The role of remote ischemic preconditioning in organ protection after cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis

Abstract Background Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) appears to protect distant organs from ischemia–reperfusion injury. We undertook meta-analysis of clinical studies to evaluate the effects of RIPC on organ protection and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods A review of evidence for cardiac, renal, and pulmonary protection after RIPC was performed. We also did meta-regressions on RIPC variables, such as duration of ischemia, cuff pressure, and timing of application of preconditioning. Secondary outcomes included length of hospital and intensive care unit stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, and mortality at 30 days. Results Randomized control trials ( n  = 25) were included in the study for quantitative analysis of cardiac ( n  = 16), renal ( n  = 6), and pulmonary ( n  = 3) protection. RIPC provided statistically significant cardiac protection (standardized mean difference [SMD], −0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], −1.15, −0.39; Z  = 3.98; P Z  = 1.81; P  = 0.07) or pulmonary protection (SMD, −0.03; 95% CI, −0.56, 0.50; Z  = 0.12; P  = 0.91). There was no statistical difference in the short-term clinical outcomes between the RIPC and control groups. Conclusions RIPC provides cardiac protection, but there is no evidence of renal or pulmonary protection in patients undergoing cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass. Larger multicenter trials are required to define the role of RIPC in surgical practice.