e0666 Vasopressin and epinephrine versus epinephrine alone in management of patients with out of hospital cardiac arrest a metaanalysis

Abstract

Objective A combination of vasopressin and epinephrine may be more effective than epinephrine alone in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, but evidence is lacking to make a clinical recommendation. Our meta-analysis conducted to estimate the efficacy of vasopressin and epinephrine used together versus epinephine alone in out-of- hospital cardiac arrest (CA). Methods We searched MEDLINE for randomised trials comparing the efficacy of vasopressin and epinephrine versus epinephrine alone in adults who experienced out-of-hospital CA. The primary outcome was the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and the survival rate on admission and discharge. We also analysed ROSC in subgroups of patients presenting with different arrest rhythms. Results In total, 206 articles were enrolled and five studies were included. No differences were found between these groups (vaso- pressin and epinephrine group vs. epinephrine alone group), except for the survival rate at 24 h (OR 2.99, 95% CI 1.43, 6.28). No evidence supports the conclusion that vasopressin combined with epinephrine is better than epinephrine alone for ROSC, even amongst subgroups of patients. Conclusion This systematic review of the efficacy of vasopressin and epinephrine found that its combined use is better for 24 h survival rate but only in one study which included 122 patients. Further investigation will be needed to support the -use of this combination for out-of-hospital CA management.