Use Of Β-blockers In Patients Research Articles

β-Blocker Use and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With COPD Following Acute Myocardial Infarction

While β-blockers are associated with decreased mortality in cardiovascular disease (CVD), exacerbation-prone patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who received metoprolol in the Beta-Blockers for the Prevention of Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (BLOCK-COPD) trial experienced increased risk of exacerbations requiring hospitalization. However, the study excluded individuals with established indications for the drug, raising questions about the overall risk and benefit in patients with COPD following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). To investigate whether β-blocker prescription at hospital discharge is associated with increased risk of mortality or adverse cardiopulmonary outcomes in patients with COPD and AMI. This prospective, longitudinal cohort study with 6 months of follow-up enrolled patients aged 35 years or older with COPD who underwent cardiac catheterization for AMI at 18 BLOCK-COPD network hospitals in the US from June 2020 through May 2022. Prescription for any β-blocker at hospital discharge. The primary outcome was time to the composite outcome of death or all-cause hospitalization or revascularization. Secondary outcomes included death, hospitalization, or revascularization for CVD events, death or hospitalization for COPD or respiratory events, and treatment for COPD exacerbations. Among 3531 patients who underwent cardiac catheterization for AMI, prevalence of COPD was 17.1% (95% CI, 15.8%-18.4%). Of 579 total patients with COPD and AMI, 502 (86.7%) were prescribed a β-blocker at discharge. Among the 562 patients with COPD included in the final analysis, median age was 70.0 years (range, 38.0-94.0 years) and 329 (58.5%) were male; 553 of the 579 patients (95.5%) had follow-up information. Among those discharged with β-blockers, there was no increased risk of the primary end point of all-cause mortality, revascularization, or hospitalization (hazard ratio [HR], 1.01; 95% CI, 0.66-1.54; P = .96) or of cardiovascular events (HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.65-1.92; P = .69), COPD-related or respiratory events (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.34-1.66; P = .48), or treatment for COPD exacerbations (rate ratio, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.53-1.91; P = .98). In this cohort study, β-blocker prescription at hospital discharge was not associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes in patients with COPD and AMI. These findings support use of β-blockers in patients with COPD and recent AMI.

Періопераційне застосування β-адреноблокаторів у пацієнтів високого ризику

Незважаючи на краще розуміння того, які бувають передвісники розвитку хронічної серцевої недостатності та які сигнальні системи лежать в основі її патофізіології, а також покращення результатів терапії, значна кількість пацієнтів, особливо похилого віку, не отримують ефективного лікування. Пацієнти похилого віку з такою патологією зазвичай вимагають додаткового об’єму діагностики й значного розширення спектра анестезіологічних заходів у відділеннях інтенсивної терапії. Анестезіологи мають потребу в удосконаленні періопераційного знеболювання при проведенні оперативних втручань. Препарати групи β-адреноблокаторів для лікування пері­операційної гіпертензії, ішемії й аритмій призначаються в передопераційному періоді в групі пацієнтів, які раніше не отримували такого лікування. Періопераційне призначення β-адреноблокаторів у пацієнтів високого ризику використовується недостатньо. Проте питання про те, чи мають β-адреноблокатори знову застосовуватись у передопераційному періоді виключно для запобігання негативним наслідкам хронічної серцевої недостатності, залишається вельми дискутабельним.

Certainties fading away: β-blockers do not worsen chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

For many years, β-blockers have been considered contraindicated in patients with heart failure (HF) and in those with bronchial asthma or even chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) although without clear evidence of asthma. Today, despite overwhelming evidence of the usefulness of β-blockers, especially in HF with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF), and in ischaemic heart disease, some reluctance persists in using these drugs when COPD coexists. Such resistance is due to the fear that a possible worsening of bronchospasm induced by β-blockers could induce negative effects greater than the benefits. The Guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology clearly suggest that: (i) implantation of a cardiac defibrillator (ICD) are not contraindicated in COPD without clear evidence of bronchial asthma; (ii) β-blockers are only ‘relatively’ contraindicated when there is certainty of bronchial asthma with a documented bronchodilator response to the β2 stimulant. Therefore, bronchial asthma is not an absolute contraindication to β-blockers. The cardiologist should not limit the diagnosis of COPD to clinical suspicion, but should rely on a spirometry examination associated with any bronchodilation tests. In any case, selective β1 blockers are preferred, starting at a basic dose, which ensure a better dilator response to bronchodilators and in any case cause less bronchospasm than non-selective β-blockers. Unfortunately, there is still some reluctance to the use of β-blockers in patients with COPD associated with HF, which should be eliminated.

