Nonselective beta adrenergic blocker in severe traumatic brain injury

Background Traumatic injury is a prevalent cause of mortality among individuals under the age of forty on a global scale. Aim To show the role of nonselective beta-adrenergic blocker [propranolol] as an antistress agent in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Patients and methods This study involved 60 patients who had severe TBI. Patients were separated into two equal groups: group 1 received propranolol intravenously at a dose of 1 mg every 6 h for 7 days and group 2 received 1 ml of sterile 0.9% normal saline IV every 6 h for 7 days. Results Glasgow coma scale measurements at day 6 and day 7 were significantly greater in group 1 than group 2 ( P =0.033, 0.029). All patients were sedated on days 1 and 2 in both groups. Group 1 had a significantly lower Glasgow outcome scale-extended (GOS-E) score (less severe disability) than group 2 ( P =0.003). GOS-E (lower moderate disability) was significantly greater in Group 1 than group 2 ( P value <0.001). The favorable outcome of GOS- category was significantly greater in group 1 compared with group 2 ( P <0.001). Conclusion Propranolol was an effective agent in reducing the mortality rate of patients with severe TBI by reducing sympathetic overstimulation associated with severe injury. TBI prevents secondary TBI.