Carvedilol, Bisoprolol, and Metoprolol Use in Patients With Coexistent Heart Failure and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Role of β-blockers in the cardiovascular disease continuum: a collaborative Delphi survey-based consensus from Asia-Pacific

OBJECTIVE

This Delphi method of consensus was designed to develop scientific statements for β-blockers in the continuum of cardiovascular diseases with a special focus on the role of bisoprolol.

METHODS

Eleven experienced cardiologists from across the Asia-Pacific countries participated in two rounds of the survey. In the first round, experts were asked to rate agreement/disagreement with 35 statements across seven domains regarding the use of β-blockers for treating hypertension, heart failure, coronary artery diseases, co-morbidities, as well as their safety profile, usage pattern, and pharmacokinetic variability. A consensus for a statement could be reached with >70% agreement.

RESULTS

Except for seven statements, all attained consensus in the first round. In the second round that was conducted virtually, the experts re-appraised their ratings for the seven statements along with a critical appraisal of two additional statements that were suggested by experts in the preceding round. At the end of the second round, the final version included 36 statements (34 original statements, two statements suggested by experts, and the omission of one statement that did not attain consensus). The final version of statements in the second round was disseminated among experts for their approval followed by manuscript development.

CONCLUSION

Attainment of consensus for almost all statements reconfirms the clinical benefits of β-blockers, particularly β1-selective blockers for the entire spectrum of cardiovascular diseases.

Exploring the kinetic selectivity of drugs targeting the β1 -adrenoceptor

In this study, we report the β1 -adrenoceptor binding kinetics of several clinically relevant β1/2 -adrenoceptor (β1/2 AR) agonists and antagonists. [3 H]-DHA was used to label CHO-β1 AR for binding studies. The kinetics of ligand binding was assessed using a competition association binding method. Ligand physicochemical properties, including logD7.4 and the immobilized artificial membrane partition coefficient (KIAM ), were assessed using column-based methods. Protein Data Bank (PDB) structures and hydrophobic and electrostatic surface maps were constructed in PyMOL. We demonstrate that the hydrophobic properties of a molecule directly affect its kinetic association rate (kon ) and affinity for the β1 AR. In contrast to our findings at the β2 -adrenoceptor, KIAM , reflecting both hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions of the drug with the charged surface of biological membranes, was no better predictor than simple hydrophobicity measurements such as clogP or logD7.4 , at predicting association rate. Bisoprolol proved kinetically selective for the β1 AR subtype, dissociating 50 times slower and partly explaining its higher measured affinity for the β1 AR. We speculate that the association of positively charged ligands at the β1 AR is curtailed somewhat by its predominantly neutral/positive charged extracellular surface. Consequently, hydrophobic interactions in the ligand-binding pocket dominate the kinetics of ligand binding. In comparison at the β2 AR, a combination of hydrophobicity and negative charge attracts basic, positively charged ligands to the receptor's surface promoting the kinetics of ligand binding. Additionally, we reveal the potential role kinetics plays in the on-target and off-target pharmacology of clinically used β-blockers.

Beta-Blocker Use in Older Hospitalized Patients Affected by Heart Failure and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: An Italian Survey From the REPOSI Register

Beta (β)-blockers (BB) are useful in reducing morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure (HF) and concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Nevertheless, the use of BBs could induce bronchoconstriction due to β2-blockade. For this reason, both the ESC and GOLD guidelines strongly suggest the use of selective β1-BB in patients with HF and COPD. However, low adherence to guidelines was observed in multiple clinical settings. The aim of the study was to investigate the BBs use in older patients affected by HF and COPD, recorded in the REPOSI register. Of 942 patients affected by HF, 47.1% were treated with BBs. The use of BBs was significantly lower in patients with HF and COPD than in patients affected by HF alone, both at admission and at discharge (admission, 36.9% vs. 51.3%; discharge, 38.0% vs. 51.7%). In addition, no further BB users were found at discharge. The probability to being treated with a BB was significantly lower in patients with HF also affected by COPD (adj. OR, 95% CI: 0.50, 0.37–0.67), while the diagnosis of COPD was not associated with the choice of selective β1-BB (adj. OR, 95% CI: 1.33, 0.76–2.34). Despite clear recommendations by clinical guidelines, a significant underuse of BBs was also observed after hospital discharge. In COPD affected patients, physicians unreasonably reject BBs use, rather than choosing a β1-BB. The expected improvement of the BB prescriptions after hospitalization was not observed. A multidisciplinary approach among hospital physicians, general practitioners, and pharmacologists should be carried out for better drug management and adherence to guideline recommendations.