Therapeutic Controversies in the Medical Management of Valvular Heart Disease.

Objective:To evaluate the evidence for common therapeutic controversies in the medical management of valvular heart disease (VHD).Data Sources:A literature search of PubMed (inception to December 2020) was performed using the terms angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and aortic stenosis (AS); and adrenergic β-antagonists and aortic valve regurgitation (AR) or mitral stenosis (MS).Study Selection and Data Extraction:Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses conducted in humans and published in English that reported ≥1 clinical outcome were included.Data Synthesis:Nine articles were included: 3 RCTs and 1 meta-analysis for ACE inhibitors/ARBs in AS, 1 RCT for β-blockers in AR, and 4 RCTs for β-blockers in MS. Evidence suggests that ACE inhibitors/ARBs do not increase the risk of adverse outcomes in patients with AS but may delay valve replacement. β-Blockers do not appear to worsen outcomes in patients with chronic AR and may improve left-ventricular function in patients with a reduced ejection fraction. β-Blockers do not improve and may actually worsen exercise tolerance in patients with MS in sinus rhythm.Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice:ACE inhibitors/ARBs and β-blockers can likely be safely used in patients with AS or AR, respectively, who have a compelling indication. There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine use of β-blockers in patients with MS without atrial fibrillation.Conclusions:Common beliefs about the medical treatment of VHD are not supported by high-quality data. There remains a need for larger-scale RCTs in the medical management of VHD.

Increase use of β-blockers in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary and cardiovascular disease.

Increase use of β-blockers in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary and cardiovascular disease.

Laterality of Tumor in Early Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Influences Worsened Survival Associated with Concurrent Β-Blocker Use in Patients Managed with Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy

Laterality of Tumor in Early Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Influences Worsened Survival Associated with Concurrent Β-Blocker Use in Patients Managed with Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy

Применение β-адреноблокаторов у пациентов с глаукомой, возможности прогнозирования и минимизации риска побочных эффектов (обзор литературы)

Применение β-адреноблокаторов у пациентов с глаукомой, возможности прогнозирования и минимизации риска побочных эффектов (обзор литературы)

Frequency of β-Blocker Use Following Exacerbations of COPD in Patients with Compelling Indication for Use.

To assess the current use of β-blockers in patients with compelling indications for use, following the acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We performed a multicenter retrospective observational study using data from all of the patients admitted to five institutions for an acute exacerbation of COPD. Patients were included if they were admitted for an acute exacerbation of COPD and had a compelling indication for the use of a β-blocker, defined as previous myocardial infarction or heart failure with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40%. There were 396 patients meeting the criteria for inclusion in the study. The population was predominantly white men with myocardial infarction as the most prevalent compelling indication. On admission, 267 (67.4%) patients were receiving β-blockers, which increased to 278 (70.2%) at discharge. There were 118 (29.8%) patients discharged without β-blockers. Of the predictors tested, none were significantly predictive of a patient not receiving β-blockers upon discharge; however, home and in-hospital β-blockers reduced the likelihood of being discharged without a β-blocker. Of the 129 patients not receiving β-blockers prehospitalization, 23 (17.8%) were discharged with a new prescription for a β-blocker. Nearly one-third of patients with compelling indications for β-blockers were not prescribed the therapy at discharge.

