Commencement of cardioselective beta-blockers during hospitalisation for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Background: In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and co-morbid cardiovascular disease, emerging evidence suggests a benefit in commencing cardioselective beta-blockers. Aim: Our objective was to determine the safety of beta-blocker commencement during hospitalisation for acute exacerbation of COPD. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 1071 patients hospitalised for acute exacerbation of COPD was conducted across two tertiary hospitals over a 12-month period. We identified 36 patients in whom beta-blocker therapy was commenced during admission. The primary outcome of the study was to assess cardiovascular and respiratory adverse events related to the commencement ..