Academic / other
Locations1 site (Vienna)
Trial IDNCT07411612 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is an observational cohort study enrolling patients aged 65 and older undergoing elective major non-cardiac, non-intracranial, non-vascular surgery lasting at least two hours. Blood samples taken within two hours after surgery will be analyzed for S100B, NSE, IL-6, and Copeptin concentrations. Participants will be monitored for postoperative delirium during the first three postoperative days using validated tools (3D-CAM or CAM-ICU). The primary aim is to test the association between early postoperative S100B levels and delirium occurrence, with secondary analyses for NSE, IL-6, and Copeptin and their predictive value. Patients with dementia, preoperative delirium, emergency procedures, or sensory/language barriers are excluded.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 65 or older who can give consent and are scheduled for elective major non-cardiac, non-intracranial, non-vascular surgery expected to last two hours or more, without a history of dementia or preoperative delirium.

Not a fit: Patients undergoing emergency surgery, those with diagnosed dementia or preoperative delirium, ICU surgery patients, or those with language/vision/hearing limitations preventing cognitive assessment are unlikely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, a simple early blood test could identify patients at high risk for postoperative delirium so clinicians can increase monitoring and apply preventive measures.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have reported associations between some of these biomarkers and delirium but results have been mixed and predictive accuracy remains uncertain.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Provide written informed consent
* ≥ 65 years of age
* Scheduled for elective major non-cardiac, non-intrcranial, non-vascular surgery with estimated time of surgery ≥ 2 hours

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients undergoing emergency surgery
* History of diagnosed dementia
* Language, vision, or hearing impairments that may compromise cognitive assessments
* Preoperative delirium
* ICU patients undergoing surgery

Where this trial is running

Vienna

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Delirium - PostoperativeNeuronal DamageBlood Brain Barrier DefectPostoperative ComplicationsInflammation
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.