Abstract No.: ABS0369: Comparison of norepinephrine and terlipressin versus norepinephrine alone for management of septic shock: A randomised control study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Terlipressin, a V1 receptor-selective analogue of vasopressin, can produce potent vasoconstriction of blood vessels and can reduce the dose of norepinephrine required for maintaining the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and organ perfusion in septic shock, thus avoiding its side effects. METHODS: In this prospective, randomised control trial, 50 adult patients with septic shock were divided into two groups. Group 1 received a combination of terlipressin 0.02 µg/kg/min (fixed dose) infusion and noradrenaline 0.01–3.0 µg/kg/min infusion intravenously. Group 2 received intravenous noradrenaline 0.01–3.0 µg/kg/min infusion alone. Noradrenaline in both groups was targeted to achieve an MAP of 65–70 mm of Hg. The data collected were the dose of noradrenaline required to maintain an MAP of above 65 mm of Hg, urine output, serum lactate, procalcitonin level, C-Reactive protein, sequential organ failure assessment score (SOFA) score, total duration of the vasopressor support, and incidence of adverse effects. RESULTS: The noradrenaline dose in group 1 versus group 2 at 12 hours was found to be 0.141 ± 0.067 vs 0.374 ± 0.096 µg/kg/min (p=<0.005). The blood lactate concentration was significantly lower, and the urine output was higher in group 1 than in group 2 (p=<0.005). Group 1 had a significantly greater reduction in SOFA score in 12 hours than group 2. However, there was no difference in the mortality between the two groups during their intensive care unit stay. CONCLUSION: A low-dose continuous infusion of terlipressin along with norepinephrine could help attain better organ perfusion and early resuscitation goals for management of patients with septic shock without causing the side effects related to catecholamines.