Abstract
BackgroundThe effects of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) on adult patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remain unclear. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate its effect on mortality.MethodsWe searched the Cochrane (Central) database, Medline, Embase, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (SinoMed), WanFang data and ClinicalTrials from inception to June 2019, with language restriction to English and Chinese. We included published RCTs and eligible clinical trials from ClinicalTrials.gov that compared NMBAs with placebo or usual treatment in adults with ARDS. We pooled data using random-effects models. The primary outcome was mortality. The secondary outcomes were the ratio of the partial pressure of arterial oxygen to the fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FIO2), total positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP), plateau pressure (Pplat), days free of ventilator at day 28, barotrauma and ICU-acquired weakness.ResultsWe included 6 RCTs (n = 1557). Compared with placebo or usual treatment, NMBAs were associated with lower 21 to 28-day mortality (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.53–0.97, I2 = 59%). NMBAs significantly improved oxygenation (Pao2:Fio2 ratios) at 48 hours (MD 27.26 mm Hg, 95% CI 1.67, 52.84, I2 = 92%) and reduced the incidence of barotrauma (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.35, 0.85, I2 = 0). However, NMBAs had no effect on oxygenation (Pao2:Fio2 ratios) (MD 18.41 mm Hg, 95% CI -0.33, 37.14, I2 = 72%) at 24 hours. We also found NMBAs did not affect total PEEP, plateau pressure, days free of ventilation at day 28 and ICU-acquired weakness.ConclusionsIn patients with moderate-to-severe ARDS, the administration of NMBAs could reduce 21 to 28-day mortality and barotrauma, and improve oxygenation at 48 hours, but have no significant effects on 90-day/ICU mortality, days free of ventilation at day 28 and the risk of ICU-acquired weakness. Further large-scale, high-quality RCTs are needed to confirm our findings. Registration: PROSPERO (ID: CRD 42019139656).
Highlights
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening condition characterized by intense lung inflammation, consolidation, and progressive microatelectasis with refractory acute hypoxemia [1, 2]
neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) significantly improved oxygenation (Pao2:Fio2 ratios) at 48 hours (MD 27.26 mm Hg, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) 1.67, 52.84, I2 = 92%) and reduced the incidence of barotrauma (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.35, 0.85, I2 = 0)
NMBAs had no effect on oxygenation (Pao2:Fio2 ratios) (MD 18.41 mm Hg, 95% CI -0.33, 37.14, I2 = 72%) at 24 hours
Summary
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening condition characterized by intense lung inflammation, consolidation, and progressive microatelectasis with refractory acute hypoxemia [1, 2]. The use of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) in ARDS has remained controversial. In the early 2000s, a small, randomized trial conducted in France demonstrated continuous cisatracurium therapy could improve oxygenation of ARDS [8]. The same group of investigators conducted another randomized controlled trial (RCT) and founded cisatracurium could significantly reduce ARDS patients’ inflammatory biomarkers in both the blood and bronchoalveolar fluid, along with improved oxygenation [10]. NMBAs have been recommended as clinical practice guideline for the management of severe ARDS and mechanical ventilation patients under certain circumstances [12, 13]. The effects of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) on adult patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remain unclear. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate its effect on mortality
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: 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.
