Terlipressin/adrenaline is better than adrenaline alone in a porcine model of prolonged ventricular fibrillation A randomized controlled study

Objectives. Vasopressors have been routinely used in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Recent data show that terlipressin may restore blood pressure in asphyxial and prolonged arrests but its potential role in ventricular fibrillation (VF) remains unknown. The aim of this study was to compare coronary (CorPP) and cerebral (CPP) perfusion pressures achieved by terlipressin/adrenaline versus placebo/adrenaline in VF.Methods. Fourteen domestic pigs were randomly assigned into group A and B. After 5 min of untreated VF, compression-only resuscitation was applied for 10 min, followed by advanced life support. Terlipressin in a single-dose of 30 μg·kg-1 was added to the first dose of adrenaline in group A, while placebo was given in group B. CorPP and CPP were calculated from right atrial, aortic and intracerebral pressures. Data were analyzed using repeated measurements ANOVA and a Fisher′s protected LSD post hoc test.Results. Terlipressin/adrenaline maintained CorPP above 10 mmHg for 17.7 min longer than adrenaline alone (P=0.003) unable to prevent refractory hypotension. CorPP (mean±SD) measured at 35, 45, and 55 min after the onset of VF was 12 ± 4, 11 ± 6, and 10 ± 5 mmHg in the terlipressin group A; and 6 ± 4, 1 ± 5, and -1 ± 5 mmHg in placebo group B (P=0.03, <0.001, and <0.001). CPP measured at the same times was 23 ± 7, 20 ± 7, and 23 ± 7 mmHg in group A; and 13 ± 7, 6 ± 5, and 6 ± 7 mmHg in group B (P=0.01, <0.001, and <0.001).Conclusion. The study showed that a single dose of terlipressin, when added to adrenaline, was effective for achievement of higher vital organ perfusion pressures compared to adrenaline alone.