Antipsychotic Drugs in Prevention of Postoperative Delirium—What Is Known in 2020?

Michał P. Pluta, Magdalena Dziech, Piotr F. Czempik, Anna J. Szczepańska and Łukasz J. Krzych
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Michał P. Pluta: St. Barbara’s Memorial Hospital No. 5 Trauma Center, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland
Magdalena Dziech: Students’ Scientific Society, Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
Piotr F. Czempik: Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
Anna J. Szczepańska: Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
Łukasz J. Krzych: Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-14

Abstract: Delirium is one of the most frequently reported neuropsychiatric complications in the perioperative period, especially in the population of elderly patients who often suffer from numerous comorbidities undergoing extensive or urgent surgery. It can affect up to 80% of patients who require hospitalization in an intensive care setting postoperatively. Delirium increases mortality, morbidity, length of hospital stay, and cost of treatment. An episode of delirium in the acute phase may lower the general quality of life and increases the risk of cognitive decline long-term. Since pharmacological treatment of delirium is not highly effective, focus of research has shifted towards developing preventive strategies. We aimed to perform a review of the topic based on the most recent literature. We conclude that, based on the available data, it seems impossible to make strong recommendations for using antipsychotic drugs in prophylaxis. Further research should answer the question what, if any, benefit patients receive from the pharmacological prevention of delirium, and which agents should be used.

Keywords: postoperative delirium; prevention; perioperative medicine; antipsychotics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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