Efficacy and Safety of Tolvaptan in Patients Hospitalized With Acute Heart Failure

Temporal trends in tolvaptan use after revision of national heart failure guidelines in Japan

Within no definite diuretic protocol for acute heart failure (AHF) patients and its variation in regional clinical guidelines, the latest national guidelines in Japan commends use of tolvaptan in diuretic-resistant patients. This study aimed to examine trends in tolvaptan usage and associated outcomes of AHF patients requiring hospitalization. Between April, 2018 and October, 2019, 1343 consecutive AHF patients (median 78 [69-85] year-old) were enrolled in a prospective, multicenter registry in Japan. Trends over time in tolvaptan usage, along with the severity of heart failure status based on the Get With The Guideline-Heart Failure [GWTG-HF] risk score, and in-hospital outcomes were investigated. During the study period, tolvaptan usage has increased from 13.0 to 28.7% over time (p for trend = 0.07), and 49.4% started tolvaptan within 3 days after admission. The GWTG-HF risk score in the tolvaptan group has significantly decreased over time, while that in the non-tolvaptan group has unchanged. There were no differences in the in-hospital mortality rate between the patients with and without tolvaptan (6.7% vs. 5.8%). After revision of the Japanese clinical practice guidelines for AHF in March 2018, tolvaptan usage for AHF patients has steadily increased. However, in-hospital outcomes including mortality do not seem to be affected.

The Clinical Importance of Hyponatremia in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices

Hyponatremia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in heart failure (HF) patients. The implication of hyponatremia during left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy remains unknown. In this retrospective study, consecutive LVAD patients implanted between April 2014 and March 2018 were stratified by the presence of hyponatremia (serum sodium <135 mEq/L) at 30 days post-LVAD. Incidence of HF readmissions and survival during 1-year follow-up were compared between the groups. Of 204 patients identified, 170 were included. Serum sodium levels improved significantly from pre-LVAD to 1-year post-LVAD (136 [133, 139] mEq/L to 137 [135, 140] mEq/L, p < 0.001). At 30 days, 35 patients (21%) were in the hyponatremia group. No difference was observed for 1-year survival between groups (77% vs. 81%, p = 0.66). However, the incidence of HF readmissions was significantly higher in the hyponatremia group (44% vs. 15%, p = 0.001). Among the patients with pre-LVAD hyponatremia (N = 60), those with normalized serum sodium levels (N = 42) had a lower incidence of HF readmissions compared with those with persistent hyponatremia (12% vs. 44%, p = 0.008). Hyponatremia in LVAD patients is associated with a higher incidence of HF readmissions. Further studies are needed to elucidate whether therapies directed at hyponatremia (e.g., vasopressin antagonists) would improve outcomes in LVAD patients.

Potential of Phage Display Antibody Technology for Cardiovascular Disease Immunotherapy

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. CVD includes coronary artery diseases such as angina, myocardial infarction, and stroke. "Lipid hypothesis" which is also known as the cholesterol hypothesis proposes the linkage of plasma cholesterol level with the risk of developing CVD. Conventional management involves the use of statins to reduce the serum cholesterol levels as means for CVD prevention or treatment. The regulation of serum cholesterol levels can potentially be regulated with biological interventions like monoclonal antibodies. Phage display is a powerful tool for the development of therapeutic antibodies with successes over the recent decade. Although mainly for oncology, the application of monoclonal antibodies as immunotherapeutic agents could potentially be expanded to CVD. This review focuses on the concept of phage display for antibody development and discusses the potential target antigens that could potentially be beneficial for serum cholesterol management.

Multinephron Segment Diuretic Therapy to Overcome Diuretic Resistance in Acute Heart Failure: A Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND

