Beta-blockers in COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): Feasibility of a Randomised Controlled Trial

Beta-blockers in COPD: Feasibility of a Randomised Controlled Trial

Status

Terminated

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Interventional

Source

ANZCTR

Registry ID

ACTRN12614001095651

Enrollment

Registered

2014-10-15

Start date

2014-11-24

Completion date

2015-06-15

Last updated

2025-09-08

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

None listed

Brief summary

Beta-blocker treatment is known to improve survival from several cardiac diseases. Unfortunately, beta-blockers are usually avoided in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) because of concerns that they may make airflow obstruction worse. Therefore patients with COPD are often deprived of the benefits of beta-blockers even though they have a very high risk of cardiac problems. Recent evidence suggests that beta-blockers may be safe and effective in lung disease but there have been no clinical studies to confirm this. This feasibility study will assess the safety and tolerability of metoprolol, a cardio-selective beta-blocker, in patients with exacerbations of COPD to determine whether a randomised controlled trial of beta-blockers should be conducted. The randomised study would provide a definitive answer on whether beta-blockers are safe and effective in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Interventions

Feasibility of starting a cardioselective beta-blocker (metoprolol) in patients with an exacerbation of COPD. Participants will be given a test dose of 12.5 mg standard oral metoprolol in hospital. If this is tolerated, they will be commenced on a low dose of 23.75mg controlled-release metoprolol on daily. The dose will be increased after two weeks to 47.5mg daily and after a further 4 weeks to 95mg daily if tolerated. The duration of treatment will be 3 months.

Study design

Allocation

Non-randomised trial

Intervention model

Single group

Primary purpose

Prevention

Masking

Open (masking not used)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Age

40 Years to No maximum

Healthy volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Admitted to hospital with an exacerbation of COPD Spirometry confirms COPD At least 10 pack year smoking history

Exclusion criteria

Acute coronary syndrome Already treated with beta-blocker Major contra-indication to cardio-selective beta-blocker Terminal illness Primary admission diagnosis of pneumonia or other acute respiratory disease

Outcome results