How does haloperidol influence the long-term outcomes of delirium?

Delirium is a common condition in intensive care unit (ICU) patients and is associated with negative outcomes. While non-pharmacologic treatments have shown some success in reducing delirium, there is currently no recommended pharmacologic treatment. Haloperidol, a commonly used medication, has not been found to be more effective than a placebo in reducing delirium. However, a recent study found that haloperidol may have a positive effect on long-term mortality in ICU patients. Further research is needed to determine the optimal dose of haloperidol and to explore other factors that may influence long-term outcomes. ICU clinicians should not increase their use of haloperidol until more research is conducted. [Extracted from the article]