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. 2016 Oct;41(10):642-643.

Off-Label Use of Dexmedetomidine for the Treatment of Delirium in the Intensive Care Unit

Huan Mark Nguyen, Doreen Pon

Off-Label Use of Dexmedetomidine for the Treatment of Delirium in the Intensive Care Unit

Huan Mark Nguyen et al. P T. 2016 Oct.

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate recent clinical studies involving the use of dexmedetomidine (DEX) infusion for the treatment of delirium in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods: A literature search was conducted to identify peer-reviewed articles in MEDLINE (1966-June 2016) using the terms sedation, analgesic, dexmedetomidine, delirium, and critically ill adult patients.

Results: Two studies in the ICU setting reported the potential benefits of DEX for managing agitation during weaning from mechanical ventilation. One pilot study and a clinical trial reported the use of DEX in the treatment of ICU delirium.

Conclusion: Further studies are required to evaluate the use of DEX treatment in critically ill patients presenting with delirium.

Keywords: critically ill patients; delirium; dexmedetomidine.

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