Assessment of the Hemodynamic Effect of Hydroxocabalamin in Refractory Vasodilatory Shock

Vasoplegic shock is defined by arterial hypotension, a high cardiac output with a normal or high cardiac index, collapsed systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and high dose of norepinephrine in the absence of hypovolaemia. The drop in secondary organ perfusion pressure ultimately leads to multiple organ failure and death.

Through clinical cases or retrospective work with small sample size, some authors have observed an improvement in hemodynamic parameters, with a reduction or even withdrawal of norepinephrine after administration of a single dose of hydroxocobolamin (HCB) in refractory vasoplegic shock (cardiac surgery, liver transplantation and septic shock).

HCB produces beneficial alterations in NO metabolism and may be suitable in vasoplegic syndrome. In addition, HCB seems to be involved in the elimination of hydrogen sulfide which also has an endogenous vasodilator function in the vascular endothelium. By these different actions it would cause vasoconstriction in vascular smooth muscle cells. Previous reports demonstrate that HCB was useful for refractory vasoplegic syndrome.

The investigators will conduct a retrospective data collection of patients who was given intravenous HCB for refractory vasoplegic shock since January 2019.