Current Evidence Regarding the Evaluation and Management of Neonatal Delirium

Overview

Journal Curr Psychiatry Rep

Publisher Current Science

Specialty Psychiatry

Date 2024 Oct 24

PMID 39446295

Authors

Olivia Ruth

Sheri Tomajko

Emman Dabaja

Erin Munsel

Kayla Rice

Christina Cwynar

Melissa Maye

Nasuh Malas

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose Of Review: Newborns and infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) may be at uniquely high risk of developing delirium. Because there is a dearth of NICU-focused literature, providers must rely on evidence derived from older children and infants in other care settings to guide management. The literature was rigorously reviewed to highlight evidence specific to newborns and infants and is summarized here.

Recent Findings: Delirium likely occurs in newborns and infants at similar or higher rates than what is seen in other care settings. Recent literature calls particular attention to the lack of assessment tools validated in a NICU setting. Evidence for the evaluation and management of delirium in the NICU is lacking. More study specific to the NICU is needed to build consensus toward best practice.

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