Effects of Terlipressin on Renal Perfusion in Patients With Septic Shock

Effects of Terlipressin Added to Usual Care vs. Usual Care Alone on Renal Perfusion in Patients With Septic Shock

This open-label, randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effect of a fixed dose of terlipressin added to usual care vs. usual care alone on renal perfusion in patients with septic shock.

Terlipressin is a synthetic vasopressin analog with great affinity to the V1 receptor (vasoconstrictive effect), and could selectively contract efferent arterioles, increase glomerular filtration pressure and renal perfusion. The investigators conducted this open-label, randomized controlled trial to observe the effects of a fixed dose of terlipressin added to usual care vs. usual care alone on renal perfusion in patients with septic shock. Renal perfusion was monitored by renal contrast-enhanced ultrasound. The primary outcome was peak intensity (renal perfusion parameter) at 24 hours after enrollment.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adult septic shock patients (age≥18 years old)
2. Norepinephrine dose was more than or equal to 15μg/min

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Age older than 85 years
2. Serum creatinine more than 177 μmol/L
3. Acute myocardial ischemia
4. Acute mesenteric artery ischemia
5. Pregnancy
6. Expected death within 24 hours.