Limitations of Antiadrenergic Therapy for Refractory Traumatic Shock. ∗

Abstract

Conclusion

Antiadrenergic therapy by coe-liac blockade or phenoxybenzamine injected via the upper abdominal aorta prevents death from otherwise lethal endotoxic or hemor-rhagic shock if administered within 30 minutes after onset of the shock state. Phenoxybenzamine intravenously is not effective in twice the dose that is effective when it is administered via the upper abdominal aorta. The failure of antiadrenergic therapy can be accounted for by the speed with which severe ischemia inflicts irreversible injury to vascular muscle and to the endotoxin-detoxi-fying mechanisms in the splanchnic tissues.