Are dexmedetomidine and olanzapine suitable to control delirium in critically ill elderly patients? A retrospective cohort study

Abstract Background The efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine and olanzapine for delirium control in critically ill elderly patients without ventilation or surgery are not known. Methods The efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine and olanzapine for controlling delirium were evaluated in a retrospective cohort of critically illness by assessing the sedation level, drug dose/duration, combination rate with other sedatives, adverse effects, intubation rate and prognosis. Result The maximum (1.61 ± 1.56 vs. 2.70 ± 1.01, p  Conclusions Dexmedetomidine achieved more satisfactory sedative effects on delirium control, but olanzapine was safer.