Arginine vasopressin, copeptin, and the development of relative AVP deficiency in hemorrhagic shock.

Background: Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is critical for maintaining vasomotor tone and low levels have been associated with the development of irreversible shock. We investigated the clinical relationship between AVP, copeptin (the C-terminal fragment of the AVP precursor), and the development of relative AVP deficiency following hemorrhagic shock.

Methods: A prospective, observational study of 21 hypotensive (SBP<90 mmHg X 2) or presumptively bleeding trauma patients was conducted.