Efficacy of Low-dose Dexmedetomidine to Prevent Delirium in Liver Transplant Patients

Perioperative Low-dose Dexmedetomidine Decreases Incidence of Delirium in Liver Transplant Patients

To test the effect of low-dose dexmedetomidine for lowering the incidence of postoperative delirium in liver transplant patients in the ICU.

Single center prospective randomized placebo controlled clinical trial 0.1mcg/kg/hr of dexmedetomidine or equivalent amount of saline infusion started after induction of anesthesia for liver transplantation and continued until 48 hours after surgery.

Outcomes will be assessed up to 1 week or transfer to ward, whichever comes first.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult patients (18years old or older) undergoing living-donor or deceased-donor liver transplantation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pediatric patients (under 18 years) Pregnancy Patients who are unresponsive at baseline, who have neurologic deficits at baseline, or who are allergic to dexmedetomidine