Effects of Vasopressin on Blood Flow in Shock Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Luckner Günter, Dünser Martin W, Stadlbauer Karl-Heinz, Mayr Viktoria D, Jochberger Stefan, Wenzel Volker, Ulmer Hanno, Pajk Werner, Hasibeder Walter R, Friesenecker Barbara, Knotzer Hans
Primary Institution: Innsbruck Medical University
Hypothesis
The study investigates the effects of arginine vasopressin (AVP) infusion on microcirculation in patients with advanced vasodilatory shock and severe postoperative multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.
Conclusion
Supplementary AVP infusion did not compromise cutaneous reactive hyperaemia and flowmotion compared to norepinephrine infusion alone.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients receiving AVP/norepinephrine had a significantly higher mean arterial pressure than those receiving norepinephrine alone.
- Mean arterial blood pressure significantly increased in the AVP/norepinephrine group.
- Norepinephrine requirements significantly decreased in the AVP/norepinephrine group.
Takeaway
The study looked at how a medicine called vasopressin affects blood flow in very sick patients. It found that using vasopressin didn't make blood flow worse compared to just using another medicine.
Methodology
18 patients were randomly assigned to receive either a combination of AVP and norepinephrine or norepinephrine alone, with measurements taken before and after treatment using laser Doppler flowmetry.
Potential Biases
The study was not blinded, which may introduce bias.
Limitations
Results may not be applicable to other vascular beds, and the study only assessed skin vessels.
Participant Demographics
Patients were critically ill adults with severe multiple organ dysfunction syndrome following cardiac or major surgery.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.047
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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