Using dexmedetomidine to prevent delirium after brain surgery in older patients

Intraoperative Infusion of Dexmedetomidine for Prevention of Postoperative Delirium in Elderly Patients Undergoing Craniotomy: a Randomized Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional Beijing Tiantan Hospital · NCT05168280

This study tests if giving dexmedetomidine during brain surgery can help older patients avoid confusion and delirium afterward.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment420 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorBeijing Tiantan Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality)
Trial IDNCT05168280 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of dexmedetomidine on preventing postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing craniotomy. It focuses on patients aged 65 and older, as they are at a higher risk for developing delirium after neurological procedures. The intervention involves administering dexmedetomidine compared to a saline solution during surgery. The goal is to determine if dexmedetomidine can effectively reduce the incidence of delirium in this vulnerable population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are elderly patients aged 65 and older who are scheduled for selective craniotomy.

Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairments, severe bradycardia, or those with a history of certain medical conditions or medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the occurrence of postoperative delirium in elderly patients, improving their recovery and overall outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that dexmedetomidine may reduce delirium in non-cardiac surgery patients, suggesting potential success in this novel application for elderly neurosurgery patients.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients undergoing selective craniotomy.
* Age ≥65 years.
* Obtain written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Operation time less than 2 hours.
* Refusal to provide written informed consent.
* Cognitive impairment before surgery(mini-mental state examination, MMSE ≤ 26 or Montreal Cognitive Assessment, MoCA≤22).
* Allergic to the study drug.
* Body mass index ≤18 or ≥ 30 kg/m2.
* History of psychotropic drugs, anticholinergic drugs, antihistamine drug and dopaminergic drugs.
* History of traumatic brain injury or neurosurgery.
* Severe bradycardia (heart rate less than 40 beats per minute), sick sinus syndrome or second-to-third degree atrioventricular block.
* Severe liver dysfunction (Child-Pugh grade C) or renal failure (requiring kidney replacement therapy).
* The functional neurosurgery.

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing Municipality

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions DexmedetomidinePostoperative Delirium
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.