Abstract 10566: Hypothermia as an Adjunctive Therapy to Percutaneous Intervention in St-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials

Abstract

Introduction: In the setting of acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), several randomized control trials (RCTs) suggested a potential benefit with the use of Therapeutic hypothermia (TH). However, results from previous studies are contradictory. Method: We performed a comprehensive literature search for studies that evaluated the efficacy and safety of adjunctive TH compared to the standard percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in awake patients with STEMI. The primary outcome was the infarct size (IS) and microvascular obstruction (MVO) assessed by cardiac imaging at the end of follow-up. The secondary outcomes were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), procedure-related complications, and door to balloon time. Relative risk (RR) or the mean difference (MD) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the random-effects model. Results: A total of 10 RCTs, including 706 patients (mean age: 58±9.6 years, 364 patients managed with adjunctive TH vs. 342 with standard PCI), were included. As compared to standard PCI, TH was not associated with a statistically significant improvement in the IS (MD: -0.87 %, 95%CI: -2.97, 1.23; P = 0.42) or in the MVO (MD: 0.11 %, 95%CI: -0.06, 0.27; P = 0.21). MACE and its individual components were comparable between the two groups. However, the TH approach was associated with an increased risk of infection and prolonged door to balloon time. Furthermore, there was a trend in the TH group toward an increased incidence of stent thrombosis and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Conclusions: According to our meta-analysis of published RCTs, the benefit of TH in STEMI patients is modest, with a marginal safety profile and potential for care delays. Larger-scale RCTs are needed to further clarify our results.