Neuromuscular blocking agents in acute respiratory distress syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Table 1 Characteristics of included trials

Study	Number (sites)	Target patients	Experimental intervention	Control intervention	Lung protection
Gainnier 2004 [12]	56	ARDS	48-hour infusion cisatracurium	48-hour infusion placebo (bedside nurse not blinded)	ARMA protocol; no weaning protocol
	(4)	PaO₂/FiO₂ < 150	(weight-based, and adapted to peripheral nerve stimulation)
		Eligible < 36 hours
		Exclude prior NMBA
Forel 2006 [13]	36	ARDS	48-hour infusion cisatracurium	48-hour infusion placebo (bedside nurse not blinded)	ARMA protocol; no weaning protocol
	(3)	Intubated < 48 hours	(weight-based and adapted to peripheral nerve stimulation)
		PaO₂/FiO₂ < 200
		Exclude recent steroids or NMBA
Papazian 2010 [14]	340	ARDS	48-hour infusion cisatracurium	48-hour infusion placebo	ARMA protocol; weaning protocol
	(20)	PaO₂/FiO₂ < 150	(high-dose, with no peripheral nerve stimulation)
		Eligible < 48 hours
		Exclude prior NMBA

ARDS, Acute respiratory distress syndrome; NMBA, neuromuscular blocking agent; ARMA, the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Network. Ventilation with lower tidal volumes as compared with traditional tidal volumes for acute lung injury and the acute respiratory distress syndrome [4].

ISSN: 1364-8535