Beta-blockade after traumatic brain injury: Overall outcome, long-term functional outcome and post-traumatic depression

Annual Congress and Medicare Expo on Trauma & Critical Care

March 07-09, 2016 Madrid, Spain

Shahin Mohseni

Orebro University Hospital, Sweden

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Trauma Treat

Abstract :

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is among the leading causes of disability and death following trauma, and is increasing, especially among the elderly. Studies from our institution have shown promising results with decreased in-hospital mortality in TBI patients exposed to �²-blockers. The timing of initiation of such treatment has been debated, our data indicates increased survival rates among patients receiving early �²-blockade treatment after their traumatic injury. These positive findings have been attributed to the potential protecting effects offered by �²-blockers against the TBI associated hyperadrenergic state. Long-term functional outcome is another aspect of �²-blocker treament that is of importance, which our research team has investigated. Finally, depression and anxiety are estimated to occur in approximately half of all trauma patients and can lead to impaired rehabilitation potential and quality of life. It has been hypothesised that beta-adrenergic receptor activation may play an important part in the initial formation of traumatic memories. Studies therefore suggest that there is a potential therapeutic role of beta-blockade in the context of trauma management and the prevention of debilitating states such as depression and anxiety conditions. Several ongoing studies have been undertaken at our institution to better assess this association in patients suffering from TBI.