Haloperidol Supported for ICU Delirium Treatment, Not Prevention

This dual Bayesian and frequentist meta-analysis clarifies where haloperidol earns a place in ICU delirium care, favoring active treatment over routine prophylaxis.

haloperidolantipsychoticsdeliriumICUcritical caremortalitybenzodiazepine sparingQTc prolongationBayesian meta-analysissedation Critical Care / ICU

Background Information

Haloperidol effective for delirium symptoms, not for prevention or mortality.

Delirium is a common and serious issue in critical care settings that impacts patient outcomes and mortality. Both Bayesian and frequentist meta-analyses suggest that haloperidol does not significantly reduce mortality or prevent delirium but can be effective in treating delirium symptoms. While haloperidol may help with delirium symptoms, its use does not impact overall mortality or prevention, indicating a need for alternative strategies. Haloperidol treats delirium but does not affect mortality or prevention.

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Authors: Cheng SL, Hsu TW, Kao YC, Yu CL, Thompson T, Carvalho AF, Stubbs B, Tseng PT, Hsu CW, Yang FC, Tu YK, Liang CS

Citation: Cheng SL, Hsu TW, Kao YC, et al. Haloperidol in treating delirium, reducing mortality, and preventing delirium occurrence: Bayesian and frequentist meta-analyses. Critical care (London, England). 2025;29(1):126. doi:10.1186/s13054-025-05342-6

Article Links: PubMed · Journal / DOI · Free Full Text (PMC)

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