Vasopressin for Bleeding from the Head and Neck

Abstract

Excessive bleeding from the head and neck sometimes presents a therapeutic problem. Ten patients with this type of haemorrhage have been treated with continous vasopressin infusion for 1–3 days. Haemostasis was quickly established in eight cases. No serious side effects were noted. Infusion of vasopressin has a rapid, beneficial effect on haemorrhage from branches of the external carotid artery.