Prescribing of Pressor Agents in Septic Shock: A Survey of Critical Care Pharmacists

Abstract

Background: Pressor agents are recognized as high-alert medications by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, but little evidence is available to guide their use in septic shock. Objective: Characterize the use of pressor agents for septic shock in clinical practice. Methods: A cross-sectional electronic survey assessing demographics, institutional practices, and respondent perceptions related to pressor agents was distributed to the American College of Clinical Pharmacy Critical Care Practice and Research Network. The primary outcome was the use of a weight-based dosing (WBD) strategy versus non-WBD strategy for norepinephrine. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize survey results. Binary logistic regression was performed to determine variables associated with dosing strategies. Results: The survey was completed by 223 respondents. The typical respondent worked in a medical or mixed intensive care unit at a teaching hospital and had training and/or board certification beyond the Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Nearly all respondents (n = 221, 99%) reported norepinephrine as the first-line vasopressor for septic shock; however, 38% used WBD and 60% used non-WBD. In logistic regression, respondents located in the South and practicing at institutions with larger numbers of intensive care unit beds were more likely to use WBD for norepinephrine infusions. Similar findings were observed with epinephrine and phenylephrine. Conclusion: Wide variability exists in prescribing patterns of pressor agents and in pharmacist perceptions regarding best practices. The use of WBD varied based on institutional characteristics and resulted in higher maximum allowable infusion rates of pressor agents. Future research should compare dosing strategies to identify associations with patient outcomes.