Key result
A systematic review found insufficient evidence to draw valid conclusions regarding the effectiveness of morphine, ondansetron, or dexmedetomidine for treating delirium after cardiac surgery.
Why the study?
Reporting in trials of pharmacological treatments for postoperative delirium has often been incomplete and biased toward benefits while inadequately reporting harms.
Do pharmacological interventions improve outcomes in adults with delirium in the ICU after cardiac surgery?
Systematic Review (n=205)
Do pharmacological interventions improve outcomes in adults with delirium in the ICU after cardiac surgery?
There is currently insufficient high-quality evidence to determine the effectiveness and safety of pharmacological interventions for treating delirium in adults after cardiac surgery.
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Insufficient evidence warrants caution against routine use of these agents for post-cardiac surgery delirium; leaves open the need for targeted RCTs.
Leigh et al. (2019) conducted a systematic review in Delirium after cardiac surgery (n=205). Pharmacological interventions (morphine, ondansetron, dexmedetomidine) vs. haloperidol or midazolam was evaluated on Effectiveness and harms of pharmacological interventions for the treatment of delirium. A systematic review found insufficient evidence to draw valid conclusions regarding the effectiveness of morphine, ondansetron, or dexmedetomidine for treating delirium after cardiac surgery.
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