A multicenter randomized controlled trial of a modified Valsalva maneuver for cardioversion of supraventricular tachycardias. Am J Emerg Med. 2020;38:1077-1081. [PMID: 31422858 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2019.158371]

Valsalva Maneuver Versus Carotid Sinus Massage for Supraventricular Tachycardia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias, characterized by a sudden increase in heart rate. Initial management often involves vagal maneuvers, including the Valsalva maneuver (VM) and carotid sinus massage (CSM). VM can be categorized into standard VM (sVM) and modified VM (mVM). This study aimed to synthesize the first evidence from published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy of VM versus CSM. A comprehensive search across databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, was conducted up to July 29, 2024. The primary endpoint was the success rate of converting SVT to sinus rhythm. The dichotomous outcome was analyzed using a fixed-effect model to calculate the risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The Risk of Bias (RoB) tool, version 2, was employed to assess bias in the included RCTs. In total, three RCTs with 346 cases were analyzed. Concerns were noted regarding potential bias related to the randomization process in all three studies. The meta-analysis of these RCTs (comprising four arms) revealed that VM had a higher success rate than CSM for treating SVT, with an RR of 1.82 (95% CI: 1.29-2.57, p<0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that the rate of conversion to sinus rhythm was significantly higher in the sVM compared to CSM (RR=1.61, 95% CI (1.13-2.29), p=0.01). Additionally, subgroup analysis of one study indicated that mVM was associated with a higher rate of SVT conversion to sinus rhythm compared to CSM (RR=9.28, 95% CI (1.25-69.13), p=0.03). In conclusion, VM demonstrated a higher success rate compared to CSM in treating SVT. Specifically, mVM was more effective than CSM in both terminating SVT and restoring sinus rhythm, though this evidence was based on a single RCT; hence, the related conclusion should be interpreted with caution and requires validation using additional RCTs. Further research in diverse patient populations and clinical settings is necessary to validate these findings and potentially support the broader use of mVM in practice. Additional well-designed, multi-center studies with diverse populations are needed to confirm these observations and provide more comprehensive guidance on SVT management. This is important to enhance the generalizability of results across different demographics and clinical settings. This approach helps ensure that treatment effectiveness is applicable to a broader range of patients, accounting for variations in age, gender, comorbidities, and regional practices.

Efficacy and safety of modified Valsalva maneuver for treatment of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of the modified versus standard Valsalva maneuver in the treatment of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT).

METHODS

The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, WanFang Data, and VIP electronic databases were searched to identify studies comparing the modified and standard Valsalva maneuvers in the treatment of PSVT from database inception to 1 May 2023. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias of all included studies.

RESULTS

Nineteen randomized controlled trials involving 2527 patients with PSVT were included. The overall rate of cardioversion was higher in the modified than standard Valsalva group (risk ratio [RR] = 1.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.61-2.01), as was the success rate of cardioversion after a single Valsalva maneuver (RR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.74-2.41). There was no statistically significant difference in adverse reactions between the two groups (RR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.82-1.38).

CONCLUSION

Current evidence suggests that the modified Valsalva maneuver can significantly improve the success rate of cardioversion in patients with PSVT without increasing adverse reactions. The modified Valsalva maneuver is therefore worth promoting and should be considered as a routine first treatment.INPLASY registration number: 2023100092.

Comparison of Various Vagal Maneuvers for Supraventricular Tachycardia by Network Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Vagal maneuvers (VagMs) are recommended as the first-line treatment of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). However, the optimal type of VagMs remains unproven.

AIM

This study aims to compare the effectiveness and adverse events amongst VagMs on SVT via network meta-analyses (NMAs).

METHODS

We systematically searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that involved adults with SVT and compared VagMs without language restrictions. We determined the initial and final responses of conversion rate to sinus rhythm and adverse events. Risk of bias (RoB) was appraised by Cochrane revised tool, and contribution matrix was calculated. NMAs were synthesized using frequentist random-effects model and presented as relative risk (RR) with 95% CI. The order of probability was presented as surface under the cumulative ranking curve analysis (SUCRA). Sensitivity analysis was performed using both Bayesian and frequentist approach with fixed- or random-effects models. Certainty of evidence (CoE) was rated by using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations methodology.

