Effect of metoprolol on quality of life in the Prevention of Syncope Trial.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Vasovagal syncope is common, often recurrent, and reduces quality of life. No therapies have proven useful to improve quality of life in adequately designed randomized clinical trials. Beta-blockers have mixed evidence for effectiveness in preventing syncope.

METHODS:

The Prevention of Syncope Trial was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multinational, clinical trial that tested the hypothesis that metoprolol improves quality of life in adult patients with vasovagal syncope in a 1-year observation period. Randomization was stratified in strata of patients <42 and > or =42 years old. The quality of life questionnaires Short Form-36 (SF-36) and Euroqol EQ-5D were completed at baseline and after 6 and 12 months of treatment by 204, 132, and 121 patients, respectively.

RESULTS:

There were 208 patients, mean age 42 +/- 18, of whom 134 (64%) were females. All had positive tilt tests. There was no improvement in quality of life during the trial in the entire group or in either treatment arm. Patients in the metoprolol treatment arm did not have improved quality of life compared to the patients in the placebo arm using either the SF-36 or EQ5D after either 6 or 12 months. Finally, there was no improvement in quality of life associated with metoprolol use in patients either <42 or > or =42 years of age.

CONCLUSION:

Metoprolol does not improve quality of life in patients with recurrent vasovagal syncope and a positive tilt test.

• Authors: Robert S Sheldon, Joseph E Amuah, Stuart J Connolly, Sarah Rose, Carlos A Morillo, Mario Talajic, Teresa Kus, Fetnat Fouad-Tarazi, Thomas Klingenheben, Andrew D Krahn, Mary-Lou Koshman, Debbie Ritchie, Prevention of Syncope Trial
• Journal: Journal of cardiovascular electrophysiology (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol) Vol. 20 Issue 10 Pg. 1083-8 (Oct 2009) ISSN: 1540-8167 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 19563364 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Adult
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Internationality
• Longitudinal Studies
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Prevalence
• Quality of Life
• Risk Assessment
• Risk Factors
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Syncope, Vasovagal (diagnosis, epidemiology, prevention & control)
• Treatment Outcome