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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
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Halogenated Agent Delivery in Porcine Model of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome via an Intensive Care Unit Type Device
Published on: September 24, 2020
Beta 2 antagonism in acute respiratory failure
Rob Mac Sweeney1, P J Devereaux, Daniel F McAuley
1Regional Intensive Care Unit, Royal Victoria Hospital, Grosvenor Road, Belfast, BT12 6BA, Northern Ireland.
Critical Care (London, England)
|December 24, 2010
Summary
Beta-blocker use upon admission may improve survival for patients with acute respiratory failure in the ICU. Further research via a randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm these findings.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Post hoc analyses suggest beta-blocker use is associated with improved mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with acute respiratory failure.
- The B-type natriuretic peptide for Acute Shortness of Breath Evaluation (BASEL)-II-ICU study provided preliminary data on this association.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential benefit of beta-blocker therapy in patients admitted with acute respiratory failure.
- To conduct a phase 2 proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate beta-blocker efficacy.
Main Methods:
- The study is a phase 2 proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial.
- Participants admitted with acute respiratory failure will be included.
- Beta-blocker therapy will be administered to a treatment group.
Main Results:
- Preliminary analyses indicate a potential association between beta-blocker administration and improved mortality.
- Further data collection and analysis are required to establish statistical significance.
Conclusions:
- Beta-blocker therapy shows promise for improving outcomes in acute respiratory failure patients.
- A definitive RCT is warranted to confirm the safety and efficacy of beta-blockers in this population.
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