Beta-Blockers and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Growth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND: Aortic aneurysms are worrisome because of their predisposition to dissection and rupture. Beta-blockers are considered first-line therapy for aortic aneurysms. The following meta-analysis assesses if beta-blockers diminish aortic aneurysm growth. METHODS: A literature search was performed to collect information on clinical trials that have assessed aortic aneurysm growth between beta-blockers and placebo. The primary endpoint was aortic aneurysm growth rate per year. A forest plot with a random-effects model was used for analysis. RESULTS: Eight clinical trials were included in the analysis. Beta-blockers showed a statistically non-significant effect on aortic aneurysm growth (standard mean difference -0.44; 95% CI [-0.44, 0.00]). CONCLUSION: Beta-blockers do not significantly influence aortic aneurysm growth. Further studies are required to find a suitable medical therapy to reduce growth rates.