Safety and Efficacy of Terlipressin in Pediatric Distributive Shock: A Retrospective Analysis in 20 Children.

INTRODUCTION: Data are still lacking about the use of terlipressin or vasopressin in the treatment of pediatric patients who are in a state of therapy-refractory shock.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of terlipressin on hemodynamics in children with distributive shock and to describe any severe side effects.

METHODS: Consecutive patients (n = 20) with catecholamine-resistant distributive shock who were treated with terlipressin were retrospectively enrolled in this study. We analyzed response in terms of mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate, vasoactive inotropic score (VIS), urinary output, and serum lactate.

RESULTS: The hemodynamics of 12 children significantly improved within 6 h of commencing terlipressin (mean blood pressure increase of ≥20 % without VIS increase, or mean blood pressure increase of ≥10 % with VIS decrease of ≥10 %). The hemodynamics of eight patients did not improve, regardless of treatment dosage or duration. More children died in the responders group (n = 7 [58.3 %]) than in the non-responders group (n = 2 [25.0 %]), but this was not statistically significant. Two patients (one in each group) who received high dosages of terlipressin developed rhabdomyolysis. One case of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy was observed, which could be related to terlipressin.

CONCLUSIONS: Although treatment with terlipressin resulted in rapid positive hemodynamic responses in some children, it did not seem to have a positive effect in other pediatric patients. Therefore, the possible benefits of terlipressin should be always weighed against potential severe adverse effects.