Using nasal spray dexmedetomidine to prevent emergence delirium after hip replacement surgery

Effect of Nasal Spray Dexmedetomidine on Emergence Delirium Prevention in Total Hip Replacement in the Elderly Under General Anesthesia: a Randomized Clinical Trial

Phase 4 Interventional Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University · NCT06579001

This study tests if a nasal spray of dexmedetomidine can help older patients avoid confusion and agitation after hip replacement surgery.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment264 (estimated)
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSecond Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hangzhou)
Trial IDNCT06579001 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of nasal spray dexmedetomidine in preventing emergence delirium in elderly patients undergoing total hip replacement surgery. Emergence delirium is a common postoperative complication characterized by acute brain dysfunction, which can lead to various adverse outcomes. The study aims to determine if administering dexmedetomidine via nasal spray can reduce the incidence of this condition compared to traditional intravenous methods. The research focuses on patients aged 60 and older who are undergoing surgery under general anesthesia.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are elderly patients aged 60 and older who are scheduled for total hip arthroplasty under general anesthesia.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cardiac issues, allergies to dexmedetomidine, or preoperative delirium may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the occurrence of emergence delirium and improve postoperative recovery for elderly patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that intranasal dexmedetomidine can improve perioperative outcomes, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥60 years old
2. Total hip arthroplasty under general anesthesia
3. ASA II-III
4. Informed consent was obtained from patients or their guardians

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Allergy or contraindication to dexmedetomidine
2. Severe rhinitis and nasal deformity
3. Severe bradycardia (heart rate \<50 beats/minute) or atrioventricular block of grade 2 or higher, permanent pacemaker implantation, severe heart failure or ejection fraction \<30%
4. Patients with previous myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris, severe arrhythmia, and cardiac insufficiency
5. Emergency surgery
6. Severe hepatic and renal dysfunction (Child-Pugh class B and C, CKD3-5)
7. Preoperative mental illness, cognitive impairment, and communication difficulties could not be evaluated in the study
8. Preoperative delirium was present

Where this trial is running

Hangzhou

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 2026-06-13 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.