The concept of multinephron segment diuretic therapy (MSDT) has been recommended in severe diuretic resistance with only expert opinion and case-level evidence. The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of MSDT, combining 4 diuretic classes, in acute heart failure (AHF) complicated by diuretic resistance.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A retrospective analysis was conducted in patients hospitalized with AHF at a single medical center who received MSDT, including concomitant carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, loop, thiazide, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist diuretics. Subjects served as their own controls with efficacy evaluated as urine output and weight change before and after MSDT. Serum chemistries, renal replacement therapies, and in-hospital mortality were evaluated for safety. Patients with severe diuretic resistance before MSDT were analyzed as a subcohort. A total of 167 patients with AHF and diuretic resistance received MSDT. MSDT was associated with increased median 24-hour urine output in the first day of therapy compared with the previous day (2.16 L [0.95-4.14 L] to 3.08 L [1.74-4.86 L], P = .003) in the total cohort and in the Severe diuretic resistance cohort (0.91 L [0.43-1.43 L] to 2.08 L [1.13-3.96 L], P < .001). The median cumulative weight loss at day 7 or discharge was -7.4 kg (-15.3 to -3.4 kg) (P = .02). Neither serum sodium, chloride, potassium, bicarbonate, or creatinine changed significantly relative to baseline (P > .05 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

In an AHF cohort with diuretic resistance, MSDT was associated with increased diuresis without changes in serum chemistries or kidney function. Prospective studies of MSDT in AHF and diuretic resistance are warranted.

Quantification and Treatment of Congestion in Heart Failure: A Clinical and Pathophysiological Overview

Renal sodium and water retention with resulting extracellular volume expansion and redistribution are hallmark features of heart failure syndromes. However, congestion assessment, monitoring, and treatment represent a real challenge in daily clinical practice. This document reviewed historical and contemporary evidence of available methods for determining volume status and discuss pharmacological aspects and pathophysiological principles that underlie diuretic use.

Acute kidney injury in patients with acute coronary syndrome after percutaneous coronary intervention: pathophysiologies, risk factors and preventive measures

Background: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been an effective treatment for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the common complications after PCI, which seriously affects the living quality and survival time of patients. The approach followed for the patient with AKI after PCI depends on the clinical context and may vary by resource availability. Summary: This review focuses on the pathophysiologies, influencing factors, and preventive measures of AKI in patients with ACS after PCI. The knowledge may better serve the patients and improve their outcomes. Key Messages: Many studies have been carried out for the definition and standard of AKI in the past few years. Etiologies of AKI after PCI included renal damage of contrast medium and atherosclerotic embolism, cardiac insufficiency and surgical factors on renal function. Basic conditions, treatment modalities, and perioperative changes are major risk factors of AKI. Studies have reported that the prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy, modulating the volume overload, some pharmaceuticals and blood purification treatment are helpful to prevent the occurrence of AKI.

Characterization of tolvaptan response and its impact on the outcome for patients with heart failure

BACKGROUND

Conventional diuretic therapy such as loop diuretics is a cornerstone of the treatment for heart failure (HF). Diuretic response is an important factor in determining resistance to HF therapy and has been shown to be associated with subsequent clinical outcome. Tolvaptan (TVP), a vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist, has a favorable profile in terms of rapid fluid removal and less aggravation of renal function. We hypothesized that the response to TVP might be associated with the subsequent clinical outcome.

METHOD

In this single-center retrospective study, 148 consecutive HF patients who were administered TVP from 2014 through 2018 [age 79 (69-86) years, male 89 (60%)] were included. Ninety-six patients were divided into TVP responder [N = 39 (41%)] and non-responder groups based on the cut-off value of gained urine output (+ 93 ml/mg TVP /day) on the day after TVP was introduced.

RESULTS

Early TVP introduction (p = 0.012) and lower dose of loop diuretics (p = 0.043) were predictors of TVP responder. For 2 years after discharge, TVP responders showed more favorable outcomes regarding the primary endpoint defined as the composite of all-cause death and HF readmission (p = 0.034, log-rank test) and HF readmission (p = 0.005). A multivariable Cox model analysis revealed that TVP responder was an independent predictor of the primary endpoint (hazard ratio 0.48, p = 0.041). TVP responders had a lower number of HF readmissions over a 1-year period (p = 0.002). TVP response was independently associated with the number of HF readmissions (p = 0.015). The proportion of patients with an extended period between discharge and HF readmission after TVP administration was higher in responders than non-responders (67% vs. 23%, p = 0.006). These associations of TVP response and post-discharge outcomes were more evident in patients who continued TVP after discharge.

CONCLUSION

TVP response can be indicative of subsequent clinical outcomes and may be informative when considering advanced care planning.

Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Approaches to Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is one of the leading admission diagnoses worldwide, yet it is an entity with incompletely understood pathophysiology and limited therapeutic options. Patients admitted for ADHF have high in-hospital morbidity and mortality, as well as frequent rehospitalizations and subsequent cardiovascular death. This devastating clinical course is partly due to suboptimal medical management of ADHF with persistent congestion upon hospital discharge and inadequate predischarge initiation of life-saving guideline-directed therapies. While new drugs for the treatment of chronic HF continue to be approved, there has been no new therapy approved for ADHF in decades. This review will focus on the current limited understanding of ADHF pathophysiology, possible therapeutic targets, and current limitations in expanding available therapies in light of the unmet need among these high-risk patients.

The pathophysiology and management of diuretic resistance in patients with heart failure

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the study are to investigate the causes of diuretic resistance in patients with advanced congestive heart failure (CHF), since diuretics are the cornerstone of treatment of these patients. Several studies have shown that diuretic resistance in patients with advanced CHF is common, ranging from 25% to 50% in hospitalized patients.

METHODS

In order to get a current perspective as to the magnitude of diuretic resistance in such patients, a focused Medline search of the English language literature was conducted between 2015 and 2020 using the search terms, CHF, diuretics, treatment, resistance, frequency, and 30 papers with pertinent information were selected.

RESULTS

The analysis of data from the selected papers demonstrated that diuretic resistance is common in hospitalized patients with advanced CHF and frequently associated with renal failure, which is secondary to CHF.

CONCLUSIONS

Diuretic resistance appears to be common in patients with advanced CHF and it is mostly due to decreased cardiac output, low blood pressure, decreased glomerular filtration rate, decreased filtration of sodium, and increased tubular reabsorption of sodium. Diuretic resistance in such patients can be overcome with the combination of loop diuretics with thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics, aldosterone antagonists, as well as other agents. The data from these studies in combination with collateral literature will be discussed in this review.

Optimal diuretic strategies in heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. According to a 2019 American Heart Association report, about 6.2 million American adults had HF between 2013 and 2016, being responsible for almost 1 million admissions. As the population ages, the prevalence of HF is anticipated to increase, with 8 million Americans projected to have HF by 2030, posing a significant public health and financial burden. Acute decompensated HF (ADHF) is a syndrome characterized by volume overload and inadequate cardiac output associated with symptoms including some combination of exertional shortness of breath, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND), fatigue, tissue congestion (e.g., peripheral edema) and decreased mentation. The pathology is characterized by hemodynamic abnormalities that result in autonomic imbalance with an increase in sympathetic activity, withdrawal of vagal activity and neurohormonal activation (NA) resulting in increased plasma volume in the setting of decreased sodium excretion, increased water retention and in turn an elevation of filling pressures. These neurohormonal changes are adaptive mechanisms which in the short term are associated with increased contractility of the left ventricular (LV) and improvement in cardiac output. But chronically, the failing heart is unable to overcome the excessive pressure and volume leading to worsening HF. The primary symptomatic management of ADHF includes intravenous (IV) diuresis to help with decongestion and return to euvolemic status. Even though diuretics have not been shown to provide any mortality benefit, they have been clinically proven to be of significant benefit in the acute decompensated phase, as well as in chronic management of HF. Loop diuretics remain the mainstay of therapy for symptomatic management of HF with use of thiazide diuretics for synergistic effect in the setting of diuretic resistance. Poor diuretic efficacy has been linked with higher mortality and increased rehospitalizations.

Pharmacotherapeutic principles of fluid management in heart failure

Introduction: Heart failure is a major public health concern that is expected to increase over the decades to come. Despite significant advances, fluid overload and congestion remain a major therapeutic challenge. Vascular congestion and neurohormonal activation are intricately linked and the goal of therapy fundamentally aims to reduce both.Areas covered: The authors briefly review a number of core concepts that elucidate the link between fluid overload and neuro-hormonal activation. This is followed by a review of heart-kidney interactions and the impact of diuresis in this setting. Following an in-depth review of currently available pharmacological agents, the rationale and evidence behind their use, the authors end with a brief note on novel agents/approaches to aid volume management in HF.Expert opinion: A number of non-pharmacological advances in the management of volume overload in heart failure, though promising - are associated with a number of shortcomings. Pharmacological therapy remains the cornerstone of volume management. A number of novel approaches, utilizing existing therapies as well as the emergence of new agents over the past decade bode well for the vulnerable HF population.

