false
Catalog
AANA October 2024 Journal Course: Dexmedetomidine ...
AANA Journal: Dexmedetomidine for Postoperative De ...
AANA Journal: Dexmedetomidine for Postoperative Delirium Prevention in the Older Adult: An Integrative Review
Back to course
Pdf Summary
The article "Dexmedetomidine for Postoperative Delirium Prevention in the Older Adult," published in the October 2024 issue of the AANA Journal, provides an integrative review of the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine in reducing postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction in older adults. As the population of older surgical patients increases, the vulnerability of their brain to anesthetic and surgical insults becomes more pronounced, resulting in postoperative delirium (POD) and cognitive dysfunction (POCD) being common concerns.<br /><br />The article highlights various studies indicating that dexmedetomidine, a nonspecific α2-adrenergic receptor agonist, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties which may mitigate the barriers leading to neurocognitive dysfunction. It suggests that dexmedetomidine can promote sedation similar to natural sleep and reduce opioid dosage requirements, both of which can collectively aid in preserving cognitive function. Additionally, dexmedetomidine appears to have neuroprotective effects by reducing brain inflammation and mimicking natural sleep cycles, potentially counteracting the pathophysiological changes that contribute to POD and POCD, such as increased blood-brain barrier permeability and neuronal inflammation.<br /><br />The document also discusses dexmedetomidine’s impact on cardiovascular, renal, and pulmonary systems and how these might provide additional benefits or limitations for older adults. The review of existing literature and clinical trials indicates that low and high doses of dexmedetomidine, whether given as bolus or infusion, can reduce POD, with stronger evidence in favor of infusion methods.<br /><br />However, the exact mechanism of dexmedetomidine’s protective effects is not entirely understood, and further research is necessary to fully establish its long-term impact on postoperative cognitive outcomes. Overall, the review emphasizes the potential utility of dexmedetomidine as a useful adjunct in managing neurocognitive complications in older surgical patients.
Keywords
Dexmedetomidine
Postoperative delirium
Older adults
Cognitive dysfunction
Neuroprotective effects
Anesthetic impact
α2-adrenergic receptor
Inflammation reduction
Sedation
Opioid reduction
10275 W. Higgins Rd., Suite 500, Rosemont, IL 60018
Phone: 847-692-7050
Help Center
Contact Us
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use
AANA® is a registered trademark of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. Privacy policy. Copyright © 2024 American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. All rights reserved.
×
Please select your language
1
English