PhD defence L. (Lisa) Smit

Below is a brief summary of the dissertation: 

This research focuses on the effectiveness of haloperidol and other treatments for delirium in critically ill patients. The EuRIDICE study showed no significant effect of haloperidol on reducing delirium duration or coma-free days, although it may have reduced the need for benzodiazepines. Analysis of delirium subtypes revealed that mixed delirium was particularly associated with higher hospital mortality and worse clinical outcomes compared to non-delirious patients. Patients with subsyndromal delirium had a lower risk of death than those with full delirium and longer ICU stays than non-delirious patients. Further research into the effects of haloperidol and clonidine suggests that both treatments may be associated with hindering the resolution of delirium, although no significant difference in their effectiveness for treating agitation was observed. These findings highlight the need for further investigation into the role of haloperidol in the ICU and the exploration of alternative treatment options for delirium and related symptoms.