Vasopressin antagonism in heart failure: a review of the hemodynamic studies and major clinical trials

For decades, plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) levels have been known to be elevated in patients with congestive heart failure (HF). Excessive AVP signaling at either or both the V1a and V2 receptors could contribute to the pathophysiology of HF by several mechanisms. V1a activation could cause vasoconstriction and/or direct myocardial hypertrophy as intracellular signaling pathways are closely related to those for angiotensin II. V2 activation could cause fluid retention and hyponatremia. A hemodynamic study with the pure V2 antagonist tolvaptan (TV) showed minimal hemodynamic effects. Compared with furosemide in another study, the renal and neurohormonal effects of TV were favorable. Several clinical trials with TV as adjunctive therapy in acute HF have shown beneficial effects on fluid balance and dyspnea, with no worsening of renal function or neurohormonal stimulation. Two smaller studies, one in acute and one in chronic HF, have shown comparable clinical and more favorable renal and neurohormonal effects of TV compared with loop diuretics. However, long-term treatment with TV did not alter outcomes in acute HF. No data are available other than single-dose studies of an intravenous pure V1a antagonist, which showed a vasodilating effect if plasma AVP levels were elevated. One hemodynamic study and one short-duration clinical trial with the balanced intravenous V1a/V2 antagonist conivaptan (CV) showed hemodynamic and clinical effects largely similar to those with TV in similar studies. A new orally effective balanced V1/V2 antagonist (pecavaptan) is currently undergoing phase II study as both adjunctive and alternative therapy during and after hospitalization for acute HF. The purpose of this review is to summarize what we have learned from the clinical experience with TV and CV, and to suggest implications of these findings for future work with newer agents.

[The use of diuretics in chronic heart failure. Position paper of the Russian Heart Failure Society]

The document focuses on key issues of diuretic therapy in CHF from the standpoint of current views on the pathogenesis of edema syndrome, its diagnosis, and characteristics of using diuretics in various clinical situations.

Evidence-Based Management of Acute Heart Failure

Acute heart failure (AHF) is a complex, heterogeneous, clinical syndrome with high morbidity and mortality, incurring significant health care costs. Patients transition from home to the emergency department, the hospital, and home again and require decisions surrounding diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis at each step of the way. The purpose of this review is to examine the epidemiology, etiology, and classifications of AHF and specifically focus on practical information relevant to the clinician. We examine the mechanisms of decompensation relevant to clinical presentations-including precipitating factors, neuroendocrine interactions, and inflammation-along with how consideration of these factors may help select therapies for an individual patient. The prevalence and significance of end-organ manifestations such as renal, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and neurologic manifestations are discussed. We also highlight how the development of renal dysfunction relates to the choice of a variety of diuretics that may be useful in specific circumstances and review guideline-directed medical therapy. We discuss the practical use (and pitfalls) of a variety of evidence-based clinical scoring criteria available to risk stratify patients with AHF. Finally, evidence-based management of AHF is discussed, including both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies, including the lack of evidence for using old and new vasodilators and the recent evidence regarding initiation of newer therapies in hospital. Overall, we suggest that clinicians consider implementing the newer data in AHF and subject existing practice patterns and treatments to the same rigour as new therapies.

Efficacy and safety of tolvaptan after pediatric congenital heart disease surgery

It is not clear whether tolvaptan is safe and effective irrespective of various underlying clinical conditions including the functional ventricle morphology, chromosomal abnormalities, and renal function after complex pediatric congenital heart disease surgery. Also, the appropriate dose of tolvaptan in these patients has not been previously identified. We retrospectively assessed the urine volume, body weight, patient clinical characteristics, laboratory data, and vital signs before and on days 1 and 7 of the tolvaptan administration after congenital heart disease surgery. Also, we assessed the relationship between the tolvaptan dose and its effects. A total of 86 patients were included the study. The mean time from the surgery to the tolvaptan administration was 23.5 ± 3.7 days. After administering tolvaptan, the urine volume significantly increased and body weight significantly decreased from baseline by days 1 and 7 (p < 0.0001). The urine volume significantly increased more in the survivors than the deceased. Of the 22 patients who had low serum sodium concentrations at baseline, 20 had an increased serum sodium concentration on day 7. The clinical effect of tolvaptan was not affected by the functional ventricle morphology, chromosomal abnormalities, or renal function. There was a positive correlation between the tolvaptan dose and change in the urine volume until a tolvaptan dose of up to 0.3 mg/kg/day but not at more than 0.3 mg/kg/day. Tolvaptan administration is safe and effective after congenital heart disease surgery irrespective of various underlying clinical conditions. Though the urine volume tends to increase until a tolvaptan dose of up to 0.3 mg/kg/day in pediatric congenital heart disease patients, there was no further benefit with more than 0.3 mg/kg/day.

