A tiny dose of an old drug might stop Post-Surgery brain fog in seniors
NCT ID NCT05401058
First seen Aug 12, 2026 · Last updated Aug 13, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests whether a single low dose of droperidol, given just before the end of surgery, can prevent postoperative delirium—a state of confusion and disorientation—in adults aged 65 and older undergoing non-cardiac surgery. About 800 participants will receive either droperidol or a placebo injection, and researchers will track delirium rates, severity, hospital stay, and cognitive function over six months. If it works, this could offer a simple preventive strategy to protect older patients' mental clarity after major operations.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- droperidol (a low-dose antipsychotic medication given by injection before the end of surgery)
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this could offer a simple, low-cost way to prevent postoperative delirium in older adults, potentially improving recovery and quality of life after surgery.
- What could go wrong
- The trial is still in progress, and results may not confirm a benefit. Droperidol can have side effects, including heart rhythm changes, and its use in this setting needs careful evaluation.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences
Beijing, China
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ChangHai Hospital
Shanghai, China
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Henan Provincial People Hospital
Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Peking University International Hospital
Beijing, China
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Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine
Pudong, Shanghai Municipality, 200127, China
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Second hospital of Shanxi Medical University
Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
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Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences - Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital (SAMSPH)
Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University
Chongqing, China
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The first Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University
Hefei, Anhui, China
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