Current Evidence Regarding the Evaluation and Management of Neonatal Delirium

Newborns and infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) may be at uniquely high risk of developing delirium. Because there is a dearth of NICU-focused literature, providers must rely on evidence derived from older children and infants in other care settings to guide management. The literature was rigorously reviewed to highlight evidence specific to newborns and infants and is summarized here.

Delirium likely occurs in newborns and infants at similar or higher rates than what is seen in other care settings. Recent literature calls particular attention to the lack of assessment tools validated in a NICU setting. Evidence for the evaluation and management of delirium in the NICU is lacking. More study specific to the NICU is needed to build consensus toward best practice.