Researchers conducted a meta-analysis of individual patient data from three recent multicenter trials. The primary outcome was 90-day mortality, while secondary outcomes included one-year survival, organ support and hospitalization costs. In all, researchers examined 3,723 patients at 138 hospitals in seven countries.
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Of the 3,723 patients, 1,852 underwent early, goal-directed therapy, while 1,871 underwent usual care.
Early, goal-directed therapy consisted of a “six-hour resuscitation protocol for the administration of intravenous fluids, vasopressors, inotropes and red-cell transfusion,” the study stated.
Here are four insights:
1. Mortality at 90-days was similar for early, goal-directed therapy patients (24.9 percent) and usual care patients (25.4 percent).
2. The adjusted odds ratio was 0.97.
3. Early, goal-directed therapy was linked to greater mean use of intensive care and cardiovascular support as compared to usual care.
4. Average care costs were higher for early, goal-directed therapy patients.
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