Beta Blockers After Cardiac Surgery Reduce Length Of Stay And Complications

In the article entitled, "Impact of Prophylactic Postoperative Beta-Blockade on Post-Cardiothoracic Surgery Length of Stay and Atrial Fibrillation," Craig I. Coleman PharmD, C. Michael White PharmD, and co-researchers at Connecticut's Hartford Hospital report findings from 1660 patients collected over a 4-year period. In the largest trial of its kind to date, all patients received standard care and half also began beta-blocker treatment shortly after surgery.

In addition to reduced hospital stays and atrial fibrillation, early beta-blocker use was also associated with significant reductions in patient death, the risk of fluid in the lungs, and the need for a balloon pump to assist the heart. Those events were reduced by 59%, 55%, and 53%, respectively. There was no difference in the occurrence of post-surgical stroke or heart attack between the two groups.

In the study a variety of beta-blockers were used at an average dose equivalent to 75 mg/day of metoprolol. Higher doses did not result in additional benefits, nor were outcomes affected by whether patients had taken a beta-blocker prior to surgery. Adverse effects during the study were not mentioned.

A summary written in easy-to-understand language for patients is also available with the article by clicking "For Our Patients" on the website. "For Our Patients" is a service provided by The Annals of Pharmacotherapy to help patients understand the latest research developments and clinical information that relate to medications that have been prescribed for them.

###

The Annals of Pharmacotherapy is a leading peer-reviewed, international pharmacotherapy journal for physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare practitioners. Published by Harvey Whitney Books Company, for over 38 years The Annals has featured articles directly related to the safe, effective, and economical use of medications and related devices in patient care. The journal's editorial office is headquartered at 8044 Montgomery Road, Suite 415, Cincinnati, Ohio 45236-2919, USA. The journal is available in print and online in full text at http://www.theannals.com.