Using vasopressin as the first treatment for critically ill patients in shock

Efficacy of the Use of Vasopressin as a Primary Vasoconstrictor in Critically Ill Patients

PHASE4 · University of Thessaly · NCT06265259

This study tests if giving vasopressin first can help critically ill patients in shock do better than the usual treatment with noradrenaline.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment145 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Thessaly (other)
Locations1 site (Larissa, Thessaly)
Trial IDNCT06265259 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of initiating vasopressin as the primary vasoconstrictor in critically ill patients experiencing circulatory shock, compared to the standard practice of using noradrenaline first. The research aims to determine whether early administration of vasopressin can improve outcomes related to multiorgan failure and sepsis in these patients. By focusing on hemodynamically unstable individuals, the study seeks to provide insights into optimizing treatment protocols for better survival rates. The trial will involve patients who have not responded adequately to initial fluid resuscitation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are critically ill patients with shock who have a mean arterial pressure below 65 mmHg after initial fluid resuscitation.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years of age, those with known heart failure, recent acute myocardial infarction, or pulmonary embolism may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved survival rates and reduced multiorgan failure in critically ill patients experiencing shock.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown mixed results regarding the early use of vasopressin, indicating that this approach is still being explored and may offer new insights into treatment protocols.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

• Shock (mean arterial pressure \<65 mmHg) after initial resuscitation with fluids

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients under 18 years of age.
* Known heart failure (ejection fraction \&lt;35%)
* Recent acute myocardial infarction
* Pulmonary embolism

Where this trial is running

Larissa, Thessaly

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: Circulatory Shock, noradrenaline, vasopressin, shock, multiorgan failure, SOFA score

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.