[Possibilities and limitations of the use of beta-blockers in patients with cardiovascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

In medical literature, increasing attention is paid to comorbidities in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In clinical practice, physicians often hesitate to prescribe beta-blockers (β1-adrenoblockers) to COPD patients. This article summarized new results of using beta-blockers in patients with COPD. According to reports, the selective β1-blocker treatment considerably increases the survival rate of patients with COPD and ischemic heart disease, particularly after myocardial infarction (MI), and with chronic heart failure (CHF). The benefit of administering selective β1-blockers to patients with CHF and/or a history of MI overweighs a potential risk related with the treatment even in patients with severe COPD. Convincing data in favor of the β1-blocker treatment in COPD patients without the above-mentioned comorbidities are not available. At present, the selective β1-blocker treatment is considered safe for patients with cardiovascular diseases and COPD. For this reason, selective β1-blockers, such as bisoprolol, metoprolol or nebivolol can be used in managing this patient cohort. Nonselective β1-blockers may induce bronchospasm and are not recommended for COPD patients. For the treatment with β-blockers with intrinsic sympathomimetic activity, the probability of bronchial obstruction in COPD patients is lower; however, drugs of this pharmaceutical group have not been compared with cardioselective beta-blockers. For safety reasons, the beta-blocker treatment should be started outside exacerbation of COPD and from a small dose. Careful monitoring is recommended for possible new symptoms, such as emergence/increase of shortness of breath, cough or changes in dosing of other drugs (for example, increased frequency of using short-acting bronchodilators).

The Coexistence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Heart Failure

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic illness that is widely prevalent within the United States and has been frequently associated with heart failure (HF). COPD is associated with progressive damage and inflammation of the airways leading to airflow obstruction and inadequate gas exchange. HF represents a decline in the normal functioning of the heart resulting in insufficient pumping of blood through the circulatory system. COPD and HF present with similar signs and symptoms with some variation.

There are many specific diagnostic tests and treatment modalities which we use to diagnose COPD and HF, but it becomes an issue when you come across a patient who has both conditions simultaneously. For example, attempting to use an X-ray to diagnose HF in a COPD patient is next to impossible because the results are manipulated by the COPD disease process. This is the case with many other diagnostic tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), chest radiography (X-ray), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), echocardiogram, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), pulmonary function test (PFT), arterial blood gas (ABG), and exercise stress testing.

When a patient has both COPD and HF, it becomes more difficult to treat. Many treatments for HF have negative impacts on COPD patients and vice-versa, whereas some have also shown positive clinical outcomes in both diseases. It is agreeable that treatment has to be patient-centered and it can vary from case to case depending on the severity of the disease. Ultimately, in this review, we discuss COPD and HF and how they interplay in their diagnostic and treatment modalities to gain a better understanding of how to effectively manage patients who have been diagnosed with both conditions.

Preventing adverse cardiac events (PACE) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): study protocol for a double-blind, placebo controlled, randomised controlled trial of bisoprolol in COPD

INTRODUCTION

Heart disease in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common but neglected comorbidity. Patients with COPD are frequently excluded from clinical trials of treatments aimed at reducing cardiac morbidity and mortality, which has led to undertreatment of cardiovascular disease in patients with COPD. A particular concern in COPD is the underuse of beta (β)-blockers. There is observational evidence that cardioselective β-blockers are safe and may even reduce mortality risk in COPD, although some evidence is conflicting. There is an urgent need to answer the research question: Are cardioselective β-blockers safe and of benefit in people with moderately severe COPD? The proposed study will investigate whether cardioselective β-blocker treatment in patients with COPD reduces mortality and cardiac and respiratory morbidity.

