Prevalence of Delirium with Dexmedetomidine Compared with Morphine Based Therapy after Cardiac Surgery

Background Commonly used sedatives/analgesics can increase the risk of postoperative complications, including delirium. This double-blinded study assessed the neurobehavioral, hemodynamic, and sedative characteristics of dexmedetomidine compared with morphine-based regimen after cardiac surgery at equivalent levels of sedation and analgesia. Methods A total of 306 patients at least 60 yr old were randomized to receive dexmedetomidine (0.1-0.7...