The pharmacologic management of delirium in children and adolescents.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to explore the potential of melatonin in addressing sleep disturbances associated with delirium.
Results Summary
The abstract suggests melatonin shows promise in managing sleep disturbances characteristic of delirium, though it does not provide specific efficacy data. It is mentioned alongside other agents like dexmedetomidine as potential alternatives to traditional antipsychotics.
Population
Severely medically ill patients, including children and adolescents with delirium.
Effective Dosage
Not available
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
olanzapine, quetiapine, and risperidone | no change | management of delirium symptoms | severely medically ill patients of all ages | - | are presently considered first-line drugs | #1 |
olanzapine, quetiapine, and risperidone | decrease | use of haloperidol | severely medically ill patients of all ages | - | usually replacing | #2 |
melatonin | decrease | sleep disturbance characteristic of delirium | severely medically ill patients of all ages | - | have shown promise | #3 |
dexmedetomidine | decrease | lower doses of benzodiazepines and opioids | severely medically ill patients of all ages | - | may facilitate | #4 |
Delirium is a serious and common problem in severely medically ill patients of all ages. It has been less addressed in children and adolescents. Treatment of delirium is predicated on addressing its underlying cause. The management of its symptoms depends on the off-label use of antipsychotics, while avoiding agents that precipitate or worsen delirium. Olanzapine, quetiapine, and risperidone are presently considered first-line drugs, usually replacing haloperidol. Other agents have shown promise, including melatonin to address the sleep disturbance characteristic of delirium, and dexmedetomidine, an α2-agonist, that may facilitate lower doses of benzodiazepines and opioids that may worsen delirium.