METHODS AND ANALYSES

This is a double-blind, randomised controlled trial to be conducted in approximately 26 sites in Australia, New Zealand, India, Sri Lanka and other countries as required. Participants with COPD will be randomised to either bisoprolol once daily (range 1.25-5 mg, dependent on tolerated dose) or matched placebo, in addition to receiving usual care for their COPD over the study duration of 24 months.The study will enrol 1164 participants with moderate to severe COPD, aged 40-85 years. Participants will be symptomatic from their COPD and have a postbronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁) ≥30% and ≤70% predicted and a history of at least one exacerbation requiring systemic corticosteroids, antibiotics or both in the prior 24 months.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study protocol has been approved by the Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee at The Concord Repatriation General Hospital.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS

NCT03917914; CTRI/2020/08/027322.

Management of noncardiovascular comorbidities in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

Patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction often have one or more noncardiovascular comorbidities. The presence of concomitant disease states is associated with worse outcomes, including increased risk of mortality, decreased quality of life, and increased healthcare resource utilization. Additionally, the presence of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction complicates the management of these comorbidities, including varying safety and efficacy of therapies compared to those without heart failure. This article will review the literature on the pharmacologic management of common noncardiovascular comorbidities-including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression, diabetes mellitus, gout, chronic kidney disease, and iron deficiency-in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, as well as provide recommendations for appropriate treatment selection in this population.

Beta-blocker therapy in patients with COPD: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis with multiple treatment comparison

BACKGROUND

Beta-blockers are associated with reduced mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease but are often under prescribed in those with concomitant COPD, due to concerns regarding respiratory side-effects. We investigated the effects of beta-blockers on outcomes in patients with COPD and explored within-class differences between different agents.

METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Medline for observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of beta-blocker exposure versus no exposure or placebo, in patients with COPD, with and without cardiovascular indications. A meta-analysis was performed to assess the association of beta-blocker therapy with acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD), and a network meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the effects of individual beta-blockers on FEV1. Mortality, all-cause hospitalization, and quality of life outcomes were narratively synthesized.

RESULTS

We included 23 observational studies and 14 RCTs. In pooled observational data, beta-blocker therapy was associated with an overall reduced risk of AECOPD versus no therapy (HR 0.77, 95%CI 0.70 to 0.85). Among individual beta-blockers, only propranolol was associated with a relative reduction in FEV1 versus placebo, among 199 patients evaluated in RCTs. Narrative syntheses on mortality, all-cause hospitalization and quality of life outcomes indicated a high degree of heterogeneity in study design and patient characteristics but suggested no detrimental effects of beta-blocker therapy on these outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The class effect of beta-blockers remains generally positive in patients with COPD. Reduced rates of AECOPD, mortality, and improved quality of life were identified in observational studies, while propranolol was the only agent associated with a deterioration of lung function in RCTs.

Comparative effectiveness of bisoprolol and carvedilol among patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis

Background

Despite widespread use, there is no trial evidence to inform β-blocker's (BB) relative safety and efficacy among patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). We herein compare health outcomes associated with carvedilol or bisoprolol use, the most commonly prescribed BBs in these patients.

Methods

We created a cohort study of 9305 HD patients who initiated bisoprolol and 11 171 HD patients who initiated carvedilol treatment between 2004 and 2011. We compared the risk of all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) between carvedilol and bisoprolol users during a 2-year follow-up.

Results

Bisoprolol initiators were younger, had shorter dialysis vintage, were women, had common comorbidities of hypertension and hyperlipidemia and were receiving statins and antiplatelets, but they had less heart failure and digoxin prescriptions than carvedilol initiators. During our observations, 1555 deaths and 5167 MACEs were recorded. In the multivariable-adjusted Cox model, bisoprolol initiation was associated with a lower all-cause mortality {hazard ratio [HR] 0.66 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60-0.73]} compared with carvedilol initiation. After accounting for the competing risk of death, bisoprolol use (versus carvedilol) was associated with a lower risk of MACEs [HR 0.85 (95% CI 0.80-0.91)] and attributed to a lower risk of heart failure [HR 0.83 (95% CI 0.77-0.91)] and ischemic stroke [HR 0.84 (95% CI 0.72-0.97)], but not to differences in the risk of acute myocardial infarction [HR 1.03 (95% CI 0.93-1.15)]. Results were confirmed in propensity score matching analyses, stratified analyses and analyses that considered prescribed dosages or censored patients discontinuing or switching BBs.

