Beta-Blockers in the perioperative period: are there indications other than prevention of cardiac ischemia?
Beta-blocker therapy is accepted to reduce perioperative cardiovascular complications. Moreover, beta-blockers have potentially beneficial effects other than prevention of cardiac events. In addition to reducing anesthetic and analgesic requirements during the perioperative period, beta-blockers have neuroprotective effects, possible effectiveness in the management of intraoperative awareness-induced post-traumatic stress disorder, and antinociceptive effects. Beta-blockers are also useful in stabilizing hemodynamics during electroconvulsive therapy, intubation and emergency periods. Physicians need to bear in mind the benefits of beta-blockers for purposes other than preventing cardiac events when applied in the perioperative period, and should be familiar with the pharmacodynamics and effective dosages of these agents.
Kadoi
Yuji
Y
Department of Anesthesiology, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan. kadoi@med.gunma-u.ac.jp
Saito
Shigeru
S
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000777:Anesthetics / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019990:Perioperative Care
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000700:Analgesics; D000777:Anesthetics