Association Between Beta Blocker and Clinical Outcome in Adult Patients with Sepsis or Septic Shock: Protocol of a Systematic Review and Meta- Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Use of beta-blockers as a part of heart rate control strategy is sepsis and septic shock patients is of great debate. Despite of early encouraging results, no large trial was performed and several subsequent small studies reported conflicting results. This meta-analysis and systematic review will be conducted and published as per PRISMA guidelines. In this review, randomized controlled trials comparing short-acting beta-blockers with standard of care in adult patients with sepsis and septic shock will be included. Primary outcome will be 28- day mortality and secondary outcomes will be duration of intensive care unit stay, duration of hospital stay, ICU mortality, hospital mortality and reported adverse events. A random effect model will be used for all analysis.