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J Pediatr Intensive Care 2020; 09(02): 119-123
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-3400458
Case Report
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Management of Hyperactive Delirium in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: Case Series of Three Young Children

Anna O. Jesus
1   Division of Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
,
Lotte Jones
2   Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, Norfolk, Virginia, United States
,
Rebecca Linares
3   Division of Pediatric Critical Care, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
,
Marcia L. Buck
4   American College of Clinical Pharmacy, Washington, DC, United States
,
Deborah U. Frank
3   Division of Pediatric Critical Care, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

28 June 2019

12 October 2019

Publication Date:
21 November 2019 (online)

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Abstract

Children in the intensive care unit (ICU) are at high risk of developing delirium, given their underlying disease processes, the adverse effects of treatments and medications, and the stressful, abnormal environment. If prevention and nonpharmacologic measures to treat delirium are unsuccessful, atypical antipsychotics are considered, although they are not approved by Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of pediatric delirium and could have significant adverse side effects. This case report presents three pediatric patients with hyperactive ICU delirium that risked life-threating complications who were successfully treated with short courses of atypical antipsychotic medications.

Keywords

pediatric - delirium - antipsychotic