Modern trends in diuretics development

Diuretics are the first-line therapy for widespread cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular diseases. Traditional diuretics are commonly prescribed for treatment in patients with hypertension, edema and heart failure, as well as with a number of kidney problems. They are diseases with high mortality, and the number of patients suffering from heart and kidney diseases is increasing year by year. The use of several classes of diuretics currently available for clinical use exhibits an overall favorable risk/benefit balance. However, they are not devoid of side effects. Hence, pharmaceutical researchers have been making efforts to develop new drugs with a better pharmacological profile. High-throughput screening, progress in protein structure analysis and modern methods of chemical modification have opened good possibilities for identification of new promising agents for preclinical and clinical testing. In this review, we provide an overview of the medicinal chemistry approaches toward the development of small molecule compounds showing diuretic activity that have been discovered over the past decade and are interesting drug candidates. We have discussed promising natriuretics/aquaretics/osmotic diuretics from such classes as: vasopressin receptor antagonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, urea transporters inhibitors, aquaporin antagonists, adenosine receptor antagonists, natriuretic peptide receptor agonists, ROMK inhibitors, WNK-SPAK inhibitors, and pendrin inhibitors.

Efficacy and safety of early ultrafiltration in patients with acute decompensated heart failure with volume overload: a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial

Background

Ultrafiltration decreases total body water and improves the alveolar to arterial oxygen gradient. The aims of the study were to investigate the efficacy and safety of early ultrafiltration in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patients.

Methods

100 patients with ADHF within 24 h of admission were randomly assigned into early ultrafiltration (n = 40) or torasemide plus tolvaptan (n = 60) groups. The primary outcomes were weight loss and an increase in urine output on days 4 and 8 of treatment.

Results

Patients who received early ultrafiltration for 3 days achieved a greater weight loss (kg) (− 2.94 ± 3.76 vs − 0.64 ± 0.91, P < 0.001) and urine increase (mL) (198.00 ± 170.70 vs 61.77 ± 4.67, P < 0.001) than the torasemide plus tolvaptan group on day 4. From days 4 to 7, patients in the early ultrafiltration group received sequential therapy of torasemide and tolvaptan. Better control of volume was reflected in a greater weight loss (− 3.72 ± 3.81 vs − 1.34 ± 1.32, P < 0.001) and urine increase (373.80 ± 120.90 vs 79.5 ± 52.35, P < 0.001), greater reduction of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) (pg/mL) (− 1144 ± 1435 vs − 654.02 ± 889.65, P = 0.037), NYHA (New York Heart Association) functional class (− 1.45 ± 0.50 vs − 1.17 ± 0.62, P = 0.018), jugular venous pulse (JVP) score (points) (− 1.9 ± 1.13 vs − 0.78 ± 0.69, P < 0.001), inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter (mm) (− 15.35 ± 11.03 vs − 4.98 ± 6.00, P < 0.001) and an increase in the dyspnea score (points) (4.08 ± 3.44 vs 2.77 ± 2.03, P = 0.035) in the early ultrafiltration group on day 8. No significant differences were found in the readmission and mortality rates in the 2 patient groups at the 1-month and 3-month follow-ups. Both groups had a similar stable renal profile.

Conclusion

Early ultrafiltration is superior to diuretics for volume overload treatment initiation of ADHF patients.

Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000030696, Registered 10 March 2020—Retrospectively registered, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=29099.

