Controlling Hyperadrenergic Activity in Neurologic Injury (CHAIN)
Traumatic Brain Injury, Dysautonomia
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Traumatic Brain Injury focused on measuring Traumatic Brain Injury, Dysautonomia, Brain Injury, Sympathetic hyperactivity
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- TBI (Moderate/Severe TBI (GCS 12 or Head AIS>1) or hemorrhagic neurologic injury
- Hyperadrenergic Activity: At least one paroxysmal episode (lasting at least 15 minutes) of Heart Rate 110 beats per minute during two or more consecutive days plus at least two more of the following that may not be better explained by another disease process (ex: sepsis):
Temperature of 38.5C Respiratory Rate 20 breaths per minute Agitation Diaphoresis Dystonia Stimulus responsive ("triggering of paroxysm")
- Informed Consent obtained
Exclusion Criteria:
- Patients that do not meet criteria for dysautonomia (as stated above)
- Age <18 years
- Pregnancy
- Hypotension - requiring pressor therapy to maintain baseline adequate CPP or mean arterial pressure
- Cardiac arrhythmia - sinus bradycardia (HR <60), 2nd or 3rd degree AV block
- Hemodynamic contraindications to intravenous beta-blockade such as a documented history of congestive heart failure (CHF), dependency on cardiac inotropes or documented bronchospastic disease
- Any patient on chronic beta blockade as an outpatient.
- Life expectancy < 48 hours or patients with "do not resuscitate orders"
- Ongoing seizure activity
- Informed consent not obtained
Sites / Locations
- Johns Hopkins Hospital
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Active Comparator
Subjects Receiving Esmolol
Subjects receiving Propranolol
The Esmolol arm is defined as a 48-hour intravenous infusion of esmolol (Brevibloc 20mg/ml), which will be started on enrollment.
The comparison arm will be comprised of oral propranolol, starting with 20mg PO every 6 hours prn (as needed) to reduce heart rate into target range. If 20mg is ineffective, the dose will be doubled at each dosing interval until an adequate dose is found, not to exceed 120mg four times daily. (ex: 20mg, 40mg, 80mg, 120mg)