Der Anaesthesist
-
After surgical operations delirium can occur as a serious and possible lethal complication in about 5-15% of patients. Additionally, risk factors such as old age, polymedication, organic and psychiatric diseases raise the incidence. After open-heart and orthopedic surgery more than half of the patients are affected. ⋯ In acute treatment, the butyrophenon-neuroleptic haloperidol is the drug of choice. In delirium caused by intoxication with anticholinergic agents, physostigmin is indicated. Benzodiazepines, clonidine and clomethiazole are used in particular for the treatment of withdrawal delirium.