Congestion and Diuretic Resistance in Acute or Worsening Heart Failure

Hospitalisation for acute heart failure (AHF) is associated with high mortality and high rehospitalisation rates. In the absence of evidence-based therapy, treatment is aimed at stabilisation and symptom relief. The majority of AHF patients have signs and symptoms of fluid overload, and, therefore, decongestion is the number one treatment goal. Diuretics are the cornerstone of therapy in AHF, but the treatment effect is challenged by diuretic resistance and poor diuretic response throughout the spectrum of chronic to worsening to acute to post-worsening HF. Adequate dosing and monitoring and evaluation of diuretic effect are important for treatment success. Residual congestion at discharge is a strong predictor of worse outcomes. Therefore, achieving euvolaemia is crucial despite transient worsening renal function.

Comparing Diuresis Patterns in Hospitalized Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Versus Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Retrospective Analysis

BACKGROUND

Congestion predominates in exacerbations of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) or preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), but evidence suggests that excess volume may be distributed differently in these 2 subgroups.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this retrospective study, diuretic efficiency (DE, or net urine output per 40-mg of intravenous furosemide equivalent) during the first 72 hours was compared between patients hospitalized with HFrEF (n = 121) versus HFpEF (n = 120). Multivariate analysis was used to compare the 2 groups based on expected baseline differences (e.g., demographics, heart failure etiology, concomitant therapy). During the first 72 hours, mean daily diuretic doses were higher in patients with HFpEF versus HFrEF (172.0 vs. 159.9 mg, respectively, P = 0.026) but urine output was not significantly different (2603.3 mL vs. 2667.5 mL, respectively, adjusted P = 0.100). Similarly, mean cumulative DE did not differ (-673.5 vs. -637.8 mL/40-mg in the HFrEF and HFpEF groups, respectively, adjusted P = 0.884). An exploratory analysis of propensity-matched cohorts yielded similar findings. Correlations between the components of DE varied considerably and only became weak to moderately correlated toward the end of the observation period.

CONCLUSIONS

Although cumulative DE did not differ between patients with HFrEF and HFpEF, variable correlations in the components of DE suggest there may be differences in diuretic response that warrant future analysis.

Mechanisms of Diuretic Resistance Study: design and rationale

INTRODUCTION

Diuretic resistance is a common complication impairing decongestion during hospitalization for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). The current understanding of diuretic resistance mechanisms in ADHF is based upon extrapolations from other disease states and healthy volunteers. However, accumulating evidence suggests that the dominant mechanisms in other populations have limited influence on diuretic response in ADHF. Additionally, the ability to rapidly and reliably diagnose diuretic resistance is inadequate using currently available tools.

AIMS

The Mechanisms of Diuretic Resistance (MDR) Study is designed to rigorously investigate the mechanisms of diuretic resistance and develop tools to rapidly predict diuretic response in a prospective cohort hospitalized with ADHF.

METHODS

Study assessments occur serially during the ADHF hospitalization and after discharge. Each assessment includes a supervised 6-hour urine collection with baseline blood and timed spot urine collections following loop diuretic administration. Patient characteristics, medications, physical exam findings, and both in-hospital and post-discharge HF outcomes are collected. Patients with diuretic resistance are eligible for a randomized sub-study comparing an increased loop diuretic dose with combination diuretic therapy of loop diuretic plus chlorothiazide.

CONCLUSIONS

The Mechanisms of Diuretic Resistance Study will establish a prospective patient cohort and biorepository to investigate the mechanisms of diuretic resistance and urine biomarkers to rapidly predict loop diuretic resistance.

Differences in pharmacological property between combined therapy of the vasopressin V2-receptor antagonist tolvaptan plus furosemide and monotherapy of furosemide in patients with hospitalized heart failure

BACKGROUND

Tolvaptan has been shown to improve congestion in heart failure patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pharmacology and clinical efficacy of combined tolvaptan and furosemide therapy.

METHODS

This study included 40 patients with systemic volume overload who were hospitalized for heart failure. Patients who showed no improvement in the condition after receiving 20 mg intravenous furosemide were included and were randomly selected to receive tolvaptan as an add-on to furosemide or to receive an increased dose of furosemide. We evaluated the bioelectrical impedance analyzer parameters, the parameters of the inferior vena cava using echocardiography, vital signs, body weight, urine output, and laboratory data for 5 days.

