Back to top anchor

A Randomised Controlled Trial of Beta-blockers in COPD

Year:
2019
Duration:
72 months
Approved budget:
$1,439,384.60
Researchers:
Professor Bob Hancox
Health issue:
Respiratory/asthma
Proposal type:
Project
Lay summary
Many patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) also have heart disease. Beta-blockers are an important treatment for heart disease that reduce mortality, but these drugs are usually avoided in patients with COPD because of concerns that it might make their lung disease worse. It is now thought that cardio-selective beta-blockers, which have less effect on the lungs, are probably safe for patients with COPD, but no studies have compared the balance of risks and benefits in these patients. This is a randomised, placebo-controlled trial of the cardio-selective beta-blocker bisoprolol for patients with COPD to assess the effects of beta-blockers on cardiac and respiratory health and overall survival. The study will be conducted at multiple centres in New Zealand and Australia.