Conclusions

Relative to carvedilol, bisoprolol initiation by HD patients was associated with a lower 2-year risk of death and MACEs, mainly attributed to lower heart failure and ischemic stroke risk.

Recent Advances in β2-Agonists for Treatment of Chronic Respiratory Diseases and Heart Failure

β₂-Adrenoceptor (β₂-AR) agonists are widely used as bronchodilators. The emerge of ultralong acting β₂-agonists is an important breakthrough in pulmonary medicine. In this review, we will provide mechanistic insights into the application of β₂-agonists in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and heart failure (HF). Recent studies in β-AR signal transduction have revealed opposing functions of the β₁-AR and the β₂-AR on cardiomyocyte survival. Thus, β₂-agonists and β-blockers in combination may represent a novel strategy for HF management. Allosteric modulation and biased agonism at the β₂-AR also provide a theoretical basis for developing drugs with novel mechanisms of action and pharmacological profiles. Overlap of COPD and HF presents a substantial clinical challenge but also a unique opportunity for evaluation of the cardiovascular safety of β₂-agonists. Further basic and clinical research along these lines can help us develop better drugs and innovative strategies for the management of these difficult-to-treat diseases.

Respiratory function, autonomic dysfunction, and systemic inflammation are closely linked in patients with COPD and tidal flow limitation: An exploratory study

RATIONALE

The study aimed to investigate the interplay among respiratory function, autonomic dysfunction, and systemic inflammation in COPD patients.

METHODS

In 19 COPD patients, functional respiratory parameters, heart rate variability (HRV), and plasma high-sensitivity-C-reactive-protein (hs-CRP) were assessed. Forced oscillation technique (FOT) was used to detect the absence (NFL) or presence (FL) of resting tidal expiratory flow limitation. Subsequently, patients underwent an incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT). Twenty healthy subjects were also shown as controls.

RESULTS

FEV₁, DL_CO, and lung volumes displayed significant correlations with LH/FH ratio (0.56 < r²<0.27,p < 0.01). A significant relationship was found between LH/FH ratio with IC/TLC ratio% (r² = 0.29,p < 0.05) and hs-CRP (r² = 0.26,p < 0.05). Patients with FL had greater hs-CRP plasma levels (p < 0.05), lower IC/TLC% (p < 0.05), and higher LH/FH ratio (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Worse airflow obstruction was associated with a higher LH/HF ratio, directly related, to hs-CRP and indices of dynamic hyperinflation. The presence of resting tidal FL with dynamic pulmonary hyperinflation is a strong driver of systemic inflammation and autonomic dysfunction.

Real-world effectiveness of medications on survival in patients with COPD-heart failure overlap

The appropriate treatment for patients with coexistent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure (HF) remains unclear. Data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database was used for this retrospective cohort study. Patients diagnosed with both diseases between 1997 and 2012 were enrolled as the COPD-heart failure overlap cohort. Patients were categorized as non-users and users of specific COPD and HF medications. Medication prescriptions in each 3-month and 1-year period served as time-dependent covariates. The primary endpoint was cumulative survival. The validation study confirmed the accuracy of definitions of COPD (94.0% sensitivity) and HF (96.3% sensitivity).

The study included 275,436 patients with COPD-heart failure overlap, with a mean follow-up period of 9.32 years. The COPD-heart failure overlap cohort had more medical service use and higher mortality than did the COPD alone cohort. Use of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)/long-acting β2 agonist (LABA) combinations, long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), β blockers, aldosterone antagonists, and statins reduced mortality risk compared with non-use. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses confirmed the consistency and robustness of results.

ICS/LABA combinations, LAMA, ARBs, β blockers, aldosterone antagonists, and statins use was associated with a lower mortality risk in patients with COPD-heart failure overlap.

