Use of esmolol to control autonomic instability of tetanus.
Tetanus is often accompained by autonomic instability, rendering hemodynamic management difficult. Death is frequently secondary to an inability to control this instability. A variety of modalities have been used to stabilize the cardiovascular system, but all are not ideal. Esmolol offers theoretical advantages over other modalities. We report a case of severe tetanus in which a continuous infusion of esmolol was effective in controlling the autonomic instability.
King
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Department of Medicine, University Hospital, Boston University Medical Center, Massachusetts.
Cave
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D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D001342:Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011412:Propanolamines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013742:Tetanus / Q000150:complications*
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D011412:Propanolamines; C036604:esmolol; D009638:Norepinephrine