Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of beta blockers in septic patients: a randomized control trial

Abstract Background Sepsis is a common fatal complication of an infection. As part of the host response, sympathetic stimulation can result in many serious complications such as septic myocardial depression and metabolic, hematological, and immunological dysfunction. Treatment with beta blockers may reduce this pathophysiological response to infection, but the clinical outcomes are not clear. Results Our study showed a significant difference as regards decrease in heart rate in group B with P value < 0.001 compared to group A, besides a reduction in 28-day mortality ( P value 0.0385) and ICU stay ( P value < 0.001) in group B compared to group A. Conclusion This study supports the role of intravenous beta blockers in sepsis patients by decreasing heart rate without affecting the hemodynamics, in addition to decreasing 28-day mortality and ICU stay.