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Delirium in the NICU

Journal of Perinatology volume 44, pages 157–163 (2024)Cite this article

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Abstract

Delirium in the NICU is an underrecognized phenomenon in infants who are often complex and critically ill. The current understanding of NICU delirium is developing and can be informed by adult and pediatric literature. The NICU population faces many potential risk factors for delirium, including young age, developmental delay, mechanical ventilation, severe illness, and surgery. There are no diagnostic tools specific to infants. The mainstay of delirium treatment is to treat the underlying cause, address modifiable risk factors, and supportive care. This review will summarize current knowledge and areas where more research is needed.

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Fig. 1: Hypothesis of pathogenesis of delirium.
Fig. 2: Multidisciplinary approach to delirium.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Salt Lake City, UT, USA

    Ariel Tarrell

  2. University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Behavioral Health and Psychiatry, Salt Lake City, UT, USA

    Lisa Giles

  3. Duke University Medical Center, Division of Neonatology, Durham, NC, USA

    Brian Smith

  4. Weill Cornell Medical College, Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, New York, NY, USA

    Chani Traube

  5. University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Divisions of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Salt Lake City, UT, USA

    Kevin Watt

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No outside honorarium, grant, or other form of payment was provided to anyone to produce the manuscript. AT, LG, BS, CT, and KW contributed to manuscript review authorship.

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Correspondence to Ariel Tarrell.

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Tarrell, A., Giles, L., Smith, B. et al. Delirium in the NICU. J Perinatol 44, 157–163 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-023-01767-5

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