Quetiapine in the treatment of postoperative delirium. A report of three cases.
I summarize the effects of atypical antipsychotic quetiapine on reversing postoperative delirium in three elderly patients and review the historical and general clinical presentation of delirium. Quetiapine pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics effects are also described. Although quetiapine was effective in reversing postoperative delirium without adverse events in all three patients, such effectiveness cannot be generalized until confirmed by prospective controlled studies.
Khouzam
Hani Raoul
HR
VA Central California Health Care System, Department of Mental Health (116A) 2615 E. Clinton Ave., Fresno, CA 93703, USA. hani.khouzam2@va.gov
D000368:Aged; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002763:Cholecystectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects; D003693:Delirium / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D003987:Dibenzothiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D000069348:Quetiapine Fumarate
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003987:Dibenzothiazepines; D000069348:Quetiapine Fumarate