Vasopressin versus Norepinephrine Infusion in Patients with Septic Shock

In a multicenter trial, 778 patients with septic shock who were being treated with catecholamine vasopressors were randomly assigned to either norepinephrine or vasopressin in addition to open-label vasopressors. There was no significant difference between the two groups in mortality at either 28 or 90 days, nor was there any significant difference in the rate of adverse events. Patients with septic shock were randomly assigned to either norepinephrine or vasopressin in addition to open-label vasopressors. There was no significant difference between the two groups in mortality at either 28 or 90 days. Septic shock is the most common cause of death in intensive care units (ICUs) 1 , 2 and has a mortality rate of 40 to 60%. 2 , 3 Resuscitation strategies include the administration of intravenous fluids and the use of catecholamines such as norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, and dobutamine. 4 , 5 Although largely effective in reestablishing minimally acceptable mean arterial pressures to maintain organ perfusion, catecholamines have important adverse effects and may even increase mortality rates. 6 For example, norepinephrine, a potent and commonly used α-adrenergic agent in cases of septic shock, may decrease cardiac output, oxygen delivery, and blood flow to vulnerable organs despite adequate . . .