Effect of Enteral Propranolol in Acute Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

Background: Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the predominant cause of death and disability following trauma. Several studies have observed improved survival in TBI patients exposed to β-blockers. Objectives: To evaluated effect of enteral propranolol on the outcomes of acute traumatic brain injury patients. Patients and methods: Forty patients with acute TBI were enrolled and divided into two group: group I (20 patients) were received 20 mg of oral Propranolol in 10cc water every 12 h for 10 days through nasogastric ryle, the group II (20 patients) were received 10cc water (placebo group). Results: Our results showed statistically significant (p-value < 0.001) increased percentage of neurological deficit in group II (20 patients, 100%) when compared with group I (0 patients, 0%), increased GCS after TTT in group I (12.3 ± 1.6) when compared with group II (7.85 ± 1.03). We also found statistically significant (p-value < 0.001) increased Karnofsky scale in group I (92 ± 6.2) when compared with group II (35.5 ± 5.1). Conclusion: Early enteral propranolol can be used for longer survival and more functional recovery in cases with isolated severe traumatic brain damage.

Keywords

• gcs; propranolol; traumatic brain injury