The Efficacy of Clonidine in Reducing Delirium Symptoms: A Double-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial
Keywords:
Clonidine, Delirium, ICU, Intensive CareAbstract
Background: The use of clonidine for alleviating delirium symptoms still has not received enough attention and scientific research. It is essential to use medications to alleviate delirium that not only manage agitation but also avoid excessive sedation.
Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of clonidine in reducing delirium symptoms.
Methods: This was a double-blinded randomized clinical trial conducted on 20 COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU in Tehran, Iran, who showed symptoms of delirium. The study tools were: RASS (Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale), CAM-ICU (Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU), and Adverse Drug Effects Checklist. Patients were then randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group (receiving 0.1-1 mg of oral clonidine every 12 hours) and the control group (receiving placebo tablets). Then the pre- and post-data data analyzed.
Results: In the placebo group, 14 patients (93%) experienced delirium, whereas only 1 patient (5%) in the clonidine group developed this condition. This difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001) with an odds ratio of 0.055 (95% CI: 0.010 to 0.299), indicating that clonidine markedly reduced the risk of delirium in COVID-19 patients.
Conclusions: The results suggest that clonidine has good efficacy in preventing delirium in COVID-19 patients admitted to ICU units.
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