Abstract
Vasopressin is a hormone that is essential for both osmotic and cardiovascular homeostasis. A deficiency of vasopressin exists in some shock states and replacement of physiological levels of vasopressin can restore vascular tone. Vasopressin is therefore emerging as a rational therapy for vasodilatory shock. In this article we review the rationale and summarize the evidence for using vasopressin in vasodilatory shock states, such as septic shock. We then highlight the areas of uncertainty in using vasopressin for septic shock and summarize the reasons for clinical equipoise. We close by suggesting that further randomized controlled trials of vasopressin in septic shock are required before vasopressin is used routinely for management of septic shock.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Seminars in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
