Serum vasopressin concentrations in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit

Introduction

The aim of the study is the measurement of serum vasopressin concentrations in the mixed critically ill patients, 24 hours after admission to the ICU and just before the discharge.

Methods

In this study there were included patients admitted to the ICU from June until November 2006 (n = 22; 12 males, 10 females), mean age 46.45 ± 22.03, APACHE II score 8.59 ± 4.76, length of stay 9.68 ± 6.52. Patients with central nervous system failure, neurosurgical patients and patients remaining in the ICU for no longer than 72 hours were excluded. Serum vasopressin concentrations were measured 24 hours after their admission to the ICU and just before their discharge. The control group was 20 healthy volunteers (blood donors). Vasopressin was measured by the radioimmunoassay method in pmol/l. The sensitivity of the method is 0.5 pmol/l and the specificity is 100%. The statistical analysis was done with the t test.

Results

Vasopressin serum concentrations at 24 hours after admission were 32,618 ± 20,570 pmol/l. Vasopressin serum concentrations in critically ill patients were significantly higher than in the healthy control group (11,302 ± 31,002, P < 0.001). Serum vasopressin concentrations on admission compared with vasopressin concentrations at discharge were statistically significantly increased (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Serum vasopressin concentrations in critically ill patients in a mixed ICU are increased 24 hours after admission compared with the control group. The value at discharge is lower than the value on admission and it approaches the value of vasopressin in healthy volunteers. To confirm these results, more studies will be needed.