DElirium and LIGHT: Exploring Modifiable Risk Factors of Delirium - a Pilot Study
This study, called DELIGHT-P, is for critically ill patients and aims to understand why some people become confused and struggle with their thinking, a condition known as delirium. Delirium often happens after a severe illness or surgery, and can make daily life difficult. We think that changes to a person's natural 'body clock' – which tells us when to sleep and wake – and the amount of light they get, might be important. We will measure light levels, take blood samples to check body clock markers, and assess confusion. By understanding these links, we hope to find new ways to prevent or treat delirium and help improve memory and thinking for patients after their hospital stay.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When people are very unwell and in critical care, they often experience a condition called delirium. This is a sudden change in how the brain works, causing confusion and difficulty paying attention. It can be quite distressing for patients and their families. While we know delirium is common, especially in critical care where up to 7 out of 10 patients might experience it, we don't fully understand why it happens or how to treat it directly. Currently, care focuses on reducing things that might make it worse, like ensuring pain relief and family visits. One idea is that keeping a normal day-night routine, with appropriate lighting, might help, but more research is needed to understand why.
This study, called DELIGHT-P, wants to explore the link between delirium and light exposure. We suspect that being in critical care can disrupt a person's natural 'body clock' (the internal system that controls our sleep and wake patterns), and that this might make them more likely to develop delirium. By measuring light levels in the hospital room, taking blood samples to look for changes in the body clock, and carefully checking for delirium, we hope to learn more about this connection. We also want to find specific proteins in the blood that could help us recognise delirium or understand what's happening in the body when it occurs.
This is a 'pilot study', meaning it's a smaller, early-stage project. We're doing this to make sure our methods are effective and that we're measuring the right things before planning a larger study. Our ultimate goal is to better understand delirium and its causes. This knowledge could help doctors find new ways to prevent or treat it, potentially improving memory and thinking for many patients after a critical illness.
Key takeaways
- Study aims to understand why critical illness leads to confusion (delirium).
- Focuses on how light and your body clock might be involved.
- No new medicines or changes to your current treatment.
- Involves light measurements, blood tests, and memory checks.
- This is a small, early-stage 'pilot' study.
- Could help find new ways to prevent or treat delirium in the future.
Who may be eligible?
To be considered for this study, you would need to be aged 50 or older. You also must have been admitted to critical care (sometimes called intensive care) within the last 24 hours. Another requirement is that you have a drip line (either in an artery or a vein) already in place, which can be used to take blood samples without needing more needles.
We also need to expect that you will stay in critical care for at least 36 hours for the study. However, some people unfortunately cannot take part. This includes if you have a brain condition that was the main reason you were admitted, or if you already had problems with your memory or thinking before becoming ill.
Finally, if doctors expect you might pass away within 24 hours, or if you are already receiving end-of-life care, you would not be able to join the study. The study is open to both men and women.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 50 years old or older?
- Were you admitted to critical care within the last 24 hours?
- Do you already have a drip line (arterial or venous) in place for blood sampling?
- Are you expected to stay in critical care for more than 36 hours?
- Do you NOT have a serious pre-existing memory or thinking problem?
- Is your critical care admission NOT mainly for a brain surgery?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, the research team will regularly check for delirium (confusion). They will also take extra blood samples from your existing drip line, at certain times, to look for 'body clock' markers and other proteins. A special device will be placed near your bed to measure the light levels in your room throughout your stay in critical care.
After you leave critical care and are back home, we will invite you to come back for one follow-up visit. During this visit, we will ask you some questions about your memory and how you've been thinking, and you'll do a few simple tests. We will also take one more blood sample at this visit. We won't be giving you any new medicines as part of this study, nor will we ask you to change any treatments you are already receiving. The exact total duration of your participation will depend on how long you stay in critical care and when your follow-up visit is arranged, but it typically involves these assessments during your critical care stay and one follow-up visit after discharge.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is 'delirium'?
Delirium is a sudden state of confusion where you might struggle to pay attention, think clearly, or know where you are. It's not the same as dementia.
What is a 'body clock'?
Your body clock is an internal system that tells your body when to sleep, wake up, and when to release certain hormones. It's often affected by light and darkness.
Will taking part change my medical treatment?
No, this study will not change any of your current medical treatments. We are simply observing and collecting information.
Why do you need blood samples?
Blood samples help us look for specific markers that might show changes in your body clock or indicate what's happening in your body during delirium.
Can I stop participating if I want to?
Yes, you can withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, and it will not affect the care you receive from your doctors and nurses.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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