Vasopressin in Septic Shock

Previous studies have identified a relative deficiency of endogenous vasopressin in patients with septic shock, suggesting that vasopressin use might reduce the need for vasopressor support in these patients. To determine whether vasopressin has a norepinephrine-sparing effect, researchers conducted a multicenter, double-blind, randomized trial of 778 patients with septic shock who did not respond to fluids and low-dose norepinephrine. Patients were randomized to receive either low-dose vasopressin (0.01–0.03 U per minute) …