Hemodynamics, fluids & transfusion
Local nitroglycerin to facilitate radial arterial catheterization in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors' conclusion
Topical or subcutaneous NTG has the potential to facilitate radial artery access and decrease local complications.
Study context
- Population
- Adults undergoing radial artery cannulation
- Participants
- 2,370 adults · 15 randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
- Comparison
- Local nitroglycerin (NTG) for radial artery cannulation
- Subcutaneous NTGn = 1,947
- Topical NTGn = 423
- Outcome
- First-attempt success
Methodological detailsHartung-Knapp adjustment of the DerSimonian-Laird random effects model, Most studies had unclear risk of bias
- Hartung-Knapp adjustment of the DerSimonian-Laird random effects model
- Most studies had unclear risk of bias
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
RR for first-attempt success (95% CI)
Subcutaneous NTG5 studies; 516 patients
1.61(1.23–2.10)
Topical NTG1 study; 92 patients
2.45(1.39–4.34)
Safety
Radial artery spasm
| RR (95% CI) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Subcutaneous NTGSeven studies; 1,519 patients | 0.43 (0.24–0.77) | |
| Topical NTGThree RCTs; 275 patients; little or no difference | 0.67 (0.20–2.25) | |
| 0.20.5125Relative risk (log scale) |
Original publication
Local nitroglycerin to facilitate radial arterial catheterization in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Can J Anaesth. Published 19 March 2025. doi:10.
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