Beta Adrenergic Blocker Use in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Concurrent Chronic Heart Failure With a Low Ejection Fraction

Chronic heart failure (CHF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often coexist and present clinicians with diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Beta-blockers are a cornerstone of CHF treatment, in patients with a low ejection fraction, while beta-agonists are utilized for COPD. These 2 therapies exert opposing pharmacological effects. COPD patients are at an increased risk of mortality from cardiovascular events. In addition to CHF, beta-blockers are used in a number of cardiovascular conditions because of their cardioprotective properties as well as their mortality benefit. However, there is reluctance among physicians to use beta-blockers in patients with COPD because of fear of inducing bronchospasms, despite increasing evidence of their safety and mortality benefits. The majority of this evidence comes from observational studies showing that beta-blockers are safe and well tolerated, with minimal effect on respiratory function. Furthermore, beta-blockers have been shown to lower the mortality risk in patients with COPD alone, as well as in those with COPD and CHF. Large clinical trials are needed in order to dispel the mistrust of beta-blocker use in COPD patients. The current evidence supports the use of cardioselective beta-blockers in patients with COPD. As the population continues to live longer, comorbidities become ever more present, and cardioselective beta-blockers should not be withheld from patients with COPD and coexistent CHF, because the benefits outweigh the risks.

Role of Metoprolol Succinate in the Treatment of Heart Failure and Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Beta-blockers are one of the most important classes of cardiovascular agents and have been considered a cornerstone therapy in heart diseases, such as heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF). Among different beta-blockers, metoprolol is a selective beta1-adrenergic antagonist, which has been extensively used since the 1970s.

AREAS OF UNCERTAINTY

Although current guidelines include recommendations for the use of controlled-release metoprolol succinate in specific HF and AF indications, and despite extensive clinical experience with metoprolol, comparative evidence on the use of metoprolol succinate compared with other beta-blockers in these indications is limited.

DATA SOURCES

We systematically reviewed the data from head-to-head studies directly comparing this compound with other beta-blockers in the treatment of HF or AF. Only clinical trials and observational studies were considered; no other limits were applied. The quality and relevance of retrieved articles were reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 18 articles of the 353 articles identified were selected for inclusion; 12 HF articles and 6 for AF. Additional references were identified from the bibliographies of retrieved articles. The studies show that oral prophylaxis with an appropriate dose of metoprolol may reduce new incidents of AF in high-risk patients. Furthermore, metoprolol succinate is associated with significant mortality and morbidity benefits in the treatment of HF.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the introduction of newer beta-blockers with differing clinical characteristics since its introduction, metoprolol succinate remains a useful drug in both HF and AF.

[Clinical effect of carvedilol in treatment of children with severe hand-foot-mouth disease caused by enterovirus 71 infection]

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinical effect of carvedilol in the treatment of children with severe hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) caused by enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 86 children with severe HFMD caused by EV71 infection who were admitted to the hospital from April 2016 to August 2017. According to whether carvedilol was used, the children were divided into conventional treatment group with 51 children and carvedilol treatment group with 35 children. A total of 56 healthy children who underwent physical examination at the outpatient service during the same period were enrolled as the control group. The two treatment groups were compared in terms of clinical features and levels of catecholamines (norepinephrine, adrenaline and dopamine), and the levels of catecholamines were compared between these two treatment groups and the control group.

RESULTS

Before treatment, the conventional treatment group and the carvedilol treatment group had significantly higher levels of norepinephrine and adrenaline than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, both the conventional treatment group and the carvedilol treatment group had significant reductions in norepinephrine, adrenaline, blood glucose, systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, heart rate, body temperature and leukocyte count (P<0.05). Compared with the conventional treatment group, the carvedilol treatment group had significantly lower dopamine level, blood glucose, heart rate and respiratory rate after treatment (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in norepinephrine and adrenaline might be involved in the pathogenesis of severe HFMD caused by EV71 infection. Carvedilol, in addition to the conventional treatment, can improve respiration, heart rate and blood glucose in children with severe HFMD caused by EV71 infection.

[Clinical effect of carvedilol in treatment of children with severe hand-foot-mouth disease caused by enterovirus 71 infection]

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinical effect of carvedilol in the treatment of children with severe hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) caused by enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 86 children with severe HFMD caused by EV71 infection who were admitted to the hospital from April 2016 to August 2017. According to whether carvedilol was used, the children were divided into conventional treatment group with 51 children and carvedilol treatment group with 35 children. A total of 56 healthy children who underwent physical examination at the outpatient service during the same period were enrolled as the control group. The two treatment groups were compared in terms of clinical features and levels of catecholamines (norepinephrine, adrenaline and dopamine), and the levels of catecholamines were compared between these two treatment groups and the control group.

