Early Use of Fentanyl Increases Risk of Delirium in Patients Transfer to the intensive Care Unit After Cardiac Surgery Immediately: A Target Trial Emulation.

Key Points

• The research aims to determine the relationship between fentanyl use and the risk of postoperative delirium after cardiac surgery.
• Employed a target trial emulation framework to analyze data.
• Focused on the first 24 hours post-cardiac surgery.
• Compared outcomes between fentanyl and morphine for pain management.
• Fentanyl use was associated with a higher incidence of postoperative delirium.
• Delirium onset occurred earlier in patients receiving fentanyl compared to those given morphine.