Why the study?
Randomized trials have yielded conflicting results regarding the ability of beta-blockers to influence perioperative cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, making routine prescription in unselected patients controversial.
Does perioperative beta-blocker administration reduce surgery-related mortality and morbidity in adults undergoing cardiac surgery?
Population
7768 adults undergoing cardiac surgery across 63 studies
Comparison
Perioperative beta-blockers vs control (placebo or standard care)
Design
Systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs and quasi-randomized studies
Authors
Loading...
Routine perioperative beta-blocker prescription remains controversial; this split review leaves net benefit unresolved in cardiac and non-cardiac surgery.
Does perioperative beta-blocker administration reduce surgery-related mortality and morbidity in adults undergoing cardiac surgery?
Perioperative beta-blockers in cardiac surgery significantly reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation and ventricular arrhythmias, but do not improve 30-day mortality, myocardial infarction, or stroke.
Blessberger et al. (2019) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: