Is postoperative delirium related to reduced plasma tryptophan?
The cause of postoperative delirium is unknown. In 7 patients with postcardiotomy delirium (6 men, 1 woman; mean age 67 years), we observed a plasma concentration of tryptophan and a plasma tryptophan ratio significantly lower than in 8 non-delirious postoperative control patients. We suggest that the mental symptoms of postcardiotomy delirium are the consequence of a reduced cerebral tryptophan availability due to a catabolic state.
Department of Psychiatry, Dijkzigt Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
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RC
van der Mast
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Fekkes
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P
Moleman
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Pepplinkhuizen
D000293:Adolescent; D000368:Aged; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003693:Delirium / Q000097:blood* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014364:Tryptophan / Q000097:blood*
D014364:Tryptophan