High-Dose Vasopressor Therapy for Pediatric Septic Shock: When Is Too Much?

It is unknown if the requirement for high dose of vasopressor (HDV) represents a poor outcome in pediatric septic shock. This is a retrospective observational analysis with data obtained from a single center. We evaluated the association between the use of HDV and survival in these patients. A total of 62 children (38 survivors and 24 nonsurvivors) were assessed. The dose of vasopressor (hazard ratio 2.06) and oliguria (hazard ratio 3.17) was independently associated with mortality. The peak of vasopressor was the best prognostic predictor. A cutoff of 1.3 μg/kg/min was associated with mortality with a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 89%. Vasopressor administration higher than 1.3 μg/kg/min was associated with increased mortality in children with septic shock.