β-Blockers and the Rate of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations

Objective: To review the rate of exacerbations relative to β-blocker use in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Data Sources: A MEDLINE search (1953 to May 2019) was performed using the search terms beta-blockers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and exacerbations. An EMBASE search was also performed using the search terms chronic obstructive lung disease and beta adrenergic receptor blocking agents (1970 to May 2019). References from the review of literature citations were also identified. Study Selection and Data Extraction: English-language studies assessing COPD exacerbations in patients prescribed a β-blocker were included. Any article not addressing exacerbations was excluded. Data Synthesis: A total of 15 articles were included; 7 articles showed no change, 1 provided mixed results, and 7 indicated a significant decrease in COPD exacerbations in a variety of exacerbation severities. Two of the studies differentiated between cardioselective and noncardioselective β-blockers. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: This work represents an initial assessment of the use of β-blockers to reduce COPD exacerbations. The findings raise the question if β-blockers should be used more frequently in patients with COPD. Conclusions: Based on the limited number of studies that address β-blocker use in COPD, it appears that exacerbations are not increased and may be decreased. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial is in progress to possibly provide more definitive answers to this question. Until the trial is complete, β-blockers should not be withheld in COPD patients who have concurrent cardiovascular conditions, especially where there is a mortality benefit.

The Effect of Pharmacy-Led, Small-Group Academic Detailing on Prescribing Patterns in an Ambulatory Care Clinic.

Background: While academic detailing seems to be the most promising intervention to improve prescribing patterns, implementation could be challenging for small community practices. Objective: A pharmacy-led, interactive, and tailored small-group academic detailing in a federally qualified health center is described. The primary objective of the study was to determine if the small-group academic detailing improved the prescribing patterns of the medical providers for select disease states: type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hyperlipidemia (HLD), and essential hypertension (HTN). Methods: Prescribing patterns in a federally qualified health center were examined in relation to small-group academic detailing sessions from April 2010 to March 2015. The markers for improvement were the increase in utilizing metformin and statins in patients diagnosed with T2DM and HLD, respectively, and the reduction of β-blocker use in patients diagnosed with essential HTN. Changes in prescribing patterns were evaluated using Pearson's χ2 and Fisher's exact tests. Results: The average number of active, adult patients with T2DM, HLD, and essential HTN was 839, 1768, and 2547, respectively. Utilization of metformin in T2DM increased from 5.5% at baseline to 37.7%, statin utilization in HLD increased from 77.1% to 86.9%, and β-blocker use in HTN decreased from 17.9% to 13.8% (P < .005). Conclusions: A pharmacy-led, small-group academic detailing program improved and maintained appropriate prescribing patterns in an underserved community practice. This study serves as a successful pilot emphasizing the pharmacist's role as an educator and a resource to medical providers regarding appropriate medication use.

β-Blockers in COPD: A Cohort Study From the TONADO Research Program

Cardiovascular disease is a frequent comorbidity in patients with COPD. Many physicians, particularly pulmonologists, are reluctant to use β-adrenoceptor blocking agents (β-blockers) in patients with COPD, despite their proven effectiveness in preventing cardiovascular events. The large (5,162 patients) phase III TONADO 1 and 2 studies assessed lung function and patient-reported outcomes in patients with moderate to very severe COPD receiving long-acting bronchodilator treatment across 1 year. This post hoc analysis characterized lung-function changes, patient-reported outcomes, and safety in the subgroup of patients receiving β-blockers in the studies. In total, 557 of 5,162 patients (11%) received β-blockers at baseline. Postbronchodilator FEV1 at baseline was higher in the β-blocker group (1.470 L) compared with that in the no β-blocker group (1.362 L). As expected, patients receiving β-blockers had a more frequent history of cardiovascular comorbidities and medications. Lung function improved from baseline in patients with or those without β-blocker treatment, and no relevant between-group differences were observed in trough FEV1 or trough FVC at 24 or 52weeks. No relevant differences were observed for St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire results and Transition Dyspnea Index in patients with β-blockers compared with those in patients without. Safety findings were comparable between groups. Lung function, overall respiratory status, and safety of tiotropium/olodaterol were not influenced by baseline β-blocker treatment in patients with moderate to very severe COPD. Results from this large patient cohort support the cautious and appropriate use of β-blockers in patients with COPD and cardiovascular comorbidity. ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT01431274 and No. NCT01431287; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.

