Differences in metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors in the cerebrospinal fluid are associated with delirium.

Several CSF MMP/TIMPs are significantly associated with delirium in hip fracture patients, but alterations in most of these MMP/TIMPs could likely be explained by acute trauma and/or pre-fracture dementia. Low levels of TIMP-4 appear to be directly associated with delirium, and the role of this marker in delirium pathophysiology should be further explored.