Effect of beta blocker therapy on survival of patients with heart failure and preserved systolic function following hospitalization with acute decompensated heart failure.

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Effect of beta blocker therapy on survival of patients with heart failure and preserved systolic function following hospitalization with acute decompensated heart failure.

Eur J Intern Med. 2012 Jun;23(4):374-8

Authors: Nevzorov R, Porath A, Henkin Y, Kobal SL, Jotkowitz A, Novack V

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The importance of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is being increasingly recognized. However, there is a paucity of data about effective treatment for this condition. The present study investigated the impact of beta blocker therapy for 3months before admission on the two-year survival of patients with heart failure and preserved systolic function hospitalized due to decompensated heart failure.
METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of 345 consecutive patients with heart failure with preserved systolic function older than 18years hospitalized due to decompensated heart failure. Two groups of patients were compared: those who received beta blockers within 3months before admission (BB) and those who did not (NBB). The primary outcome was two year all cause mortality (maximal follow-up available in all subjects). To adjust for a potential misbalance between BB and NBB groups in baseline characteristics, a propensity score for beta blocker therapy was incorporated into the survival model.
RESULTS: 154 patients (44.6%) received beta blockers prior to admission. Overall two year mortality rate in the BB group was 50% vs. 62.8% in the NBB group, log-rank test p=0.016. Beta blockers showed protective effect on two-year survival after adjustment for comorbidities and propensity score (hazard ratio [HR], 0.69; 95% CI 0.47-0.99).
CONCLUSIONS: Therapy with beta blockers may have protective effect on survival of patients with heart failure with preserved systolic function.

PMID: 22560389 [PubMed - in process]

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