Angiotensin II therapy in refractory septic shock: which patient can benefit most? A narrative review

Abstract Patients with septic shock who experience refractory hypotension despite adequate fluid resuscitation and high-dose noradrenaline have high mortality rates. To improve outcomes, evidence-based guidelines recommend starting a second vasopressor, such as vasopressin, if noradrenaline doses ex...

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Main Authors: Irene Coloretti, Andrea Genovese, J. Pedro Teixeira, Anusha Cherian, Ricard Ferrer, Giovanni Landoni, Marc Leone, Massimo Girardis, Nathan D. Nielsen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2024-02-01
Series:Journal of Anesthesia, Analgesia and Critical Care
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s44158-024-00150-w
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Summary:Abstract Patients with septic shock who experience refractory hypotension despite adequate fluid resuscitation and high-dose noradrenaline have high mortality rates. To improve outcomes, evidence-based guidelines recommend starting a second vasopressor, such as vasopressin, if noradrenaline doses exceed 0.5 µg/kg/min. Recently, promising results have been observed in treating refractory hypotension with angiotensin II, which has been shown to increase mean arterial pressure and has been associated with improved outcomes. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of the pathophysiology of the renin-angiotensin system and the role of endogenous angiotensin II in vasodilatory shock with a focus on how angiotensin II treatment impacts clinical outcomes and on identifying the population that may benefit most from its use.
ISSN:2731-3786