Using brain stimulation to reduce delirium after hip surgery in older patients
Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Postoperative Delirium in Elderly Patients Undergoing Hip Fracture Surgery
This study is testing if a type of brain stimulation can help older patients avoid confusion after hip surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Huazhong University of Science and Technology Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Taiyuan, Shanxi) |
| Trial ID | NCT06678529 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in preventing postoperative delirium (POD) in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. Participants aged 65 and older will be randomly assigned to receive either active tDCS or a sham procedure, with sessions occurring before and after surgery. The study will monitor brain activity and assess the incidence of POD using a standardized diagnostic interview. The goal is to determine if tDCS can significantly reduce the occurrence of delirium in this vulnerable population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are elderly patients aged 65 and older scheduled for elective hip fracture surgery.
Not a fit: Patients with severe mental disorders, cranial injuries, or significant cardiovascular disease may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly decrease the incidence of postoperative delirium in elderly patients, improving their recovery and overall outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of tDCS in this context is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promise in other applications of brain stimulation for cognitive and psychiatric conditions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: (1) aged ≥ 65 years; (2) scheduled for elective hip fracture, including femoral head fractures, femoral neck fractures, intertrochanteric or subtrochanteric fractures, femoral head replacement, total hip arthroplasty, or open or closed reduction; (3) platelet count \> 80 × 10⁹/L; (4) ASA classification ≤ Grade III; (5) Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores ≥ 18 points (13); (6) willingness to participate and sign the informed consent form. Exclusion Criteria: (1) severe mental disorders,(e.g,depression or schizophrenia requiring medication treatment); (2) cranial or scalp injuries; (3) history of symptomatic cerebrovascular disease, including stroke, transient ischemic attack; (4) compound injuries, multiple fractures, periprosthetic fractures, and hip joint revisions; (5) drug or alcohol abuse; (6) severe visual or hearing impairments; (7) history of epilepsy or intracranial metal implants; (8) severe cardiovascular disease history and liver dysfunction, or kidney dysfunction; (9) coagulation abnormalities; (10) severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; (11) participation in other clinical studies within the past 3 months.
Where this trial is running
Taiyuan, Shanxi
- Shanxi Bethune Hospital — Taiyuan, Shanxi, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Hua Zheng — Huazhong University of Science and Technology
- Study coordinator: lichao xue
- Email: 13835187186@163.com
- Phone: +8613835187186
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.