The Use of β-blockers in Patients with Ventricular Ectopic Heartbeat in the Early and Distant Postinfarction Period

Aim: to increase the effectiveness of patients after Q-, QS- myocardial infarction rehabilitation, based on the study of clinical, instrumental and biochemical changes in cases of cardiac arrhythmias, and development on this basis of new approaches to treatment. Materials and Methods. The clinical, instrumental and biochemical examinations were carried out for 70 patients who had Q-, QS-myocardial infarction (MI) with a ventricular ectopic heartbeat on the regenerative period since the acute coronary syndrome development in 1, 3, and 6 months. The features of the ventricular ectopic heartbeat course in patients with myocardial infarction against the backdrop of sotalol and carvedilol use and influence of applied treatment on the clinical and pathogenetical features of patients’ functional recovery in early and distant (prolonged) postinfarction period were analyzed. Results. Analyzing the dynamics of coronary artery disease clinical manifestations in patients with ventricular arrhythmia (VA) with myocardial infarction against the backdrop of sotalol and carvedilol treatment it has been noted a marked decrease in anginal chest pain manifestation, feeling of palpitations, disruption of the heart, shortness of breath, feeling of breath shortness, etc. in all groups of patients. The positive effect of therapy had been increasing since the 3 week during the 3-month long treatment. Results of heart rate Holter monitoring have shown a marked antiarrhythmic effect of metoprolol, carvedilol and sotalol. In particular, in all groups of patients the frequency of VA reduced by half, the percentage of high grade VA decreased namely pair and group arrhythmia, ventricular bigeminy. Assessment of hemodynamic parameters in the process of patients with ST treatment has represented the marked trend and a further significant increase in ejection fraction and other contractile dysfunction forms correction. This positive trend was the most relevant in the application of carvedilol, a slightly less in patients treated with metoprolol and sotalol. Conclusions. Sotalol in patients after ACS has an ability to reduce the ventricular ectopic heartbeat episodes number and prevents life-threatening arrhythmias, provides a permanent and controlled decrease of heart rate, corrects left ventricle (LV) contractility and processes of postinfarction remodeling of the heart. When using carvedilol it has been noticed a reduction of LV postinfarction remodeling processes, improvement of contractile function of myocardium, antianginal and antiarrhythmic effects, normalization of heart rate variability, reduction of myocardial ischemia, reduction in sudden cardiac death cases.

Risk of Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus on β-Blockers.

Although the use of β-blockers may help in achieving maximum effects of intensive glycemic control because of a decrease in the adverse effects after severe hypoglycemia, they pose a potential risk for the occurrence of severe hypoglycemia. This study aimed to evaluate whether the use of β-blockers is effective in patients with diabetes mellitus and whether its use is associated with the occurrence of severe hypoglycemia. Using the ACCORD trial (Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes) data, we performed Cox proportional hazards analyses with a propensity score adjustment. The primary outcome was the first occurrence of a cardiovascular event during the study period, which included nonfatal myocardial infarction, unstable angina, nonfatal stroke, and cardiovascular death. The mean follow-up periods (±SD) were 4.6±1.6 years in patients on β-blockers (n=2527) and 4.7±1.6 years in those not on β-blockers (n=2527). The cardiovascular event rate was significantly higher in patients on β-blockers than in those not on β-blockers (hazard ratio, 1.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-1.72; P<0.001). In patients with coronary heart disease or heart failure, the cumulative event rate for cardiovascular events was also significantly higher in those on β-blockers than in those not on β-blockers (hazard ratio, 1.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.60; P=0.03). The incidence of severe hypoglycemia was significantly higher in patients on β-blockers than in those not on β-blockers (hazard ratio, 1.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.64; P=0.02). In conclusion, the use of β-blockers in patients with diabetes mellitus was associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular events.

β-Blockers are associated with a reduction in COPD exacerbations

BackgroundWhile some retrospective studies have suggested that β-blocker use in patients with COPD is associated with a reduction in the frequency of acute exacerbations and lower mortality, there is concern...

β-Blockade and Operative Mortality in Noncardiac Surgery: Harmful or Helpful?

