Pre-stroke use of beta-blockers does not affect ischaemic stroke severity and outcome

Background and purpose: It is unclear whether pre-stroke beta-blockers use may influence stroke outcome. This study evaluates the independent effect of pre-stroke use of beta-blockers on ischaemic stroke severity and 3 months functional outcome.

Methods: Pre-stroke use of beta-blockers was investigated in 1375 ischaemic stroke patients who had been included in two placebo-controlled trials with lubeluzole. Stroke severity was assessed by either the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) or the European Stroke Scale (ESS). A modified Rankin scale (mRS) score of >3 at 3 months was used as measure for the poor functional outcome.

Results: Two hundred and sixty four patients were on beta-blockers prior to stroke onset, and 105 patients continued treatment after their stroke. Pretreatment with beta-blockers did not influence baseline stroke severity. There was no difference in stroke severity between nonusers and those on either a selective beta₁-blocker or a non-selective beta-blocker. The likelihood of a poor outcome at 3 months was not influenced by pre-stroke beta-blocker use or beta-blocker use before and continued after stroke onset.

Conclusions: Pre-stroke use of beta-blockers does not appear to influence stroke severity and functional outcome at 3 months.