A controlled trial of the effects of esmolol on cardiac function.
We have examined the effects of two different bolus doses of esmolol hydrochloride (Brevibloc) on haemodynamic variables in a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial. Sixty healthy adult patients undergoing minor orthopaedic surgery were given a standardized general anaesthetic using a laryngeal mask airway. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (Q) were measured (the latter two by Doppler ultrasonography) every 1 min for 5 min after injection of either placebo or esmolol 100 mg or 200 mg. HR, MAP, SV and Q decreased significantly (P < 0.05) for both esmolol groups compared with placebo and, except for MAP, esmolol 200 mg had a greater effect than esmolol 100 mg (P < 0.05). Depression was maximal at 2 min after which recovery was observed but was still incomplete at 5 min.
Alexander
R
R
Department of Anaesthesia, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, Middlesex.
Binns
J
J
Hetreed
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000328:Adult; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002302:Cardiac Output / Q000187:drug effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011412:Propanolamines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013318:Stroke Volume / Q000187:drug effects; D013997:Time Factors
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D011412:Propanolamines; C036604:esmolol