Mortality data were less consistent, they said.
Pooled data showed administration of vasopressin along with catecholamines was associated an 11% relative reduction in mortality. In absolute terms, 45 lives would be saved for every 1,000 patients receiving vasopressin, they noted.
However, the mortality findings were different when the analysis was limited to the two studies with low risk of bias. That analysis yielded a relative risk of 0.96 and was not statistically significant.
Studies show patients with distributive shock have a relative vasopressin deficiency, providing a theoretical basis for vasopressin administration as part of care, investigators said.