INTRAVENOUS AVIPTADIL AS ADJUNCTIVE THERAPY IN ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME: AN OBSERVATIONAL CASE SERIES OF SIX PATIENTS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65605/a-jmrhs.2026.v04.i01.pp813-817Keywords:
ARDS, Aviptadil, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide, ICU, Oxygenation, Case Series.Abstract
Background: Despite recent advancements in supportive care, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among critically ill patients. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), administered as aviptadil, has shown promise for cytoprotective effects, anti-inflammatory properties, and pulmonary vasodilatory effects in experimental and clinical settings. This study investigates the clinical response to intravenous aviptadil as an adjunctive therapy in patients with moderate-to-severe ARDS of varied etiologies.
Methods: We performed a retrospective observational case series focusing on the admission of six adult patients with ARDS to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Military Hospital, Jalandhar, between August 2023 and August 2024. All patients met the Berlin definition criteria and had baseline PaO₂/FiO₂ ≤200 mmHg. Besides management of standard ARDS, aviptadil was used intravenously over 12 hours daily for three consecutive days (50–150 pmol/kg/hr). We reviewed clinical data, oxygenation indices, ventilatory parameters, complications and outcomes.
Results: All six patients showed early improvement in oxygenation, with increased PaO₂/FiO₂ ratios within 72 hours of aviptadil initiation. Four patients (66.7%) survived ICU discharge, and three (50%) survived hospital discharge. Two deaths were attributable to extrapulmonary causes (sepsis and disseminated intravascular coagulation). No significant adverse effects related to aviptadil were observed. Radiological improvement was noted across cases, correlating with clinical recovery.
Conclusion: Intravenous aviptadil may offer a promising adjunctive therapeutic option in ARDS by improving oxygenation and supporting pulmonary recovery without significant safety concerns. Larger randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm efficacy and define its role in ARDS management.
