Statistical significance does not by itself establish high-certainty evidence.
A review found only two qualifying randomized comparisons of intravenous lorazepam and diazepam in adult status epilepticus. Pooled seizure cessation favored lorazepam, but the evidence was rated very low certainty, with limited and imprecise safety comparisons.
The trials differed in definitions, doses and inclusion criteria. A small pooled dataset cannot establish equal mortality or respiratory safety simply because those comparisons were not significant.
Report the certainty rating with the effect estimate. Distinguish seizure termination from neurological recovery and survival. The review cannot establish that a particular rescue decision was wrong without considering route, timing, availability, administered dose and the patient’s actual response.
Source: PMC7809602, supplied full-text paper. Findings are paraphrased; forensic implications are an interpretation.
Related: Valproate After Benzodiazepines: Why a Pooled Status-Epilepticus Response Rate Needs Context.