Vasopressin as an adjunct therapy for pulmonary hypertension: a case report.

Abstract

Vasopressin is emerging as a therapeutic adjunct option towards treatment of shock states in the pediatric population. Its effects on pulmonary vasculature are less well understood. This report describes a 5-month-old infant with nitric oxide-unresponsive pulmonary hypertension, oxygenation failure, and systemic hypotension. Vasopressin therapy improved oxygenation and blood pressure and biventricular function, allowing weaning of nitric oxide and inotropic support. No decrease in coronary flow was noted. Conclusion(s): Vasopressin could be considered as an adjunct option in infants with pulmonary hypertension and systemic hypotension. Echocardiographic monitoring during treatment is recommended.Copyright © 2013, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.