Vasopressin or norepinephrine in early hyperdynamic septic shock: a randomized clinical trial.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effects of arginine-vasopressin (AVP) and norepinephrine (NE) on hemodynamic variables, organ dysfunction, and adverse events in early hyperdynamic septic shock.


METHODS
Randomized, controlled, open-label trial.


METHODS
Twenty-three patients with early (12h) hyperdynamic septic shock in two teaching hospitals.


METHODS
AVP (0.04-0.20 Umin(-1), n=13) as a single agent or NE (0.1-2.8microg kg(-1)min(-1), n=10) infusion for 48[Symbol: see text]h to achieve mean arterial pressure at or above 70mmHg.


RESULTS
Hemodynamic parameters and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score were measured. AVP and NE equally increased mean arterial pressure over 48h, but NE was required in 36% of AVP patients at 48h. Compared to baseline, AVP increased systemic vascular resistance, decreased exposure to NE, decreased cardiac output by decreasing heart rate, increased creatinine clearance, and improved SOFA score. The PrCO(2) - PaCO(2) difference remained stable throughout the study. One AVP patient developed acute coronary syndrome with dose-dependent ECG changes. Three patients in both groups died during their ICU stay.


CONCLUSIONS
In early hyperdynamic septic shock, the administration of high-dose AVP as a single agent fails to increase mean arterial pressure in the first hour but maintains it above 70mmHg in two-thirds of patients at 48h. AVP decreases NE exposure, has no effect on the PrCO(2) - PaCO(2 )difference, and improves renal function and SOFA score.
Lauzier
François
F
Soins Intensifs Médicaux et Chirurgicaux, Centre de Recherche Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
Lévy
Bruno
B
Lamarre
Patrice
P
Lesur
Olivier
O
D001120:Arginine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009102:Multiple Organ Failure / Q000517:prevention & control; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016019:Survival Analysis; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014667:Vasopressins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D004338:Drug Combinations; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents; D014667:Vasopressins; D001120:Arginine; D009638:Norepinephrine