Objective: Evaluate recent clinical studies involving the use of dexmedetomidine (DEX) infusion for the treatment of delirium in the intensive care unit (ICU).
Methods: A literature search was conducted to identify peer-reviewed articles in MEDLINE (1966-June 2016) using the terms sedation, analgesic, dexmedetomidine, delirium, and critically ill adult patients.
Results: Two studies in the ICU setting reported the potential benefits of DEX for managing agitation during weaning from mechanical ventilation. One pilot study and a clinical trial reported the use of DEX in the treatment of ICU delirium.
Conclusion: Further studies are required to evaluate the use of DEX treatment in critically ill patients presenting with delirium.
Keywords: critically ill patients; delirium; dexmedetomidine.