title: Myocardial protection in sepsis.
abstract: Sepsis with myocardial dysfunction is seen commonly. Beta-blockers have been used successfully to treat chronic heart failure based on the premise that chronically elevated adrenergic drive is detrimental to the myocardium. However, recent reports on the acute use of beta-blockers in situations with potential hemodynamic compromise have shown the risks associated with this approach. In critical situations, the main effect of adrenergic activation is to support cardiovascular function. Caution should be exercised in designing studies to assess beta-blockers in septic patients.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. Simon.Shakar@UCHSC.edu
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shakar
authors.forename: Brian D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Lowes
mesh_terms: D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009206:Myocardium / Q000473:pathology; D018805:Sepsis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D002316:Cardiotonic Agents