Studying How Different Doses of Dexmedetomidine Affect Delirium and Thinking After Major Lower Limb Surgery in Older Adults

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how different doses of Dexmedetomidine DEX affect the occurrence and severity of postoperative delirium POD and cognitive problems after surgery in elderly patients. The study focuses on those undergoing major lower limb orthopedic surgery under general anesthesia and compares DEX doses to a fentanyl control group to find the best dose for protecting brain function after surgery. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either a low dose or a high dose of Dexmedetomidine through an intravenous infusion during surgery, or standard opioid-based general anesthesia with fentanyl without Dexmedetomidine. The study evaluates whether higher doses of DEX reduce delirium and cognitive decline more than the lower dose or fentanyl alone. During the study, participants are monitored for delirium within 48 hours after surgery, sedation levels within 24 hours, and cognitive function at the first and fourth weeks after surgery. The study lasts through these assessment periods to understand how DEX dosing influences postoperative brain health and recovery in elderly orthopedic patients.

Effect of Dexmedetomidine Dosage on Postoperative Delirium in Geriatric Orthopedic Surgery