Comparison of the efficacy of pharmacological interventions for the prevention of delirium: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: In recent years, many pharmacological agents for the prevention of delirium have emerged; however, the efficacy of these agents in preventing delirium remains unclear.

Objective: To compare and rank the efficacy of different pharmacological interventions for the prevention of delirium.

Design: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Methods: Relevant randomized controlled trials on drug prevention of delirium were extracted from three electronic databases. A network meta-analysis was then conducted to assess the relative efficacy of drug interventions in preventing delirium. The quality of the data was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.

Results: A total of 80 randomized controlled trials on drug interventions were included in the final analysis. Treatment with dexmedetomidine can prevent delirium.

Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine treatment can prevent delirium and reduce patient suffering. Healthcare professionals should be encouraged to use dexmedetomidine for delirium prevention.

Keywords: Delirium; Dexmedetomidina; Dexmedetomidine; Metaanálisis en red; Network meta-analysis; Revisión sistemática; Systematic review.