Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Email this article to a Colleague Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to My Articles & Searches Download to citation manager Citing Articles via Google Scholar Articles by Maldonado, J. R. Articles by Reitz, B. A. Search for Related Content PubMed Citation Articles by Maldonado, J. R. Articles by Reitz, B. A. Syndromes Secondary to General Medical Disorders

Dexmedetomidine and the Reduction of Postoperative Delirium after Cardiac Surgery

Received April 7, 2008; revised May 8, 2008; accepted May 8, 2008. From the Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, the Dept. of Anesthesiology, and the Dept. of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA. Send correspondence and reprint requests to José R. Maldonado, M.D., Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 401 Quarry Rd., Suite 2317, Stanford, CA 94305-5546. e-mail: jrm{at}stanford.edu
© 2009 The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine

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.

Get information about faster international access.

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2009 Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine. All rights reserved.

Home | Search | Current Issue | Past Issues | Subscribe | All APPI Journals | Help | Contact Us