Early Vasopressor Requirement Among Hypotensive Trauma Patients: Does It Cause More Harm Than Good?

Background Optimal utilization of vasopressors during early post-injury resuscitation remains unclear. Our study aims to describe the relationship between the timing of vasopressor administration and outcomes among hypotensive trauma patients. Methods This was a retrospective analysis of the 2017-2018 ACS-TQIP database. We included adult (≥18 years) trauma patients presenting with hypotension (lowest SBP 3) and those with spinal cord injury (Spine-AIS >3). Patients were stratified based on the time to receive vasopressors. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify the independent association between timing of vasopressor initiation and outcomes. Results 1049 patients were identified. Mean age was 55 ± 20 years, and 70% of patients were male. The median ISS was 16 [9-24], 80% had a blunt injury, and the mean SBP was 61 ± 24 mmHg. The median time to first vasopressor administration was 319 [68-352] minutes. Overall, 24-hour and in-hospital mortality rates were 19% and 33%, respectively. Every one-hour delay in vasopressor administration beyond the first hour was independently associated with decreased odds of 24-hour mortality (aOR: 0.65, P < 0.001), in-hospital mortality (aOR: 0.65, P < 0.001), major complications (aOR: 0.77, P = 0.003), and increased odds of longer ICU LOS (β + 2.53, P = 0.012). There were no associations between the timing of early vasopressor administration and 24-hour PRBC transfusion requirements (P > 0.05). Conclusion Earlier vasopressor requirement among hypotensive trauma patients was independently associated with increased mortality and major complications. Further research on the utility and optimal timing of vasopressors during the post-injury resuscitative period is warranted. Level of Evidence III therapeutic/care management