Effect of ?-blockers on platelet aggregation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Platelets play an important role in cardiovascular disease, and ?-blockers are often prescribed for cardiovascular disease prevention. ?-Blockers may directly affect platelet aggregation, because ?-adrenergic receptors are present on platelets. There is uncertainty about the existence and magnitude of an effect of ?-blockers on platelet aggregation. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of ?-blockers on platelet aggregation.MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched until April 2014. Two reviewers independently performed data extraction and risk of bias assessment. Type of ?-blocker, population, treatment duration and platelet aggregation were extracted. Standardized mean differences were calculated for each study and pooled in a random-effects meta-analysis.We retrieved 31 studies (28 clinical trials and three observational studies). ?-Blockers decreased platelet aggregation (standardized mean difference -0.54, 95% confidence interval -0.85 to -0.24, P < 0.0001). This corresponds to a reduction of 13% (95% confidence interval 8-17%). Nonselective lipophilic ?-blockers decreased platelet aggregation more than selective nonlipophilic ?-blockers.Clinically used ?-blockers significantly reduce platelet aggregation. Nonselective lipophilic ?-blockers seem to reduce platelet aggregation more effectively than selective nonlipophilic ?-blockers. These findings may help to explain why some ?-blockers are more effective than others in preventing cardiovascular disease.
SUBMITTER: Bonten TN
PROVIDER: S-EPMC4243868 | biostudies-other | 2014 Nov
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other
ACCESS DATA