Vasopressor Infusion via Peripheral versus Central Access in patients with shock (The VIPCA Trial) - A randomised controlled feasibility trial

Circulatory shock affects one-third of patients admitted to ICU and is associated with increased mortality. Vasopressor medications are used to restore haemodynamic stability and maintain blood pressure in patients with shock. Central venous catheters are commonly inserted to facilitate administration of vasopressors but are not without complications and pose significant logistic difficulties. Low-quality evidence suggests that safe administration of vasopressors by peripheral intravenous catheter is possible. However, confirmation with a high-quality randomised controlled trial (RCT) is required. We propose a research program beginning with a feasibility trial leading to a large Phase-III RCT of central versus peripheral vasopressor administration.