Therapy

Why?

• Thoracic epidural anaesthesia reduces the number of anginal attacks in patients with severe refractory unstable angina. Attacks are on average 16 minutes shorter. ^a
• Side-effects are common (urinary retention and Horner's syndrome), but are reversible. ^a

Refractory angina: thoracic epidural anaesthesia reduces recurrent angina

Patient a	Treatment	Comparison	Outcome	CER	RRR (95% CI)	NNT (95% CI)
severe refractory unstable angina	thoracic epidural anaesthesia	maximal medical therapy	recurrent angina at 48 hours	55%	93% (55% to 99%)	1 (1 to 2)
			side-effects at 48 hours	0%	%	-2 (-3 to -1)