β-Blocker in Septic Shock Management

Abstract

Adrenoreceptors α and particularly β are the main targets of epinephrine and norepinephrine released by the sympathetic system. During septic shock, dysautonomia could be defined as a prolonged over-activation of the sympathetic system. Dysautonomia is among other abnormalities, responsible for cardiac and vascular hypo-contractility and immunosuppression. Thus, during septic shock, early administration of β-blockers might limit the deleterious effects of sympathetic over-stimulation. However, if experimental data are convincing, formal clinical evidences are still lacking.