Vasopressin improves resuscitation outcome in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

Vasopressin and its analogue, terlipressin, are potent vasopressors that may be useful therapeutic agents in the treatment of cardiac arrest. Vasopressin is a direct vasoconstrictor (mediated by V1 receptors). Animal studies showed that vasopressin is associated with better coronary perfusion pressure and total cerebral blood flow, cerebral oxygen delivery and chances of resuscitation. In clinical trials vasopressin followed by epinephrine was more effective than epinephrine alone in the treatment of refractory cardiac arrest in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Administration of vasopressin in patients with out-of-hospital trauma cardiac arrest may improve short-term and hospital survival.