Effect of chronic beta-blockade on peri-operative outcome in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery: an analysis of observational and case control studies

Little is known about the effect of chronic beta-adrenoceptor antagonist therapy during the peri-operative period in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. We conducted a literature review to identify studies examining the relationship between chronic therapy and adverse peri-operative outcome. Eighteen studies were identified in which it was possible to ascertain the incidence of adverse cardiac outcomes in those patients who were and were not receiving chronic beta-blocker therapy. None of the studies demonstrated a protective effect of chronic beta-blockade. The results of these studies were then combined and a cumulative odds ratio calculated for the likelihood of myocardial infarction, cardiac death and major cardiac complications. Patients receiving chronic beta-blocker therapy were more likely to suffer a myocardial infarction (p < 0.05). These findings differ from the published effects of acute beta-blockade. Reasons for this discrepancy are considered.