Propranolol in Severely Burned Children

Safety and Efficacy of Propranolol in Severely Burned Children

To determine the safety and efficacy of administration of propranolol for reducing heart rate and blood pressure in burn injury.

Other purposes of this study are to study the effect on muscle function, the infectious process, sepsis, systemic inflammation and long-term scarring. Quality of life will also be looked at over time.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Burns covering >20% of the total body surface are
• Age of 0 to 18 years
• Patient arrival to the burn center within 96 hours (4 days) of burn injury
• Require > 1 surgical procedure

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy
• Known history of AIDS, Aids Related Complex, or HIV
• History of cancer within 5 years
• Existence of pre-morbid conditions
• Asthma
• Congestive heart failure (measured ejection fraction < 20%)
• Medical condition requiring glucocorticoid treatment
• Burn injury due to chemical burns
• Burn injury due to deep electrical injury (decision of hospital PI)
• Presence of anoxic brain injury that is not expected to result in complete recovery
• Decision not to treat due to burn injury severity