ObjectiveTo explore the effects of metoprolol on hemodynamics of early septic shock patients with myocardial injury. MethodsWe prospectively recruited 22 septic shock patients with myocardial injury, who were admitted to the ICU of Xiaolan Hospital during March 2014 and February 2015.The metoprolol was injected through central venous catheter to reduce heart rate by 20% from baseline and maintain for 6h.Hemodynamic and oxygen metabolic parameters were collected to establish database. ResultsHeart rate decreased significantly to (98±18), (95±16) and (92±18) beat/min respectively at 1h, 3h and 6h post-dosing, compared with (125±28) beat/min at pre-dosing (P < 0.05).Cardiac index decreased significantly to (3.2±1.5), (3.3±1.9) and (3.3±1.6) L·min-1·m-2 respectively at 1h, 3h and 6h post-dosing, compared with (3.9±2.5) L·min-1·m-2 at pre-dosing (P < 0.05).The mean blood pressure, central venous pressure, pulmonary artery wedge pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance index, systemic vascular resistance index and stroke volume index showed no significant changes between pre-dosing and post-dosing (all P > 0.05). Lactate concentration decreased significantly to (9.8±4.1) and (8.1±3.6)mmol/L respectively at 3h and 6h post-dosing, compared with (13.4±5.2)mmol/L at pre-dosing (all P < 0.05), but mixed venous oxygen saturation showed no significant changes (P > 0.05). ConclusionMetoprolol may reduce heart rate and cardiac output in septic shock patients with myocardial injury, without obvious adverse effects on circulatory function and systemic perfusion.