Withholding versus Continuing Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Inhibitors or Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers before Noncardiac Surgery: An Analysis of the Vascular events In noncardiac Surgery patIents cOhort evaluatioN Prospective Cohort.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The effect on cardiovascular outcomes of withholding angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers in chronic users before noncardiac surgery is unknown.

METHODS:

In this international prospective cohort study, the authors analyzed data from 14,687 patients (including 4,802 angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin II receptor blocker users) at least 45 yr old who had in-patient noncardiac surgery from 2007 to 2011. Using multivariable regression models, the authors studied the relationship between withholding angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers and a primary composite outcome of all-cause death, stroke, or myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery at 30 days, with intraoperative and postoperative clinically important hypotension as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS:

Compared to patients who continued their angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers, the 1,245 (26%) angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin II receptor blocker users who withheld their angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers in the 24 h before surgery were less likely to suffer the primary composite outcome of all-cause death, stroke, or myocardial injury (150/1,245 [12.0%] vs. 459/3,557 [12.9%]; adjusted relative risk, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.70 to 0.96; P = 0.01) and intraoperative hypotension (adjusted relative risk, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.72 to 0.93; P < 0.001). The risk of postoperative hypotension was similar between the two groups (adjusted relative risk, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.77 to 1.10; P = 0.36). Results were consistent across the range of preoperative blood pressures. The practice of withholding angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers was only modestly correlated with patient characteristics and the type and timing of surgery.

CONCLUSIONS:

Withholding angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers before major noncardiac surgery was associated with a lower risk of death and postoperative vascular events. A large randomized trial is needed to confirm this finding. In the interim, clinicians should consider recommending that patients withhold angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers 24 h before surgery.

• Authors: Pavel S Roshanov, Bram Rochwerg, Ameen Patel, Omid Salehian, Emmanuelle Duceppe, Emilie P Belley-Côté, Gordon H Guyatt, Daniel I Sessler, Yannick Le Manach, Flavia K Borges, Vikas Tandon, Andrew Worster, Alexandra Thompson, Mithin Koshy, Breagh Devereaux, Frederick A Spencer, Robert D Sanders, Erin N Sloan, Erin E Morley, James Paul, Karen E Raymer, Zubin Punthakee, P J Devereaux
• Journal: Anesthesiology (Anesthesiology) Vol. 126 Issue 1 Pg. 16-27 (01 2017) ISSN: 1528-1175 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 27775997 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists
• Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

Topics

• Aged
• Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists (administration & dosage)
• Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (administration & dosage)
• Cohort Studies
• Female
• Humans
• Hypotension (epidemiology)
• Internationality
• Intraoperative Complications (epidemiology)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Postoperative Complications (epidemiology)
• Prospective Studies
• Surgical Procedures, Operative
• Withholding Treatment (statistics & numerical data)