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
