ABSTRACT
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.
- Copyright © 2014 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
- Muzammil Mushtaq, MD and
- Steven L. Cohn, MD⇑
- Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, Division of Hospital Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
- Medical Director, UHealth Preoperative Assessment Center; Director, UMH Medical Consultation Service; Professor of Clinical Medicine, Division of Hospital Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
- ADDRESS:
Steven L. Cohn, MD, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14th St., CRB-1140, Miami, FL 33136; e-mail: scohn{at}med.miami.edu
ABSTRACT
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.
- Copyright © 2014 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All Rights Reserved.