Prognostic models for outcome prediction following in-hospital cardiac arrest using pre-arrest factors: a systematic review, meta-analysis and critical appraisal.

BACKGROUND: Several prediction models of survival after in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) have been published, but no overview of model performance and external validation exists. We performed a systematic review of the available prognostic models for outcome prediction of attempted resuscitation for IHCA using pre-arrest factors to enhance clinical decision-making through improved outcome prediction. METHODS: This systematic review followed the CHARMS and PRISMA guidelines. Medline, Embase, Web of Science were searched up to October 2021. Studies developing, updating or validating a prediction model with pre-arrest factors for any potential clinical outcome of attempted resuscitation for IHCA were included. Studies were appraised critically according to the PROBAST checklist. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to pool AUROC values of externally validated models. RESULTS: Out of 2678 initial articles screened, 33 studies were included in this systematic review: 16 model development studies, 5 model updating studies and 12 model validation studies. The most frequently included pre-arrest factors included age, functional status, (metastatic) malignancy, heart disease, cerebrovascular events, respiratory, renal or hepatic insufficiency, hypotension and sepsis. Only six of the developed models have been independently validated in external populations. The GO-FAR score showed the best performance with a pooled AUROC of 0.78 (95% CI 0.69-0.85), versus 0.59 (95%CI 0.50-0.68) for the PAM and 0.62 (95% CI 0.49-0.74) for the PAR. CONCLUSIONS: Several prognostic models for clinical outcome after attempted resuscitation for IHCA have been published. Most have a moderate risk of bias and have not been validated externally. The GO-FAR score showed the most acceptable performance. Future research should focus on updating existing models for use in clinical settings, specifically pre-arrest counselling. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42021269235. Registered 21 July 2021.

Effect of continuous intrathecal baclofen therapy in children: a systematic review.

AIM: To investigate the effects of continuous intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and other neurological conditions. METHOD: This systematic review was conducted using standardized methodology, searching four electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library) for relevant literature published between inception and September 2017. Included studies involved continuous ITB as an intervention and outcome measures relating to all International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: Children and Youth (ICF-CY) components. RESULTS: Thirty-three studies were identified, of which one, including 17 children with spastic CP, produced level II evidence, and the others, mainly non-controlled cohort studies, level IV and V. Outcomes at body function level were most frequently reported. Results suggest continuous ITB may be effective in reducing spasticity and dystonia in CP, as well as other neurological conditions, and may improve the ease of care and quality of life of children with CP, but the level of evidence is low. INTERPRETATION: Despite three decades of applying ITB in children and a relatively large number of studies investigating the treatment effects, a direct link has not yet been demonstrated because of the low scientific quality of the primary studies. Further investigation into the effects of continuous ITB at all levels of the ICF-CY is warranted. Although large, controlled trials may be difficult to realize, national and international collaborations may provide opportunities. Also, multicentre prospective cohort studies with a long-term follow-up, employing harmonized outcome measures, can offer prospects to expand our knowledge of the effects of continuous ITB therapy in children. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: There is low-level evidence for continuous intrathecal baclofen (ITB) in children with cerebral palsy. Continuous ITB is effective in reducing spasticity and dystonia in non-controlled cohort studies. Evaluation of individual goals and systematic assessment of long-term effects in large cohort studies are required.