Flipping the Script: Beta-Blockers in Shock

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

9:45 AM – 10:45 AM MT

Location: West-301A

CE: 1.0

Concurrent Session Moderator(s)

Steven Simpson, MD

Professor of Medicine
The University of Kansas Health System
Fairway, Kansas

Catecholamines are first-line agents for shock, but their use presents challenges. In addition to well-known cardiovascular issues such as tachyarrhythmias and the potential for peripheral ischemia, catecholamines may also have deleterious immunologic effects. This session will review the mechanisms for potential immunosuppression by catecholamines and present the rationale for use of beta-blockers in shock, along with advice about where and when to consider them. The available clinical data will also be reviewed.

Learning Objectives:

Analyze the rationale for beta-blocker administration and which patients may be the most appropriate candidates
Implement the initiation and titration of beta-blockers in shock
Determine whether to incorporate beta-blockers into practice by appreciating the available clinical data

Presentations:

Moving Away From Catecholamine Monotherapy in Shock
Rationale for Beta-Blocker Use in Shock
Do Beta-Blockers Work? Clinical Trial Data