β-Blocker in Septic Shock Management

Adrenoreceptors alpha and particularly beta 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 beta-blockers might limit the deleterious effects of sympathetic over-stimulation. However, if experimental data are convincing, formal clinical evidences are still lacking.