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Association between β-blocker use and mortality in critically ill patients: a nested cohort study
Shmeylan A Al Harbi1, Khalid A Al Sulaiman1, Hani Tamim1,2
1Pharmaceutical Care Department, King Abdulaziz Medical City, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
BMC Pharmacology & Toxicology
|May 18, 2018
Summary
Beta-blocker use in critically ill patients showed no significant association with mortality. However, beta-blocker therapy was linked to increased mortality in non-diabetic patients, highlighting a potential risk group.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Beta-blockers are frequently prescribed for critically ill patients.
- Understanding the impact of beta-blockers on patient outcomes is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between beta-blocker administration and mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients.
- To explore secondary outcomes including sepsis development, length of stay, and mechanical ventilation duration.
Main Methods:
- A nested cohort study of 523 medical-surgical ICU patients.
- Propensity score analysis was used to adjust for confounding factors.
- Primary endpoints included all-cause ICU and hospital mortality.
Main Results:
- No significant association was found between beta-blocker use and overall ICU or hospital mortality.
- Beta-blocker therapy was associated with increased ICU and hospital mortality in non-diabetic patients.
- No significant associations were observed for severe sepsis, mechanical ventilation duration, or ICU length of stay.
Conclusions:
- Beta-blocker use in the ICU does not appear to significantly impact overall mortality or morbidity.
- Non-diabetic critically ill patients receiving beta-blockers may face an elevated mortality risk.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific risks and benefits in different patient subgroups.
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