Mechanistic Assessment of Norepinephrine Therapy vs. Angiotensin-II in Septic Shock

Mechanistic Assessment of Norepinephrine TheRapy vs. Angiotensin-II in Septic Shock (MANTRA) Grant Submission- Dysfunctional Renin-Angiotensin System in Septic Shock

Despite best therapy efforts, sepsis and septic shock are associated with mortality rates of up to 40%. This clinical trial will determine the benefit of exogenous Angiotensin II versus norepinephrine (conventional care) treatment in septic shock patients. This trial will determine whether there are better predictors of septic shock severity. This approach may inform more appropriate treatment regimens and improve outcomes for these patients.

This study will determine whether normalization of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) signaling in sepsis occurs more rapidly with treatment with Angiotensin II compared with conventional vasopressors. Trial samples will be used to identify the best RAAS biomarker predictor of treatment response via in-depth longitudinal analysis of RAAS component and to determine the extent and mechanisms of Angiotensin II impact on innate immune function during sepsis. Successful accomplishment of our aims will provide the capability to improve endotyping of septic patients by establishing the most precise and robust measurement of renin (and RAAS dysfunction). This work will improve staging and clinical precision and will facilitate the criteria for therapeutic development of targets in septic shock.

Inclusion Criteria:

- The presence of septic shock, defined by sepsis-3 criteria: 1-adult patients (18 years or older) with septic shock, defined by SEPSIS-3 criteria: a) suspected or known infection, b) hypotension requiring vasopressors, and c) lactate >2mmol/L 2-receiving either norepinephrine or phenylephrine with or without additional vasopressor support 3- total norepinephrine equivalent dose (NED) ≥0.1 mcg/kg/min and ≤0.5 mcg/kg/min, to maintain a MAP of at least 65 mmHg, is required for randomization 4-ability to consent and randomize within 24 hrs of first reaching NED threshold and within 48 hrs of hospital arrival

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age <18 years
• Prisoners
• Pregnant women
• Patients for whom urgent surgery is anticipated
• Leukocyte count <1,000 cells/μL
• Absolute monocyte count <200 cells/μL
• Bone marrow transplant within the past 30 days
• Patients that will be withdrawing aggressive resuscitation, including withdraw of vasopressor support
• transfer from outside ICU
• history of liver cirrhosis with Child-Pugh score ≥6