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Cardiac arrest

IV vs IO in OHCA: long-term outcomes similar

Effect of vascular access strategy on long-term outcomes in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a randomised clinical trial
Resuscitation · Added 30 April 2026

IVIO follow-up comparing initial intraosseous versus intravenous access in adult non-traumatic OHCA — 6-month and 1-year outcomes were similar, with no evidence that either access strategy improves long-term survival or neurological outcome.

Study type

RCT

Design

Follow-up of the IVIO randomised clinical trial

Participants

1,479 adults with non-traumatic OHCA

Main finding

At 1 year, survival 11% (IO) vs 9% (IV), RR 1.24 (95% CI 0.91–1.67); favourable neurological outcome 10% vs 8%, RR 1.28 (95% CI 0.93–1.77); mean EQ-5D-5L score 83 vs 76 (difference 7, 95% CI 1–13)

Caveat

Non-significant point estimates favouring IO; survivors-only quality-of-life comparison may be underpowered

Bottom line

Supports current practice

Learning goal

Weigh the long-term benefits and risks of intraosseous versus intravenous access during out-of-hospital cardiac arrest resuscitation.

More

• Topic: Cardiac arrest
• Daily scan: 30 April 2026

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