Table 2 Subgroup analysis based on medication type

ICU length of stay (MD)

− 0.17 (95% CI − 0.98–0.63, P = 0.67, I² = 0%)

0.03 (95% CI − 0.87–0.93, P = 0.94, I² = 24%)

Duration of MV (MD)

− 1.00 (95% CI −2.39-0.39, P = 0.16)*

− 0.50 (95% CI − 1.57–0.57, P = 0.36, I² = 63%)

Total adverse events (RR)

1.13 (95% CI 0.83–1.53, P = 0.43, I² = 0%)

1.20 (95% CI 0.52–2.74, P = 0.67, I² = 79%)

Digital ischemia (RR)

3.33 (95% CI 1.39–7.95, P < 0.001, I² = 0%)

6.06 (95% CI 2.97–12.37, P < 0.001, I² = 68%)

Cardiovascular events (RR)

0.93 (95% CI 0.51–1.69, P = 0.80, I² = 27%)

0.84 (95% CI 0.24–2.99, P = 0.79, I² = 0%)

Arrhythmia (RR)

0.99 (95% CI 0.51–1.91, P = 0.98, I² = 15%)

0.57 (95% CI 0.29–1.15, P = 0.12, I² = 35%)

Mesenteric ischemia (RR)

0.77 (95% CI 0.38–1.53, P = 0.45, I² = 0%)

1.22 (95% CI 0.26–5.64, P = 0.80, I² = 42%)

Diarrhea (RR)

0.98 (95% CI 0.06–15.58)*

1.64 (95% CI 0.05–54.19, P = 0.78, I² = 71%)

Cerebrovascular events (RR)

0.98 (95% CI 0.06–15.58, P = 0.99)*

2.00 (95% CI 0.09–46.68, P = 0.67)*

Hyponatremia (RR)

2.31 (95% CI 0.35–15.09, P = 0.38, I² = 0%)

1.39 (95% CI 0.78–2.49, P = 0.26)*