Metoprolol for the Prevention of Acute Exacerbations of COPD.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Observational studies suggest that beta-blockers may reduce the risk of exacerbations and death in patients with moderate or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but these findings have not been confirmed in randomized trials.

Methods

In this prospective, randomized trial, we assigned patients between the ages of 40 and 85 years who had COPD to receive either a beta-blocker (extended-release metoprolol) or placebo. All the patients had a clinical history of COPD, along with moderate airflow limitation and an increased risk of exacerbations, as evidenced by a history of exacerbations during the previous year or the prescribed use of supplemental oxygen. We excluded patients who were already taking a beta-blocker or who had an established indication

SUBMITTER: Dransfield MT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7416529 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature