Vasopressin improves survival in a pig model of hypothermic cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

During hypothermic cardiopulmonary resuscitation with a body core temperature <30 degrees C administration of a vasopressor to support coronary perfusion pressure is controversial. The purpose of the current study was to assess the effects of a single 0.4-unit/kg dose of vasopressin on coronary perfusion pressure, defibrillation success, and 1-hr survival in a pig model of hypothermic closed-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation combined with rewarming.

DESIGN:

Prospective, randomized study in an established pig model.

SETTING:

University hospital research laboratory.

SUBJECTS:

Fifteen 12- to 16-wk-old domestic pigs.

INTERVENTIONS:

Pigs were surface cooled to a body core temperature of 26 degrees C and ventricular fibrillation was induced. After 15 mins of untreated cardiac arrest, manual closed-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation and thoracic lavage with 40 degrees C warmed tap water were started. After 3 mins of external chest compression, animals were assigned randomly to receive vasopressin (0.4 units/kg, n = 8; or saline placebo, n = 7). Defibrillation was attempted 10 mins after drug administration.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

Compared with saline placebo treated-animals, coronary perfusion pressure in vasopressin-treated pigs was significantly higher 90 secs (36 +/- 5 mm Hg vs. 7 +/- 4 mm Hg, p =.000) to 10 mins (24 +/- 4 mm Hg vs. 8 +/- 4 mm Hg, p =.000) after drug administration. Restoration of spontaneous circulation and 1 hr survival were significantly higher in vasopressin animals compared with saline placebo (8 of 8 vasopressin pigs vs. 0 of 7 placebo pigs, p <.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

A single 0.4-unit/kg dose of vasopressin administered at a body core temperature <30 degrees C significantly improved defibrillation success and 1-hr survival in a pig model of hypothermic cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

• Authors: Birgit Schwarz, Peter Mair, Claus Raedler, Diana Deckert, Volker Wenzel, Karl H Lindner
• Journal: Critical care medicine (Crit Care Med) Vol. 30 Issue 6 Pg. 1311-4 (Jun 2002) ISSN: 0090-3493 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12072687 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Lactates
• Vasoconstrictor Agents
• Vasopressins

Topics

• Animals
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (methods)
• Hypothermia (drug therapy, therapy)
• Lactates (blood)
• Rewarming
• Swine
• Treatment Outcome
• Vasoconstrictor Agents (therapeutic use)
• Vasopressins (therapeutic use)