Introduction Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common complication following cardiac surgery and is closely associated with adverse clinical outcomes. The effect of perioperative dexmedetomidine on reducing POD remains controversial in the existing literature.
In our previous meta-analysis, we obtained preliminary evidence suggesting that dexmedetomidine may reduce the incidence of POD by improving sleep quality, which may partly explain the heterogeneity reported in previous studies. Based on these findings, the present randomised controlled trial aims to test the hypothesis that preoperative intranasal administration of dexmedetomidine reduces the incidence of POD in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass assisted cardiac surgery by enhancing preoperative sleep quality.
Methods and analysis This trial is a single-centre, investigator-initiated, parallel, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. Individuals aged 18 years or older who are scheduled for elective cardiopulmonary bypass - assisted cardiac surgery will be enrolled in the study.
The planned sample size is 686.
BMJ Open published a clinical update in Research Highlights on 21 Apr 2026.
The item focuses on Intranasal dexmedetomidine in reducing postoperative delirium among cardiac surgery patients by improving sleep quality in China (DREAMS): study protocol for a single-centre, double-blind, randomised controlled trial.
Review the original article for the full source wording and details.