When should chest compressions be paused to analyze the cardiac rhythm? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Most guidelines recommend pausing chest compressions at 2 min intervals to analyze the cardiac rhythm. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to define the optimal interval at which to pause chest compressions in adults for cardiac rhythm analysis in any setting. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases through January 2, 2015, including human studies addressing any two different intervals of rhythm analysis. GRADE (Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) methodology evaluated confidence in estimates of effect for evidence pertaining to functional outcome, survival, and return of spontaneous circulation. RESULTS: Of 1,136 ..