Analysis of Vasopressor Discontinuation and the Incidence of Rebound Hypotension in Patients With Septic Shock

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence of rebound hypotension in patients with septic shock requiring both norepinephrine and vasopressin infusions once discontinuation of 1 of these agents is warranted. Methods: A multicenter, retrospective study was conducted in 3 hospitals within a single health system between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2017. The study population included adults, 18 years and older, diagnosed with septic shock and requiring concurrent infusions of norepinephrine and vasopressin. The primary outcome evaluated the incidence of rebound hypotension within 24 hours after the first vasopressor was discontinued. Secondary outcomes included intensive care unit length of stay, hospital length of stay, total vasopressor duration, and the time to rebound hypotension after first vasopressor discontinuation. Results: A total of 69 patients were included in the study, 38 in the vasopressin discontinued first group and 31 in the norepinephrine discontinued first group. Rebound hypotension occurred in 82% of patients in the vasopressin discontinued first group compared with 48% in the norepinephrine discontinued first group ( P = .004). No differences were observed in secondary outcomes, including intensive care unit or hospital length of stay, total vasopressor duration, or the time to rebound hypotension. Conclusions: Discontinuation of norepinephrine before vasopressin may lead to less incidence of rebound hypotension in patients with septic shock who require concurrent norepinephrine and vasopressin infusions. Similar to previous studies, this study found no difference in secondary outcomes.