pituitrin and Appendicitis

A patient with perforated appendicitis developed progressive vasodilatory shock which was complicated by perioperative acute myocardial infarction. Cardiovascular support included dopamine infusion, and later, intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation balloon pump and noradrenaline and dobutamine infusion. Vasopressin was introduced as a final attempt to reverse the refractory shock and was associated with recovery. The experience with this case suggests that vasopressin may be a valuable adjunct to the treatment of catecholamine-resistant vasodilatory shock.

Topics: Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; Adrenergic beta-Agonists; Aged; Appendicitis; Cardiotonic Agents; Dobutamine; Dopamine; Humans; Infusions, Intravenous; Intestinal Perforation; Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping; Intraoperative Complications; Male; Myocardial Infarction; Norepinephrine; Recovery of Function; Shock; Vasoconstrictor Agents; Vasodilation; Vasopressins

Topics: Adolescent; Anemia; Appendectomy; Appendicitis; Blood Chemical Analysis; Child; Colonic Diseases; Hernia, Inguinal; Humans; Hypersplenism; Infant; Intestinal Obstruction; Intussusception; Jaundice; Jaundice, Obstructive; Megacolon; Osteomyelitis; Sinusitis; Surgical Procedures, Operative; Thrombosis; Vasopressins; Wilms Tumor