An Open-label, Single-arm, Single-center Study Evaluating the Hemodynamic Response to Angiotensin-II When Used as the Second Vasopressor Agent for Septic Shock
Norepinephrine is a catecholamine that is the first-line vasopressor for septic shock. The addition of non-catecholamine vasopressors, including vasopressin and angiotensin-II may be used in adults with septic shock that have inadequate mean arterial pressure while on norepinephrine. Uncertainty exists regarding the timing of initiation of these agents and there is a lack of data comparing their safety and efficacy. The current literature suggests that earlier initiation of angiotensin-II will have a more significant reduction on norepinephrine-equivalent dose compared to later initiation. In addition, approximately half of patients initiated on vasopressin do not have an early hemodynamic response 6 hours after initiation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of angiotensin-II when used as the second vasopressor agent for septic shock.
• Patients admitted to the ICU within 12 hours of presentation to the emergency department for septic shock requiring 15-25 mcg/min of norepinephrine. Septic shock will be defined as having a known or presumed infection with two or more criteria of systemic inflammatory response syndrome, a mean arterial pressure \<65 mm Hg despite fluid resuscitation requiring vasopressor support, and a serum lactate \>2 mmol/L. Criteria of systemic inflammatory response syndrome include a temperature \>100.4°F or \<96.8°F; heart rate \>90/min; respiratory rate \>20/min and a white blood cell count \>12,000/mm3 or \<4,000/mm3.