Using IV Acetaminophen to Prevent Delirium After Heart Surgery

Pilot Randomized Trial of Intravenous or Oral Acetaminophen After Cardiac Surgery

Phase 3 Interventional McGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre · NCT05246644

This study is testing if giving IV acetaminophen can help prevent delirium in adults after heart surgery.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment900 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMcGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Montreal, Quebec and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05246644 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study investigates the effectiveness of intravenous acetaminophen in preventing delirium in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. It employs a randomized, double-blind, and multicenter design, enrolling patients aged 18 and older who are scheduled for aortocoronary bypass or valve surgeries. Participants will receive either IV acetaminophen or a placebo, alongside oral acetaminophen or its placebo, with the primary goal of assessing delirium development during their postoperative stay. The study will initially enroll 120 patients across four centers, with results potentially informing a larger follow-up study.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old scheduled for elective aortocoronary bypass or valve surgeries.

Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing cognitive dysfunction, psychiatric conditions, or those on medications for cognitive decline may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce the incidence of delirium in patients after cardiac surgery, improving recovery outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific pilot study is novel in its focus on postoperative delirium prevention using IV acetaminophen.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* subjects \> 18 years of age undergoing elective aortocoronary bypass, single valve replacement or single valve and aortocoronary bypass surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

* • Refusal by surgeon for inclusion of the patient

  * Requested late extubation by anesthesia or surgeon
  * Intra-aortic balloon pump
  * Sensitivity to acetaminophen
  * Pre-operative cognitive dysfunction
  * Psychiatric history with active treatment
  * Parkinson's disease
  * Alzheimer's disease
  * Medication for cognitive decline
  * History of recent seizures
  * Recent history of alcohol misuse
  * Creatinine clearance less than 30 ml/min

Where this trial is running

Montreal, Quebec and 1 other locations

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 Delirium
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.