Abstract
Controversy surrounds utilization of induced hypothermia (IHT) in comatose cardiac arrest (CA) survivors with a non-shockable rhythm. We conducted a meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA) comparing IHT with no IHT approaches in patients with CA and a non-shockable rhythm. The primary outcome of interest was favorable neurological outcomes (FNO) defined using the Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) score of 1 or 2. Secondary endpoints were survival at discharge and survival beyond 90days. A total of 9 studies with 10,386 patients were included. There was no difference between both groups in terms of FNO (13% vs. 13%, RR 1.34, 95% CI 0.96-1.89, p = 0.09, I2 = 88%), survival at discharge (20% vs. 22%, RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.88-1.36, p = 0.42, I2 = 76%), or survival beyond 90days (16% vs. 15%, RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.61-1.40, p = 0.69, I2 = 83%). The TSA showed firm evidence supporting the lack of benefit of IHT in terms of survival at discharge. However, the Z-curves failed to cross the conventional and TSA (futility) boundaries for FNO and survival beyond 90days, indicating lack of sufficient evidence to draw firm conclusions regarding these outcomes. In this meta-analysis of 9 studies, the utilization of IHT was not associated with a survival benefit at discharge. Although the meta-analysis showed lack of benefit of IHT in terms of FNO and survivals beyond 90days, the corresponding TSA showed high probability of type-II statistical error, and therefore more randomized controlled trials powered for these outcomes are needed.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.