β1-blocker in sepsis

Mechanisms of landiolol-mediated positive inotropy in critical care settings

PURPOSE

To present the potential mechanisms by which landiolol enhances a positive inotropic response in critically ill patients.

METHODS

Analysis of preclinical, animal, and clinical data to provide novel knowledge and translate research findings into potential clinical application.

RESULTS

The super-selective β1-antagonist landiolol may increase inotropy and may be associated with positive outcomes in critically ill patients with acute decompensated heart failure or sepsis.

CONCLUSION

This review sheds light on the potential mechanisms by which landiolol enhances a positive inotropic response, potentially alleviating the long-held concern over possible negative hemodynamic effects in critically ill patients.

The role of beta-blocker drugs in critically ill patients: a SIAARTI expert consensus statement

BACKGROUND

The role of β-blockers in the critically ill has been studied, and data on the protective effects of these drugs on critically ill patients have been repeatedly reported in the literature over the last two decades. However, consensus and guidelines by scientific societies on the use of β-blockers in critically ill patients are still lacking. The purpose of this document is to support the clinical decision-making process regarding the use of β-blockers in critically ill patients. The recipients of this document are physicians, nurses, healthcare personnel, and other professionals involved in the patient's care process.

METHODS

The Italian Society of Anesthesia, Analgesia, Resuscitation and Intensive Care (SIAARTI) selected a panel of experts and asked them to define key aspects underlying the use of β-blockers in critically ill adult patients. The methodology followed by the experts during this process was in line with principles of modified Delphi and RAND-UCLA methods. The experts developed statements and supportive rationales in the form of informative text. The overall list of statements was subjected to blind votes for consensus.

RESULTS

The literature search suggests that adrenergic stress and increased heart rate in critically ill patients are associated with organ dysfunction and increased mortality. Heart rate control thus seems to be critical in the management of the critically ill patient, requiring careful clinical evaluation aimed at both the differential diagnosis to treat secondary tachycardia and the treatment of rhythm disturbance. In addition, the use of β-blockers for the treatment of persistent tachycardia may be considered in patients with septic shock once hypovolemia has been ruled out. Intravenous application should be the preferred route of administration.

CONCLUSION

β-blockers protective effects in critically ill patients have been repeatedly reported in the literature. Their use in the acute treatment of increased heart rate requires understanding of the pathophysiology and careful differential diagnosis, as all causes of tachycardia should be ruled out and addressed first.

[Heart rate control in shock]

Heart rate is well established in the diagnosis of shock; however, the mechanisms regulating heart rate, systemic resistance and blood pressure remain unclear. The concept of heart rate control in shock-related tachycardia has been known for about 50 years. Elevated heart rates in septic shock have been identified as an indicator of increasingly inefficient hemodynamics, worsening perfusion and organ function as well as of an unfavourable prognosis. Many drugs used for heart rate control also lower blood pressure. The challenge of this therapeutic concept is achieving optimal heart rate control without provoking critical hypotension. Only in recent years has the development of highly cardioselective, short- and ultrashort-acting β‑blockers such as esmolol and landiolol made it possible to prove the feasibility and usefulness of heart rate control in certain types of shock.

Effect of Premorbid Beta-Blockers on Mortality in Patients With Sepsis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the impact of premorbid beta-blockers on mortality in patients with sepsis.

DATA SOURCES

We searched EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and MEDLINE for eligible studies. The protocol was registered at the PROSPERO (CRD42021256813).

STUDY SELECTION

Two authors independently evaluated the following inclusion criteria: (1) randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, cross-sectional studies; (2) patients with sepsis aged ≥18 years, and (3) premorbid beta-blocker use.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two authors extracted the patients' characteristics and outcomes independently. All analyses were performed using the random-effects models. The primary outcome was short-term mortality, defined as mortality within 30 days, in-hospital or intensive care unit mortality.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Ten studies (n = 24 748 patients) were included. The pooled odds ratio (OR) of short-term mortality associated with the premorbid use of beta-blockers was 0.85 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69-1.04; P = .12; I² = 50%). Five studies reported an adjusted OR of short-term mortality. The pooled adjusted OR of short-term mortality associated with the premorbid use of beta-blockers was 0.73 (95% CI, 0.65-0.83; P < .001; I² = 0%).

CONCLUSION

Premorbid beta-blockers were associated with a lower short-term mortality in patients with sepsis.