RESULTS

Fourteen RCTs with 2,180 patients were enrolled. Small portion of mixed estimates was contributed from high overall RoB studies. Compared with carotid sinus massage (CSM), the modified Valsalva maneuver (MVM) was the most effective VagM after initial performance [SUCRA: 0.9992, RR: 5.47 (1.77-16.93)] and at the end of study [SUCRA: 1.0000, RR: 3.62 (2.04-6.39), CoE: high]. The standard VM did not elicit better conversion rate to the sinus rhythm than CSM at the initial response [SUCRA: 0.4395, RR: 1.97 (0.63-6.15)] and at the end of the study [SUCRA: 0.4795, RR: 1.64 (0.94-2.87), CoE: moderate]. The SUCRA value of CSM at the initial and final responses was the least one amongst three VagMs (0.0613 and 0.0205, respectively). Adverse events amongst three VagMs were similar (CoE: low). Sensitivity analyses yielded consistent results.

CONCLUSION

We recommended MVM as the first choice of VagM for rhythm conversion before the pharmacological management of SVT.

Effectiveness of the modified Valsalva manoeuvre in adults with supraventricular tachycardia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE

Cardiac arrhythmia, specifically paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), accounts for a substantial proportion of emergency medical services resources utilisation. Reconversion requires increasing the atrioventricular node's refractoriness, which can be achieved by vagal manoeuvres, pharmacological agents or electrical cardioversion. There are multiple variants of vagal manoeuvres, including the Valsalva manoeuvre (VM). While the effectiveness of the standard VM has already been systematically reviewed, there has been no such analysis for the modified VM.

OBJECTIVES

Compare the effectiveness of the modified VM versus the standard VM in restoring the normal sinus rhythm in adult patients with supraventricular tachycardia.

DESIGN

Systematic review with meta-analysis of published randomised controlled trials.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the reconversion to a sinus rhythm. Secondary outcomes included: medication use, adverse events, length of stay in the emergency department and hospital admission.

MAIN RESULTS

Five randomised controlled trials were included, with a combined total of 1181 participants. The meta-analysis demonstrated a significantly higher success rate for reconversion to sinus rhythm when using the modified VM compared to the standard VM in patients with an SVT (odds ratio = 4.36; 95% confidence interval, 3.30-5.76; P < 0.001). More adverse events were reported in the modified VM group, although this difference is NS (risk ratio = 1.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.91-2.42; P = 0.11). The available evidence suggests that medication use was lower in the modified VM group than the standard VM group. However, medication use could not be generalised across the different studies. None of the included studies showed a significant difference in length of stay in the emergency department. Only one study reported on hospital admission, with no significant difference between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The available evidence is highly suggestive to support the use of the modified VM compared to the standard VM in the treatment of adult patients with SVT. Meta-analysis showed a higher success rate, required less medication use, and resulted in an equal number of adverse events. However, these results cannot be regarded as definitive in the absence of higher-quality studies.

Modified Valsalva maneuver for treatment of supraventricular tachycardias: A Meta-analysis

BACKGROUD

Valsalva maneuver (VM) is a simple and easy method for acute termination of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), while a postural modification to the VM has been suggested to be superior to the standard VM (SVM). The objective of this meta-analysis is to explore the efficacy and safety of the modified VM (MVM) to terminate SVT compared with the SVM.

METHODS

Extensive literature was conducted using the database such as PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane library and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy and safety of the MVM and SVM for SVT. Meta-analysis was performed using mean difference (MD), relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4.1 software. The quality of the published studies was evaluated using the Oxford quality scoring system (Jadad scale).

RESULTS

Six RCTs involving 1208 patients were reviewed, including 603 patients in the MVM group and 605 patients in the SVM group. The results of the meta-analysis showed that MVM was found to significantly increase the success rate of the sinus rhythm after single VM (RR = 2.83; 95% CI = 2.19 to 3.66; P < 0.00001), sinus rhythm after multiple VM (RR = 3.83; 95% CI = 2.26 to 6.50; P < 0.00001), and single and multiple VM (RR = 2.85, 95% CI = 2.35 to 3.45; P < 0.00001). MVM also decreased the emergency anti-arrhythmic treatments (RR = 0.70; 95% CI = 0.62 to 0.79; P < 0.00001), and use of adenosine and verapamil (RR = 0.69; 95% CI = 0.61 to 0.78; P < 0.00001). There was no significant difference in adverse events (RR = 1.48; 95% CI = 0.91 to 2.42; P = 0.11) and time in emergency department (ED) (RR = 0.03; 95% CI = -0.17 to 0.23, P = 0.79) between MVM and SVM.

