Key result
Perioperative beta-blockers reduce the risk of nonfatal myocardial infarction but may increase the risk of stroke and overall mortality in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery.
Why the study?
Does perioperative beta-blocker use improve outcomes in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery?
Does perioperative beta-blocker use improve outcomes in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery?
This paper reviews the evolving and controversial evidence regarding the effectiveness and safety of perioperative beta-blockers in noncardiac surgery.
Supports caution with routine perioperative beta-blockers; leaves open optimal patient selection and timing in future trials.
The effectiveness and safety of giving beta-blockers to patients undergoing noncardiac surgery remain controversial. The use of these drugs in this clinical scenario increased after the publication of two positive trials in the late 1990s and was encouraged by national organizations and clinical guidelines. However, when several subsequent studies failed to show a benefit, recommendations became more limited and use decreased. This paper reviews recent evidence for and against the perioperative use of beta-blockers.
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Mushtaq et al. (2014) conducted a review in Noncardiac surgery. Perioperative beta-blockers vs. Placebo or no beta-blocker was evaluated. Perioperative beta-blockers reduce the risk of nonfatal myocardial infarction but may increase the risk of stroke and overall mortality in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery.
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