title: Can beta-blocker therapy be withdrawn from patients with dilated cardiomyopathy?
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Morimoto
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Shimizu
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yamada
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hiramitsu
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hishida
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists