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Can beta-blocker therapy be withdrawn from patients with dilated cardiomyopathy?
S Morimoto1, K Shimizu, K Yamada
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan.
Background:
It has yet to be determined whether withdrawing beta-blocker therapy from patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is safe.
Methods:
The influence of tapering and then stopping metoprolol was clarified in 13 patients with DCM who had been receiving this agent for >/=30 months.
Results:
Seven of the 13 patients deteriorated, including 4 who died suddenly or of congestive heart failure during the 4-month period after metoprolol cessation.
Conclusion:
In patients with DCM in whom beta-blocker therapy is effective, withdrawal of these agents may lead to death. We conclude that beta-blockers should not be stopped in this patient group.