RESULTS

Before treatment, the conventional treatment group and the carvedilol treatment group had significantly higher levels of norepinephrine and adrenaline than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, both the conventional treatment group and the carvedilol treatment group had significant reductions in norepinephrine, adrenaline, blood glucose, systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, heart rate, body temperature and leukocyte count (P<0.05). Compared with the conventional treatment group, the carvedilol treatment group had significantly lower dopamine level, blood glucose, heart rate and respiratory rate after treatment (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in norepinephrine and adrenaline might be involved in the pathogenesis of severe HFMD caused by EV71 infection. Carvedilol, in addition to the conventional treatment, can improve respiration, heart rate and blood glucose in children with severe HFMD caused by EV71 infection.

Therapeutic effects of the combination of inhaled beta2-agonists and beta-blockers in COPD patients with cardiovascular disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major health problem worldwide, with co-morbidities contributing to the overall severity and mortality of the disease. The incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular disease among COPD patients are high. Both disorders often co-exist, mainly due to smoking, but they also share common underlying risk factors, such as aging and low-grade systemic inflammation. The therapeutic approach is based on agents, whose pharmacological properties are completely opposed. Beta2-agonists remain the cornerstone of COPD treatment due to their limited cardiac adverse effects. On the other hand, beta-blockers are administered in COPD patients with cardiovascular disease, but despite their proven cardiac benefits, they remain underused. There is still a trend among physicians over underprescription of these drugs in patients with heart failure and COPD due to bronchoconstriction. Therefore, cardioselective beta-blockers are preferred, and recent meta-analyses have shown reduced rates in mortality and exacerbations in COPD patients treated with beta-blockers.

Association of asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlap syndrome with coronary artery disease, cardiac dysrhythmia and heart failure: a population-based retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Patients with asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) overlap syndrome (ACOS) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) share common risk factors. However, the association between ACOS and the incidence of CVDs has not been reported. This study investigated the relationship between CVDs and ACOS in the general population.

SETTING

Data were obtained from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database for the period 2000 to 2010.

PARTICIPANTS

The ACOS cohort comprised patients (n=5814) who had received a diagnosis of asthma and COPD. The non-ACOS cohort comprised patients who had not received a diagnosis of asthma or COPD and were matched to the ACOS cohort (2:1) by age, sex and index date (n=11 625).

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The cumulative incidence of CVDs-coronary artery disease (CAD), cardiac dysrhythmia (CD) and heart failure (HF)-was calculated. Cox proportional regression analysis was employed to examine the relationship between ACOS and CVDs.

RESULTS

After adjustment for multiple confounding factors-age, sex, comorbidities and medications-patients with ACOS were associated with a significantly higher risk of CVDs; the adjusted HRs (aHRs; 95% CI) for CAD, CD and HF were 1.62 (1.50 to 1.76), 1.44 (1.30 to 1.61) and 1.94 (1.73 to 2.19), respectively, whereas those of beta-blockers treatment for CAD, CD and HF were 1.19 (0.92 to 1.53), 0.90 (0.56 to 1.45) and 0.82 (0.49 to 1.38). The aHR of atenolol treatment for CD was 1.72 (1.01 to 2.93). The aHRs (95% CIs) of ACOS without acute exacerbation of COPD (AE-COPD) for CAD, CD and HF were 1.85 (1.70 to 2.01), 1.57 (1.40 to 1.77) and 2.07 (1.82 to 2.35), respectively.

CONCLUSION

ACOS was associated with higher CVD risk, even without the presence of previous comorbidities or AE-COPD. No significant differences in CVD events were observed in the ACOS cohort using beta-blockers, except for those using atenolol for treating CD.

The Real Role of β-Blockers in Daily Cardiovascular Therapy

The role of β-adrenoceptor antagonists (β-blockers) in cardiovascular therapy has been subject to diverse trends and changes over the decades. With the advent of a wide variety of excellent drugs for the treatment of antihypertension, β-blockers have been relegated from the first-line treatment of essential hypertension. However, they remain the drugs of first choice in recommendations from the respective medical societies for heart failure, coronary artery disease, and atrial fibrillation as well as in hypertension complicated with heart failure, angina pectoris, or prior myocardial infarction. When indicated, cardioselective β-blockers should be prescribed in patients with diabetes mellitus or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We review the available evidence for the use of β-blockers in clinical conditions in which recommendations can be made for everyday practice.

