The role of vasopressin in the treatment of vasodilation in shock states.

Abstract

To review the role of vasopressin in the treatment of vasodilatory shock. A MEDLINE search on published reports (1966-April 1999) was conducted. English-language studies and case reports were selected and evaluated based on quality of review of vasopressin in the treatment of vasodilatory shock. In patients with end-stage vasodilatory shock, baroreceptor reflex is impaired and vasopressin stores are depleted. Persistent elevation of catecholamines may lead to down-regulation of beta-adrenergic receptors and reduces smooth-muscle response to catecholamines, leading to inability of maintaining organ perfusion. Small-scale studies and case reports have demonstrated vasopressin's efficacy in maintaining blood pressure in patients with septic shock, cardiac arrest, and end-stage heart failure, refractory to other vasopressor therapies. Vasopressin may be a reasonable alternative for patients in vasodilatory shock. However, larger-scale controlled dinical trials are warranted before its routine use can be recommended.