Dexmedetomidine in the prevention and treatment of delirium in critically ill patients

Abstract

Background The incidence of delirium in the critically ill patients is high, which could increase the incidence of complications and mortality rate. Dexmedetomidine is a relatively new agent used in intensive care unit (ICU), with satisfactory sedative and analgesic properties. Clinical trials have proved its advantages on prevention and control of delirium in ICU. Objective Our current article reviewed the effect of dexmedetomidine on prevention and treatment of delirium in ICU. Content This article described the epidemiology and risk factors of delirium, pharmacological characteristics of dexmedetomidine,mechanism for its prevention and treatment of delirium,and application strategy of dexmedetomidine in prevention and control of delirium in ICU. Trend Dexmedetomidine can effectively prevent and control the occurrence of delirium in critically ill patients. However, further studies are warranted to evalauate its effectiveness and safety for delirium prevention or management in ICU. Key words: Dexmedetomidine ; Delirium ; Intensive care unit ;