The role of dopamine, acetylcholine, GABA, beta endorphin, and agmatine in the pathophysiology of delirium in children

Abstract

Background and purpose: Delirium is a neuropsychiatric disorder that impairs cerebral functions. This study was conducted to determine the blood levels of Dopamine, Acetylcholine, GABA, Beta Endorphin, and Agmatine, which may be associated with delirium in children, and to determine the relationship of these molecules with delirium syndrome and each other. Materials and methods: In a prospective, cohort designed study, a scale was used to determine delirium, and blood values were determined by the ELISA method. The scale was applied by two observers. Blood analyses were performed on 88 patients, 43 in the experimental group and 45 in the control group. Results: It was determined that the mean age of the children included in the study was 7.85 +/- 4.22 years and 51.13 % were females. The delirium scores of the patients in the experimental group were higher than those who did not develop delirium (27.34-5.46), and 58.15 % of the experimental group were females. The median values of the serum levels of Acetylcholine and GABA molecules in the patients in the experimental group were found to be statistically lower compared to the control group. It was determined that the Agmatine and Beta Endorphin serum levels were lower in the experimental group and Dopamine was higher, albeit insignificantly. Conclusion and practical implications: It was found that delirium was more common in females hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit and that serum levels of Acetylcholine and GABA molecules were low in children who developed delirium. (c) 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.