Vasopressors in septic shock – 2005 update

Overview

Vasopressors represent a major part of haemodynamic management in patients with septic shock. Current recommendations mostly prefer using norepinephrine as a first line agent in this setting. In norepinephrine-resistant septic shock, administration of vasopressin or its synthetic analogue terlipressin has been shown to reverse hypotension and to decrease the dose of norepinephrine. Nonetheless, severe adverse events during vasopressin/terlipressin therapy (extensive vasoconstriction in various vascular beds, namely in the splanchnic and coronary regions) may occur. In view of these potentially harmful effects, administration of vasopressin or terlipressin should still be considered a rescue therapy rather than a routine clinical approach.

Key words:
norepinephrine – vasopressin – terlipressin – septic shock