The use of perioperative pharmacologic β-blockade in patients at low risk of myocardial ischemic events undergoing noncardiac surgery (NCS) is controversial because of the risk of stroke and hypotension. Published studies have not found a consistent benefit in this cohort. To determine the effect of perioperative β-blockade on patients undergoing NCS, particularly those with no risk factors. This is a retrospective observational analysis of patients undergoing surgery in Veterans Affairs hospitals from October 1, 2008, through September 31, 2013. β-Blocker use was determined if a dose was ordered at any time between 8 hours before surgery and 24 hours postoperatively. Data from the Veterans Affairs electronic database included demographics, diagnosis and procedural codes, medications, perioperative laboratory values, and date of death. A 4-point cardiac risk score was calculated by assigning 1 point each for renal failure, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and surgery in a major body cavity. Previously validated linear regression models for all hospitalized acute care medical or surgical patients were used to calculate predicted mortality and then to calculate odds ratios (ORs). The end point was 30-day surgical mortality. There were 326,489 patients in this cohort: 314,114 underwent NCS and 12,375 underwent cardiac surgery. β-Blockade lowered the OR for mortality significantly in patients with 3 to 4 cardiac risk factors undergoing NCS (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.43-0.93). It had no effect on patients with 1 to 2 risk factors. However, β-blockade resulted in a significantly higher chance of death in patients (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.06-1.35) with no risk factors undergoing NCS. In this large series, β-blockade appears to be beneficial perioperatively in patients with high cardiac risk undergoing NCS. However, the use of β-blockers in patients with no cardiac risk factors undergoing NCS increased risk of death in this patient cohort.

β-blockers and cardiovascular events in patients with and without myocardial infarction: post hoc analysis from the CHARISMA trial.

The long-term efficacy of β-blockers in patients with and without myocardial infarction (MI) is controversial. This is post hoc analysis from the Clopidogrel for High Atherothrombotic Risk and Ischemic Stabilization, Management, and Avoidance (CHARISMA) trial of 4772 patients with prior MI, 7804 patients with known atherothrombosis, and 2101 patients with risk factors alone but without heart failure. Primary outcome was a composite of nonfatal MI, stroke, or cardiovascular mortality. The cohorts were divided into 2 groups based on baseline β-blocker use. In the propensity score-matched prior MI cohort, after 28 months of follow-up, β-blocker use was associated with a 31% lower risk of the primary outcome (70 [7.1%] versus 100 [10.2%]; hazards ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.50-0.94; P=0.021), driven by a lower risk of recurrent MI (33 [3.4%] versus 48 [4.9%]; hazards ratio, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.39-1.00; P=0.049) with no difference in mortality (52 [5.3%] versus 66 [6.7%]; P=0.20). In the known atherothrombotic disease and the risk factors alone cohorts, β-blocker use was not associated with lower ischemic outcomes, whereas a trend toward a higher risk of stroke (3.5% versus 1.5%; hazards ratio, 2.13; 95% confidence interval, 0.92-4.92; P=0.079) was observed in the risk factors alone cohort. This higher stroke risk was significant in the regression model adjusted to the propensity score (hazards ratio, 2.69; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-5.44; P=0.006) and in the multivariable models. β-blocker use in patients with prior MI but no heart failure was associated with a lower composite cardiovascular outcome driven by lower risk of recurrent MI with no difference in mortality. However, β-blocker use was not associated with lower cardiovascular events in those without MI, with a suggestion of inferior outcome with regard to stroke risk. http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00050817.

Does Our “Flight and Fight” Response Have a Link With Cancer?

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The role of ivabradine in the incidence of perioperative coronary complications in patients undergoing vascular surgery

