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Technical
IVT
vasoactive
Referring to medications or substances that affect blood vessel tone and diameter.
Full Definition
A term describing pharmacological agents that influence vascular smooth muscle, thereby affecting blood vessel constriction or dilation. In pediatric critical care, vasoactive medications are crucial for managing shock, hypotension, and cardiac dysfunction. These drugs can be vasoconstrictors (increasing blood pressure) or vasodilators (decreasing blood pressure and afterload), and their use requires careful titration and continuous hemodynamic monitoring in critically ill children.
Usage
Usage note: Often used as a modifier before 'medications,' 'agents,' or 'support.'
In Context
- "The patient required multiple vasoactive drips to maintain adequate perfusion." — ICU handoff report
- "Vasoactive medication weaning proceeded according to protocol." — Treatment plan documentation
Also known as
vascular active
hemodynamically active
Contrasted with
vasoinactive
Don't confuse with
vasoconstrictor
vasodilator