Vasopressin combined with epinephrine during cardiac resuscitation: a solution for the future?

Epinephrine given during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may cause beta-mimetic complications in the postresuscitation phase. Vasopressin may be an alternative vasopressor drug during CPR. A subgroup analysis of a large prospective CPR investigation and of retrospective CPR studies suggests that vasopressin may be especially beneficial when combined with epinephrine. Beneficial effects of adding vasopressin were observed in other catecholamine-refractory shock states as well, such as vasodilatory shock and haemorrhagic shock. In order to maximize effects of any vasopressor during CPR, rapid aggressive chest compressions must be ensured to maximize blood flow and to enable advanced cardiac life support drugs to reach the arterial vasculature. We suggest alternating injections of 1 mg epinephrine i.v. and 40 IU vasopressin i.v. every 3-5 minutes during CPR until spontaneous circulation can be achieved or CPR efforts are terminated.