The devil called delirium is not so dangerous when treated with Cerebrolysin

Delirium is an acute alteration in mental status characterized by confusion, inattention and a fluctuating level of arousal. It is a serious clinical problem that is associated with prolonged hospital stay and an increased risk of mortality.

The pathomechanisms of delirium are not well recognized, however a disturbance in the cholinergic system, dopamine synthesis, neuronal plasticity, inflammation and oxidative stress following cerebral ischemia or hyperoxia appear to play a key role in this process.

Cerebrolysin improves neuronal plasticity, attenuates post-ischemia disorders, improves cholinergic activity and attenuates post-ischemic disorders reducing the severity of oxidative stress. Hence, it may be useful in prevention and treatment of delirium. A single-center study documented that Cerebrolysin significantly reduces the risk of postoperative delirium in cardiac surgery patients.

Additionally, use of Cerebrolysin significantly improves neuropsychological outcome in septic shock patients, reducing the risk of delirium and subsequently the length of stay in the intensive care unit.

Based on these results, Cerebrolysin can be suggested as an effective drug in prevention and treatment of delirium in critically ill patients.