The management of perioperative myocardial damage is focused on two issues: coronary plaque stabilization to reduce acute coronary syndromes and the subsequent supply ischemia (type 1MI) that occurs when a coronary plaque ruptures; and limiting surgical stress, which is the cause of the sustained myocardial oxygen supply–demand imbalance (type 2 MI) [1]. Prophylactic pre-operative coronary revascularization in patients scheduled for non-cardiac surgery has failed to show any benefit [2,3]. In contrast, the most recent guidelines recommended the use of β-blockers in patients having high-risk surgery [4]. On the other hand, results of some other clinical trials do not support the use of perioperative β-blockers for the high risk of bradycardia and hypotension, stroke and death [5,6]. Ivabradine, specific inhibitor of the If current in sinoatrial node myocytes, reduces heart rate independently of sympathetic activation, and has demonstrated a reduction in the risk of coronary events in patients with elevated heart rate (≥70 bpm) or angina at baseline [7,8]. The objective of the current study was to determine if ivabradine would be equally effective to β-blockers in reducing cardiovascular risk in patients undergoing major vascular surgery in whom beta-blockers were contraindicate or unsafe. 244 consecutive patients scheduled for open or endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. The internal review board approved the study project and all patients gave their informed consent. Patients with ≤2 cardiac risk factors on the Lee index score and a heart rate b 70 bpm were directly referred for surgery with optimal medical therapy, which must have been initiated at least 30 days before. Patients with ≥3 clinical risk factors on the Lee index score were referred for non-invasive cardiac stress testing echocardiography before surgery as recommended in the ESC guidelines [4]. All patients in the study received optimal medical therapy according to current guidelines [9] for at least 30 days before the planned surgical procedure and all patients with a heart rate ≥ 70 bpmwere assigned to a heart rate control strategy with βblockers or ivabradine. In the β-blocker group, bisoprolol 2.5 mgwas started once a day and titrated to achieve thepreferred restingheart rate range (60–65 bpm). In eligible patients, ivabradine was administered at a dose of 5–7.5 mg twice a day,with the sameheart rate target. The samedose ofβ-blockers or ivabradine was continued post-operative. At the discharge we confirm the treatment for six months and then to consult their cardiologist. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality and nonfatal MI that occurred between screening and 30 days after the surgical procedure. Postoperative events were cardiac and overall complications. Troponin T levels were routinely recorded on postoperative days 1 and3orwhenever therewere symptomsor evidenceof new myocardial ischemia.

β-Blocker Use and Incidence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations

β-Adrenergic antagonist (β-blocker) use in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been avoided as a result of potential risk of pulmonary adverse effects. However, recent studies indicate that β-blocker use in patients with COPD can decrease outpatient visits and either decrease or have no effect on the number of hospitalizations. Long-term treatment with β-blockers has been shown to increase survival and decrease exacerbations in patients with COPD. To assess the impact of β-blocker use on the incidence of exacerbations in patients with COPD. In a retrospective cohort study of patients with COPD from 2 academic primary care practice sites who were seen in 2010, patients were identified using International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, Clinical Modification codes for COPD and reviewing active medication lists for COPD-specific medications (tiotropium). Patients were classified as either a β-blocker user or a nonuser. Primary outcomes were incidence and severity of COPD exacerbations. Secondary outcomes included COPD exacerbations distinguished by β-blocker cardioselectivity and all-cause hospitalizations. The study enrolled 412 patients. Of those, 166 patients were β-blocker users and 246 were β-blocker nonusers. β-Blocker users were less likely to have a COPD exacerbation (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.40-0.93) and had fewer mild exacerbations (OR 0.56; 95% CI 0.34-0.89). There was no significant difference in COPD exacerbations based on β-blocker cardioselectivity (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.38-1.83). When controlled for, using a backwards stepwise logistic regression, β-blocker use was a variable in the model that predicted exacerbations but alone was not statistically significant (adjusted OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.39-1.01). Patients with COPD prescribed a β-blocker were significantly less likely to have a COPD exacerbation and had fewer mild COPD exacerbations.

β-blocker use in patients after percutaneous coronary interventions: One size fits all? Worse outcomes in patients without myocardial infarction or heart failure

BackgroundThe influence of β-blocker therapy on prognosis in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has not been fully explored. Methods and resultsWe identified 5288 CAD patients who did not have myocardial infarction (MI) or heart failure (HF) but underwent PCI from a large multi-center registry enrolling consecutive patients undergoing first coronary revascularization from 2005 to 2007. The primary outcome was a composite endpoint of cardiac death and/or MI (cardiac death/MI) at 3years after hospital discharge for PCI. β-blockers were prescribed in 1117 patients (β group, 21.1%) at discharge, while 4171 patients did not (no-β group, 78.9%). Patients in the β group more often had hypertension, multivessel disease, use of statin and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, but less often had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The 3-year incidence of cardiac death/MI was higher in the β group (4.9% vs. 3.4%, log-rank p=0.02). After adjusting for potential confounders, β-blocker therapy was associated with significantly increased risk for cardiac death/MI (hazard ratio 1.48, 95% confidence interval 1.05–2.10, p=0.02). Conclusionsβ-blocker therapy was associated with worse 3-year clinical outcomes in CAD patients who underwent PCI but had no history of MI or HF. Randomized trials are warranted to identify appropriate subsets of patients who could truly benefit from long-term use of β-blockers in this setting.