Maldonado JR, Wysong A, van der Starre PJ, Block T, Miller C, Reitz BA
Dexmedetomidine and the reduction of postoperative delirium after cardiac surgery. [Journal Article]
Psychosomatics 2009 May-Jun; 50(3):206-17.
BACKGROUND: Delirium is a neurobehavioral syndrome caused by the transient disruption of normal neuronal activity secondary to systemic disturbances.
OBJECTIVE: The authors investigated the effects of postoperative sedation on the development of delirium in patients undergoing cardiac-valve procedures.
METHODS: Patients underwent elective cardiac surgery with a standardized intraoperative anesthesia protocol, followed by random assignment to one of three postoperative sedation protocols: dexmedetomidine, propofol, or midazolam.
RESULTS: The incidence of delirium for patients receiving dexmedetomidine was 3%, for those receiving propofol was 50%, and for patients receiving midazolam, 50%. Patients who developed postoperative delirium experienced significantly longer intensive-care stays and longer total hospitalization.
CONCLUSION: The findings of this open-label, randomized clinical investigation suggest that postoperative sedation with dexmedetomidine was associated with significantly lower rates of postoperative delirium and lower care costs.
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