Early post-op blood biomarkers and the risk of delirium after major surgery
Official title: The Association Between Postoperative Inflammatory and Neuroogical Serum Biomarker Concentrations and Occurrence of Postoperative Delirium - a Prospective Observational Study
Run by Medical University of Vienna · NCT07411612 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 1170 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Medical University of Vienna Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Vienna) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 12, 2026 |
| Main results expected | January 15, 2030 |
| Study ends | January 18, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | February 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07411612 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Previous studies have reported associations between some of these biomarkers and delirium but results have been mixed and predictive accuracy remains uncertain.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
Medical University of Vienna
Vienna, Austria Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Christian Reiterer, PD DDr. — Medical University of Vienna
- Study coordinator: Nicole Hantakova, Dr. med. univ.
- Email: nicole.hantakova@meduniwien.ac.at
- Phone: 004340400
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.