The evaluation of β-adrenoceptor blocking agents in patients with COPD and congestive heart failure: a nationwide study

OBJECTIVE

β-Blockers are safe and improve survival in patients with both congestive heart failure (CHF) and COPD. However, the superiority of different types of β-blockers is still unclear among patients with CHF and COPD. The association between β-blockers and CHF exacerbation as well as COPD exacerbation remains unclear. The objective of this study was to compare the outcome of different β-blockers in patients with concurrent CHF and COPD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We used the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan to conduct a retrospective cohort study. The inclusion criteria for CHF were patients who were >20 years old and were diagnosed with CHF between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2012. COPD patients included those who had outpatient visit claims ≥2 times within 365 days or 1 claim for hospitalization with a COPD diagnosis. A time-dependent Cox proportional hazards regression model was applied to evaluate the effectiveness of β-blockers in the study population.

RESULTS

We identified 1,872 patients with concurrent CHF and COPD. Only high-dose bisoprolol significantly reduced the risk of death and slightly decreased the hospitalization rate due to CHF exacerbation (death: adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] =0.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] =0.29-0.89; hospitalization rate due to CHF exacerbation: aHR =0.48, 95% CI =0.23-1.00). No association was observed between β-blocker use and COPD exacerbation.

CONCLUSION

In patients with concurrent CHF and COPD, β-blockers reduced mortality, CHF exacerbation, and the need for hospitalization. Bisoprolol was found to reduce mortality and CHF exacerbation compared to carvedilol and metoprolol.

Paradigms in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: phenotypes, immunobiology, and therapy with a focus on vascular disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex and heterogeneous syndrome that represents a major global health burden. COPD phenotypes have recently emerged based on large cohort studies addressing the need to better characterize the syndrome. Though comprehensive phenotyping is still at an early stage, factors such as ethnicity and radiographic, serum, and exhaled breath biomarkers have shown promise. COPD is also an immunological disease where innate and adaptive immune responses to the environment and tobacco smoke are altered. The frequent overlap between COPD and other systemic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, has influenced COPD therapy, and treatments for both conditions may lead to improved patient outcomes. Here, we discuss current paradigms that center on improving the definition of COPD, understanding the immunological overlap between COPD and vascular inflammation, and the treatment of COPD-with a focus on comorbid cardiovascular disease.

Characteristics of Beta-blocker Treatment in Cardiac Patients with Concomitant Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background: Recent scientific data demonstrated a potential beneficial effect of beta-blocker (BB) therapy in cardiac patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Our aim was to characterize the use of beta-blockers in these patients, in “real-life” conditions.

Material and methods: We collected retrospectively the data of 60 consecutive cardiac patients (51 men, 9 women, mean age 67 years) with the concomitant diagnosis of COPD: main cardiac conditions, presence and reason of BB therapy, type of drug and dosage, main ECG and echocardiographic parameters, medication and data regarding COPD. Besides descriptive statistics, we compared the data of patients with and without BB therapy (chi-square test, level of significance alpha <0.05) in order to identify factors associated with BB usage.

Results: In our study population, 41.6% of the patients had received BB treatment, the most frequently used drug being bisoprolol 2.5 mg and 5 mg q.d. (28%-28%), followed by carvedilol (32%). The prevalence of BB therapy was 51.2% in heart failure patients (48% in NYHA class III and IV, and 66.6% in dilated cardiomyopathy), 38.4% in hypertension, 81.8% in ischemic artery disease, and 64.7% in subjects with atrial fibrillation. The usage of BB therapy was significantly associated with the presence of heart failure (p = 0.047), dilated cardiomyopathy (p = 0.034), ischemic heart disease (p = 0.005), previous myocardial infarction (p = 0.003) and, inversely, with the acute exacerbation of COPD (p = 0.006).

Conclusions: Despite the fact that every cardiac patient with COPD had a potential indication for BB treatment, this was used insufficiently, especially in case of heart failure patients. In daily practice, there is a need for continuous review and improvement of BB usage in these patients.

Erratum: Carvedilol, Bisoprolol, and Metoprolol Use in Patients With Coexistent Heart Failure and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Erratum

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000002427.].