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Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Complete and Partial Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta for Hemorrhagic Shock
Published on: May 19, 2022
[Perioperative beta-receptor blockade. For and against]
B Preckel1, M Poels, F Wappler
1Department of Anesthesiology, Academic Medical Centre AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1100 Amsterdam, The Netherlands. b.preckel@amc.uva.nl
Beta-receptor blockers are no longer recommended for reducing perioperative risks, especially in low-risk patients. Recent data show no clear evidence of benefit and potential harm from these cardiac medications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Anesthesiology
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Perioperative care guidelines have evolved regarding beta-receptor blocker use.
- Previous recommendations for beta-receptor blockade in the 1990s are now under scrutiny.
- Patient risk stratification is crucial in perioperative medication management.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the current evidence for beta-receptor blockers in perioperative morbidity and mortality reduction.
- To assess the efficacy and safety of beta-receptor blockade in patients with varying cardiac risk.
- To inform clinical practice regarding the use of beta-receptor blockers in the perioperative setting.
Summary:
- Recent studies challenge the routine use of beta-receptor blockers for perioperative outcomes.
- Evidence does not support beta-receptor blockade for reducing morbidity and mortality, even in high-risk patients.
- In low-risk individuals, initiating beta-receptor blockers perioperatively may increase adverse events.
Impact:
- Clinical practice may shift away from routine beta-receptor blocker administration in perioperative care.
- Revised guidelines may de-emphasize beta-receptor blockers for patients with low cardiac risk.
- Further research is needed to clarify the role of beta-receptor blockers in specific patient populations.
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