A Randomised Placebo-controlled Double-blind Exploratory Trial Using Wheat Beer for Prevention of Delirium in Intensive Care Patients

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether daily intake of 0.5 liters of alcoholic wheat beer at 8 pm for six consecutive days can reduce the occurrence of delirium in intensive care unit (ICU) patients compared to water. Delirium is a sudden, fluctuating state of confusion common among ICU patients, especially those on mechanical ventilation or after cardiac surgery, and is linked to longer hospital stays, higher morbidity and mortality, and lasting cognitive issues. Current prevention and treatment options are limited, making new strategies important to improve patient outcomes. The trial compares two groups: one receiving 0.5 liters of organic alcoholic wheat beer and the other receiving 0.5 liters of water, both administered once daily at 8 pm for six days after enrollment. The wheat beer contains ingredients such as hop and alcohol, which are hypothesized to have calming effects that may influence delirium development. Standard delirium prevention care is provided to all patients, including pain management, sleep support, orientation, and mobilization. Treatment for different delirium types follows established protocols at the University Hospital Basel. Participants will be monitored for delirium development over seven days using standardized assessment tools like the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist and Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale. Researchers will also track delirium-free, sedation-free, and agitation-free days over 30 days. The study involves regular assessments, including cognitive evaluations and observation of symptoms, to understand the impact of the intervention. Participation is expected to last for at least seven days with follow-up assessments extending to 30 days to capture longer-term effects.

Wheat Beer for Prevention of Delirium in Intensive Care Patients