CONCLUSION

Compared with MVM, the conversion rate of SVT to sinus rhythm was more effective than SVM. MVM also reduced the use of anti-arrhythmic measures and drugs, and had no increased time in ED and adverse events.

Modified valsalva versus standard valsalva for cardioversion of supraventricular tachycardia: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a major cause of emergency room visits where vagal maneuver is used as first-line therapy. The valsalva maneuver (VM) is proven to be safe and, to some extent, effective in terminating SVT episodes. We aimed to compare the standard VM (SVM) to the modified valsalva maneuver (MVM). We hypothesized that MVM is more effective in terminating SVT episodes and reducing the time spent in the emergency department.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched Medline/PubMed, Ovid, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials. We included only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the modified valsalva to the standard valsalva maneuver in treating SVT. Our main outcome was the termination of SVT within 1 min.

Results

Four articles met the eligibility criteria of our review. Sinus rhythm was achieved 2.5 times more in the MVM group compared to the SVM group (risk ratio (RR) = 2.54, CI 1.98–3.24, P < 0.001) and thus lowered the need of intravenous SVT termination medication without any significant increase in adverse events or time spent in the emergency department.

Conclusion

Our review found MVM to be more effective than the SVM in terminating SVT. This should encourage broader adoption of the MVM as a first-line vagal maneuver in subjects presenting with SVT in the emergency room.

Prehospital conversion of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia using the modified Valsalva maneuver: A case report

The modified Valsalva maneuver (MVM) has never before been performed in the prehospital setting by the Hamad Medical Corporation Ambulance Service (HMCAS) clinicians in the State of Qatar. Currently, their clinical practice guidelines (CPG) prescribe the vagal maneuver (VM) using a 10 cc syringe as first-line therapy for patients presenting with symptomatic paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (pSVT). The effectiveness of the MVM in terminating pSVT compared to the traditional VM is well documented, although prehospital studies in this area are lacking. In this case, a generally healthy, 47-year-old male migrant worker presented with new-onset symptomatic pSVT, which was successfully terminated by a MVM after initial failed attempts of the traditional VM. The MVM is a postural technique performed by initially placing the patient in a semirecumbent position. The patient is then encouraged to blow into a manometer to achieve a 40 mmHg intrathoracic pressure for 15 seconds. Once the 40 mmHg intrathoracic pressure is achieved, the patient is repositioned supine, and their legs are raised passively to 45 degrees for 15 seconds. The patient is then returned to the semirecumbent position for 45 seconds before cardiac rhythm reassessment. The MVM has shown to have an increased termination rate of pSVT with no documented serious adverse events. The MVM can be performed in a time-effective manner and is cost effective as intravenous (IV) cannulation is not required. The prevention of adenosine-associated transient asystole is prevented. It is recommended that ambulance services consider the inclusion of the MVM in their CPGs for the treatment of new-onset pSVT.

Efficacy and economic benefits of a modified Valsalva maneuver in patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia

BACKGROUND

A modified Valsalva maneuver (VM) has been suggested to be superior to the standard VM for conversion of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT).

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and economic benefits of a modified VM in Chinese patients.

METHODS

Patients with PSVT admitted to our center between October 2017 and September 2019 were randomly assigned to the modified and standard VM groups. Conversion via VM was performed up to three times. The primary outcome of the study was the success rate of PSVT conversion to sinus rhythm. The secondary outcomes included the incidence of adverse events, economic cost during the visit, and the degree of patient acceptance of the treatment.

RESULTS

Overall, 361 patients were enrolled, with 180 allocated to the modified VM group and 181 to the standard VM group. Baseline characteristics were well matched in the groups. Overall, the modified VM group had higher success rates of PSVT conversion after single (47.78% vs 15.38%, P < 0.001) and multiple (62.22% vs 19.78%, P < 0.001) VM sessions. No significant differences in the incidences of adverse events and rates of patient acceptance were detected between the two groups (both P > 0.05). Moreover, the economic cost of the clinic visit was significantly lower for the modified VM group than for the standard VM group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The modified VM may confer both therapeutic and economic benefits as compared with the standard VM for conversion of PSVT.