Renin and Renal Biomarker Response to Angiotensin II

Septic shock continues to exert a large economic burden around the world. Several developments have occurred that lead to the current study. First, angiotensin II is the newest FDA approved vasopressor agent indicated for use in vasodilatory shock. Several subgroups from the approval trial have indicated that angiotensin II may confer a survival benefit in certain conditions, including those patients requiring continuous renal replacement therapy, those with altered angiotensin I: angiotensin II ratios, and most recently, those with elevated renin levels (which may serve as a surrogate for dysfunctional angiotensin 1: angiotensin II ratios). This open-label, sequential period pilot study will evaluate angiotensin II and biomarker response (renin) in the treatment of septic shock.