Testing melatonin for treating hypoactive delirium in older adults

Better Outcome With Melatonin Compared to Placebo Administered to Normalize Sleep-wake Cycle and Treat Hypoactive ICU Delirium The Basel BOMP-AID Randomized Trial

Phase 4 Interventional University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland · NCT03438526

This study is testing if melatonin can help older adults with hypoactive delirium feel better.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment190 (estimated)
Ages55 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Basel, Switzerland Academic / other
Locations1 site (Basel)
Trial IDNCT03438526 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of melatonin in treating hypoactive delirium in adult patients aged 55 and older who are currently experiencing this condition. The study utilizes a randomized, controlled design, comparing melatonin to a placebo to assess improvements in delirium symptoms. The trial aims to address the lack of pharmacological treatment options for hypoactive delirium, which is often overlooked despite its prevalence and serious consequences. Participants will be evaluated using specialized assessment methods to confirm their eligibility based on specific delirium criteria.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 55 years or older who are currently experiencing hypoactive delirium.

Not a fit: Patients who have a history of delirium prior to ICU admission or those with conditions such as dementia or active psychosis may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new treatment option for hypoactive delirium, potentially improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While many studies have focused on hyperactive and mixed delirium, this approach to treating hypoactive delirium with melatonin is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Participants fulfilling all of the following inclusion criteria are eligible for the study:

* Adult patients (aged 55 years or older)
* Current delirium (hypoactive type) detected by a specialised assessment method: ICDSC score \>2 and RASS score \< 0

Exclusion Criteria:

Participants meeting the following criteria are excluded from the study:

* Delirium prior to ICU admission
* Sleep disorder not caused by hypoactive delirium
* Sedation in the ICU
* Hypersensitivity to the studied substances (i.e., melatonin, placebo content)
* Age \<55 years
* Terminal state
* Status epilepticus or postictal states following seizures on electroencephalogram (EEG)
* Active psychosis
* Substance abuse in current medical history
* Dementia
* Pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Basel

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 Hypoactive Delirium
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.