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  5. Beta-Blocker Discontinuation in Acute Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Beta-Blocker Discontinuation in Acute Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

File(s)
42314582.pdf (2.97 MB)
Permanent Link(s)
https://hdl.handle.net/1813/125192
Collections
Department of Medicine
Author
Alaeiilkhchi, Nima
Thompson, Wade
McCarthy, Lisa M.
McDonald, William
Eskandari, Raha
Yang, Yanrong Maggie
Salzwedel, Douglas M.
Goyal, Parag
Abstract

BACKGROUND: Whether beta-blockers should be continued during hospitalization for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) remains uncertain. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to conduct a systematic review on continuation vs discontinuation of beta-blockers during ADHF hospitalization (PROSPERO CRD42024557727). METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL from inception to September 11, 2025. We included randomized and observational studies comparing beta-blocker discontinuation with continuation during hospitalization for ADHF and grouped studies by timing of discontinuation. We conducted meta-analysis of observational studies using generic inverse-variance random-effects models, prioritizing adjusted estimates. RESULTS: Thirteen studies met the eligibility criteria: 1 randomized trial (n = 147) and 12 cohort studies (n = 14,654). The associated risk of in-hospital mortality was uncertain for beta-blocker discontinuation vs continuation (pooled OR: 5.20; 95% CI: 0.24-113.06; I2 = 91%, 3 studies). Short-term discontinuation might be associated with higher risk of mortality up to 3 months (pooled HR: 2.30; 95% CI: 1.23-4.29; I2 = 0%, 2 studies). One study reported an adjusted estimate for long-term mortality (HR: 1.55; 95% CI: 0.69-3.51). The single randomized controlled trial showed an uncertain effect for in-hospital mortality (risk ratio: 1.77; 95% CI: 0.16-19.1) and short-term mortality (risk ratio: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.30-2.62). Findings on rehospitalization were inconsistent and did not favor either approach. All findings were low or very low certainty. CONCLUSIONS: Available evidence on beta-blocker discontinuation in ADHF is of very low certainty and findings of possible harm may reflect confounding by indication and failure to restart therapy rather than causal harm. Further high-quality randomized controlled trials and nonrandomized studies may resolve uncertainty.

Journal / Series
JACC. Advances
Volume & Issue
5(7)
Date Issued
2026-06-18
Publisher
Elsevier
Keywords
WCM Library Coordinated Deposit
•
acute decompensated heart failure
•
beta-blockers
•
continuation
•
discontinuation
•
mortality
•
systematic review
Related DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacadv.2026.102929
Previously Published as
Alaeiilkhchi N, Thompson W, McCarthy LM, McDonald W, Eskandari R, Yang YM, Salzwedel DM, Goyal P. Beta-Blocker Discontinuation in Acute Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JACC. Advances. 2026;5(7):102929. doi: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2026.102929. PMID: 42314582.
Rights
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
Rights URI
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Type
article

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