Using terlipressin to treat patients with refractory septic shock

Terlipressin Versus Placebo for Septic Shock Refractory to High Doses Catecholamine Vasopressors: A Randomized-controlled Trial

PHASE2 · Mahidol University · NCT04339868

This study is testing if adding terlipressin to standard treatments can help people with severe septic shock who haven't responded well to other medications.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment130 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMahidol University (other)
Locations1 site (Bangkok)
Trial IDNCT04339868 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the efficacy of terlipressin, a selective V1 receptor agonist, in patients experiencing refractory septic shock who have not responded adequately to high doses of norepinephrine and/or epinephrine. The study aims to determine if combining terlipressin with these traditional vasopressors can improve blood pressure management while reducing the side effects associated with high adrenergic stimulation. Participants must meet specific criteria related to their septic shock condition and prior treatments. The trial will compare the effects of terlipressin against a placebo to assess its potential benefits.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients diagnosed with septic shock who have received high doses of norepinephrine and/or epinephrine but continue to have low blood pressure.

Not a fit: Patients who are terminally ill, have certain severe comorbidities, or have been diagnosed with septic shock for more than 48 hours may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a more effective and safer option for managing refractory septic shock.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of terlipressin in this context is relatively novel, previous studies have shown promising results with similar vasopressor approaches.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Septic shock according to Sepsis-3 definition
* Evidence of adequate fluid
* Received norepinephrine 0.2 mcg/kg/min or more
* Received norepinephrine plus epinephrine (any dose)
* Mean arterial lower than 65 mmHg or lactate \> 2 mmol/liter

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Septic shock diagnosis \> 48 hours before
2. Receive intravenous fluid \< 30 mL/kg before enrollment
3. Do-not-resuscitation and terminally ill
4. Refractory to treatment malignancy
5. Pregnancy

7. Chronic renal failure stage 5 with no plan for long term renal replacement therapy 8. Cirrhosis child C 9. Cardiogenic shock 10. Acute decompensated heart failure 11. Evidence of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) \< 35% 12. Acute coronary syndrome within 72 hours 13. Severe valvular heart disease 14. Documented life-threatening tachyarrhythmia before enrollment 15. Diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia before enrollment 16. Previous diagnosis of Raynaud's phenomenon 17. Known peripheral arterial disease 18. Refuse to sign the informed consent by patient or representative

Where this trial is running

Bangkok

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Septic Shock, Refractory Shock, Norepinephrine Adverse Reaction

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.