J Pediatr Intensive Care 2016; 05(04): 182-188
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1583282
Review Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Vasopressin in Pediatric Critical Care

Authors

  • Karen Choong

    1   Department of Pediatrics, Critical Care, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Further Information

Publication History

31 August 2015

15 October 2015

Publication Date:
09 May 2016 (online)

Abstract

Vasopressin is a unique hormone with complex receptor physiology and numerous physiologic functions beyond its well-known vascular actions and osmoregulation. While vasopressin has in the past been primarily used in the management of diabetes insipidus and acute gastrointestinal bleeding, an increased understanding of the physiology of refractory shock, and the role of vasopressin in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis prompted a renewed interest in the therapeutic roles for this hormone in the critical care setting. Identifying vasopressin-deficient individuals for the purposes of assessing responsiveness to exogenous hormone and prognosticating outcome has expanded research into the evaluation of vasopressin and its precursor, copeptin as useful biomarkers. This review summarizes the current evidence for vasopressin in critically ill children, with a specific focus on its use in the management of shock. We outline important considerations and current guidelines, when considering the use of vasopressin or its analogues in the pediatric critical care setting.