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Pediatric Delirium: a Review of Current Diagnosis and Management in the Intensive Care Setting

  • Critical Care (J Giuliano and E Mack, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Pediatrics Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

We describe preventative management, current screening tools, and treatment strategies for pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) delirium.

Recent Findings

While there is ongoing research regarding medication efficacy for the treatment of delirium, there has been an increased emphasis on screening and prevention strategies.

Summary

PICU delirium is an underappreciated diagnosis that is associated with increased morbidity and increased length of stay. Strategies to minimize risk of delirium, early recognition of delirium, and mitigation strategies combined with education and engagement of both medical staff and families are of utmost importance. Identification of efficacious medications for the treatment of delirium is ongoing.

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References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital, Pediatric Critical Care, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA

    Sherry Gu & Kevin Couloures

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  1. Sherry Gu
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  2. Kevin Couloures
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Correspondence to Kevin Couloures.

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The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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Gu, S., Couloures, K. Pediatric Delirium: a Review of Current Diagnosis and Management in the Intensive Care Setting. Curr Pediatr Rep 8, 80–85 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40124-020-00222-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40124-020-00222-9

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