Comparison of different β-blocker tablets and mortality in haemodialysis patients
In a recent study by Toye 2024, different β-blocker tablets were compared.
Why is this important?
Despite a lack of research studies, β-blockers (a type of blood pressure tablet) are widely prescribed to dialysis patients. Whether specific β-blockers are associated with improved long-term outcomes compared with alternative β-blocker in the dialysis population remains uncertain.
What did the study show?
The authors analysed data from an international study of 10,125 patients on long-term hemodialysis across 18 countries that were newly prescribed a β-blocker medication.
The average age was 63 years and 57% were male. The most commonly prescribed β-blocker agent was metoprolol (49%), followed by carvedilol (29%), atenolol (11%) and bisoprolol (11%).
Compared with metoprolol, atenolol was associated with a lower mortality risk. There was no difference in mortality risk with bisoprolol or carvedilol compared with metoprolol.
The authors stated it wasn’t clear why Atenolol had an apparent advantage. Various ideas were debated in the discussion section.
What does this affect you?
Patients on haemodialysis who are newly prescribed a β-blocker, could ask their doctor to prescribe atenolol; as this was associated with the lowest mortality risk compared with alternative agents in this study.
Summary diagram
Last Reviewed on 26 June 2024
