Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 6, 2026
Author Spotlight: Induction of Experimental Endotoxemic Shock in Pigs for Studying Hemodynamic and Respiratory Failure
Published on: December 8, 2023
Esmolol infusion in patients with septic shock and tachycardia: a prospective, single-arm, feasibility study
Samuel M Brown1,2,3, Sarah J Beesley1,2, Michael J Lanspa1,2
11Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Intermountain Medical Center, Murray, UT USA.
Background:
High adrenergic tone appears to be associated with mortality in septic shock, while adrenergic antagonism may improve survival. In preparation for a randomized trial, we conducted a prospective, single-arm pilot study of esmolol infusion for patients with septic shock and tachycardia that persists after adequate volume expansion.
Methods:
From April 2016 to March 2017, we enrolled patients admitted to an intensive care unit with sepsis who were receiving vasopressor infusion and were tachycardic despite adequate volume expansion. All patients received a continuous intravenous infusion of esmolol, targeted to heart rate 80-90/min, while receiving vasopressors. The feasibility outcomes were proportion of eligible patients consented, compliance with pre-infusion safety check, and compliance with the titration protocol. The primary clinical outcome was organ-failure-free days (OFFD) at 28 days.
Results:
We enrolled 7 of 10 eligible patients. Mean age was 46 (± 19) years, and mean admission APACHE II was 28 (± 8). Median norepinephrine infusion rate at the initiation of esmolol infusion was 0.20 (0.14-0.23) μg/kg/min. Compliance with the safety check was 100%; compliance with components of the titration protocol was 98-100%. OFFD were 26 (24.5-26); all patients survived to day 90. Median peak esmolol infusion was 50 (25-50) μg/kg/min. Median peak norepinephrine infusion rate during esmolol infusion was 0.46 (0.13-0.50) μg/kg/min. Four patients achieved target heart rate. Protocol-defined stop events, suggesting possible intolerance to a given infusion rate, occurred in three patients, all of whom were receiving at least 50 μg/kg/min of esmolol.
Conclusions:
In a pilot, single-arm study, we report the first published experience with esmolol infusion in tachycardic patients with septic shock in the United States. These findings support a phase 2 trial of esmolol infusion for septic shock. Lower infusion rates of esmolol infusion may be better tolerated and more feasible than higher infusion rates for such a trial.
Trial Registration:
This study was retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02841241) on 19 July 2016.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:31Muscles that Move the Arm
The pectoralis major has two origins. Its clavicular head originates on the medial half of the clavicle. In contrast, the sternocostal head originates on the costal cartilages of ribs 1-6, the sternum, and the aponeurosis of the external oblique of the...
01:16Shock Waves
When the source's speed approaches the speed of sound, constructive interference between successive wavefronts emitted by the source occurs immediately behind it. Initially, scientists believed that this constructive interference would result in such high...
01:11Bioavailability Study Design: Single Versus Multiple Dose Studies
01:15Bioavailability Study Design: Healthy Subjects Versus Patients
01:09One-Compartment Model: IV Infusion
The one-compartment model for IV infusion uses mathematical equations to describe the rate of change in drug quantity in the body. At steady-state or infusion equilibrium, the drug input...
01:24Blood Pressure Imbalances and Circulatory Shock
Blood Pressure: Hypertension and Hypotension
Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg. Elevated blood pressure is 120-129/under 80 mm Hg. Hypertension, warranting treatment at 130/80 mm Hg, is often asymptomatic and can lead to severe cardiovascular events, aneurysms, peripheral arterial disease, chronic renal disease, or cardiac...