Benefits of esmolol in sepsis and septic shock in adults: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract Background Sepsis affects millions of people each year, and brings substantial health and economic burden to the global. Esmolol may have the potential in the treatment of sepsis and septic shock in adults. However, current evidence remains controversial. Methods We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from their inception to September 19, 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of esmolol in sepsis and septic shock in adults. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to combine effect estimates. Two investigators independently screened articles, extracted data, and assessed the quality of included studies. Results Seven RCTs were included with a total of 463 patients with sepsis and/or septic shock. Overall, compared with standard treatment, esmolol significantly decreased 28-day mortality (risk ratio [RR] 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.52 to 0.88), and heart rate (standardized mean difference [SMD] -1.83, 95% CI -2.95 to -0.70) and troponin I (TnI) level (SMD − 0.59, 95% CI -1.02 to -0.16) at 24 hours after treatment; no significant effect was found on the length of intensive care unit stay, mean arterial pressure, central venous pressure, central venous oxygen saturation, Stroke Volume Index, tumor necrosis factor-a, interleukin 6, White Blood Cells and PO2/FiO2. Conclusions Esmolol treatment may be safe and effective in decreasing 28-day mortality, controlling heart rate, and preventing myocardial damage, but no evidence of effect on lung injury in sepsis and septic shock after fluid resuscitation early. There were no significant adverse effects on tissue perfusion and oxygen utilization.