Abstract TMP107: Persistent Beta-Blocker Use and Mortality Reduction in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

Abstract

Background: The efficacy of beta-blockers in acute ischemic stroke remains ambiguous. Research targeting high-risk patients, especially those with elevated heart rates, is crucial. Methods: A comprehensive multicenter registry of acute ischemic stroke patients was integrated with the National Health Insurance Service database. We focused on patients exhibiting a heart rate of ≥100 bpm between days 3-7 post-symptom onset. These patients were categorized based on whether they received a beta-blocker prescription by day 8. To account for potential imbalances, we employed Cox’s proportional hazard model with inverse-probability of treatment weighting based on propensity score. The primary outcome was composite of stroke recurrence, myocardial infarction, and mortality within a year post-stroke. Recognizing the significant discontinuation rate of beta-blockers, we conducted an additional analysis on persistent users and landmark analysis at 2-month, 1-year, and 2-year intervals. Results: Out of 5,049 patients, 1,623 (32.1%) were prescribed with beta-blockers by the 8th day. Beta-blocker usage did not significantly influence the primary outcome within the first year (IPTW adjusted HR [95% CI], 0.98 [0.86-1.12]). However, patients who consistently used beta-blockers beyond 2 months exhibited a reduced mortality risk (adjusted HR, 0.88 [0.78-0.99]). Landmark analysis further revealed that consistent beta-blocker usage notably decreased mortality risk at 8-day to 2-month (IPTW adjusted HR [95% CI], 0.80 [0.69-0.93]) and 2-month to 1-year intervals (IPTW adjusted HR [95% CI], 0.80 [0.68-0.94]). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that beta-blockers can potentially reduce mortality in acute ischemic stroke patients, with consistent usage being a pivotal factor.