The effects of melatonin versus placebo on post-operative delirium (POD) in hip fracture patients – a randomized double-blind trial

Treatment with 3 mg melatonin daily will reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium in patients with hipfractures over 65 years of age.

Patiente will be included before surgical treatment for hip- or femoral fracture.

Melatonin will be given once daily for day 1 untill day 5 postoperative.

We will measure melatonin bloodlevels on day 2 and day 5 postoperative.

After informed consent and after surgical repair of the hip fracture, patients are randomized to receive melatonin 3 mg or placebo in the evening with a maximum of 5 days. After reaching g the primary endpoint, ie delirium, the patient will start with haloperidol and treatment with melatonin or placebo will be ended.