Clinical experiences with beta adrenergic blocking therapy on burned patients.

The cachexy which appears in the toxicoseptic phase of burn injuries can be prevented by the regular use of beta-adrenergic blocking drugs. This therapy is based upon data which maintain that the burned organism passes through a beta-modulated adrenergic receptor state as a result of the endocrine changes taking place between the 3rd and the 5th post-burn day. The author describes his own positive experiences of beta-adrenergic blocking therapy. The possible contra-indications (obstructive lung diseases, shock) to this therapy are discussed. Finally he draws attention to some of the side effects which were observed (E.C.G. conduction disturbances).