At 10:39 22/03/2005, you wrote:
>Didn't someone get convicted of manslaughter after prescribing beta blockers
>to an asthmatic? I have a memory of South Wales for some reason.
>
>Fay
The routine use of beta blockers to treat eg. hypertension in an asthmatic
is not defensible.
The use of even beta blocker eye drops when alternatives may be equally
sight preserving is also indefensible.
The use of beta blockers in IHD, where there is a significant reduction in
re-infarction and LV deterioration is wholly different, and could well
justify the risk of aggravating bronchospasm. Patients do need to
understand the issues, and the judgement needs to be carefully made of course.
Julian
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