Can beta-blocker therapy be withdrawn from patients with dilated cardiomyopathy?
BACKGROUND
It has yet to be determined whether withdrawing beta-blocker therapy from patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is safe.


METHODS
The influence of tapering and then stopping metoprolol was clarified in 13 patients with DCM who had been receiving this agent for >/=30 months.


RESULTS
Seven of the 13 patients deteriorated, including 4 who died suddenly or of congestive heart failure during the 4-month period after metoprolol cessation.


CONCLUSIONS
In patients with DCM in whom beta-blocker therapy is effective, withdrawal of these agents may lead to death. We conclude that beta-blockers should not be stopped in this patient group.
Morimoto
S
S
Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan.
Shimizu
K
K
Yamada
K
K
Hiramitsu
S
S
Hishida
H
H
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002311:Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists