Selective Intra-arterial Vasopressin Infusion for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Hemorrhage: A Controlled Trial

• In a prospective randomized study, 38 patients with massive upper gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage, mostly due to esophageal varices or erosive gastritis, were treated with either standard medical therapy or standard therapy plus selective intraarterial vasopressin infusion. Cessation of hemorrhage occurred more frequently in the vasopressin-treated group. The study design did not permit meaningful comparisons of mortality or transfusion requirements. We conclude that in patients bleeding from esophageal varices or gastritis, selective intra-arterial vasopressin is more effective in controlling hemorrhage than standard therapy. ( Arch Surg 115:30-32, 1980)