RESULTS

In the changes from baseline between intracellular water volume (ICW) and extracellular water volume (ECW) after additional use of tolvaptan or furosemide from Day 1 to Day 5, there were no significant differences observed between ICW and ECW over 5 days in the tolvaptan + furosemide group, although differences were found in the furosemide group from Day 2 onward. Changes in the respiratory collapse of inferior vena cava increased significantly, and systolic blood pressure decreased significantly only in the furosemide group.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study clearly demonstrates that combined therapy with tolvaptan and furosemide removed excess ICW and ECW to an equal extent, while furosemide alone primarily removed ECW, including intravascular water.

Tolvaptan vs. furosemide-based diuretic regimens in patients hospitalized for heart failure with hyponatremia (AQUA-AHF)

AIMS

Hyponatremia is associated with poorer outcomes and diuretic response in patients hospitalized for heart failure. This study compared a tolvaptan-based vs. furosemide-based diuretic regimen on short-term clinical responses in hyponatremic acute heart failure.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Prospective, randomized, open-label, parallel-group, single-centre study comparing oral tolvaptan vs. continuous infusion furosemide. Thirty-three subjects requiring hospitalization for acute congestive heart failure, and a serum sodium < 135 mmol/L, were randomized to tolvaptan 30 mg orally daily or furosemide 5 mg/h intravenously for initial 24 h, after which treatments could be escalated. Median daily dose throughout was tolvaptan 30 mg and furosemide 120 mg, with four subjects in each group requiring dose escalation. Urine output and net fluid balance were not different between groups at 24 h or subsequent time points up to 96 h. Changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate were comparable. Cystatin C improved at 24 h with tolvaptan compared with furosemide (-6.4 ± 11.8 vs. 4.1 ± 17.2% change, P = 0.036), but the effect was transient. No significant between group differences were seen for NT-proBNP, plasma renin activity, or urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin:Cr. Serum sodium, as well as copeptin levels, increased with tolvaptan compared with furosemide.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral tolvaptan was associated with similar, but not superior, diuresis compared with intravenous furosemide for acute heart failure with concomitant hyponatremia.

Tolvaptan add-on therapy in patients with acute heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This study aimed to investigate the short-term efficacy and safety of tolvaptan as an add-on to traditional diuretics in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). The PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were comprehensively searched for all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined AHF patients treated with tolvaptan as a combination therapy with traditional diuretics published on or before December 2, 2019. Efficacy indicators such as improved dyspnea, reduced edema, and changes in urine output and body weight were evaluated. In-hospital mortality and worsening renal function (WRF) were measured as safety indicators. Data from the published literature included in this study were independently extracted by two reviewers. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included RCTs. Twelve RCTs involving 5577 patients admitted for AHF were included. Compared with traditional diuretics alone, add-on tolvaptan significantly relieved dyspnea, reduced weight, increased total urine volume and changes in urine volume from baseline, reduced edema, and increased serum sodium concentration in the short term without increasing the mortality. Most importantly, a low dose of tolvaptan (7.5-15 mg/d) significantly reduced the incidence of WRF, while a high dose (30 mg/d) had the opposite effect. Short-term add-on tolvaptan in hospitalized AHF patients could significantly relieve shortness of breath, reduce body weight, improve edema, and increase urine output and serum sodium concentrations without increasing mortality. The protective effects of add-on tolvaptan against WRF, however, were observed at low doses, but not at high doses.

Reappraisal on pharmacological and mechanical treatments of heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is a highly frequent disorder with considerable morbidity, hospitalization, and mortality; thus, it invariably places pressure on clinical and public health systems in the modern world. There have been notable advances in the definition, diagnosis, and treatment of HF, and newly developed agents and devices have been widely adopted in clinical practice. Here, this review first summarizes the current emerging therapeutic agents, including pharmacotherapy, device-based therapy, and the treatment of some common comorbidities, to improve the prognosis of HF patients. Then, we discuss and point out the commonalities and areas for improvement in current clinical studies of HF. Finally, we highlight the gaps in HF research. We are looking forward to a bright future with reduced morbidity and mortality from HF.

First-in-Human Experience With Peritoneal Direct Sodium Removal Using a Zero-Sodium Solution: A New Candidate Therapy for Volume Overload

BACKGROUND

Loop diuretics have well-described toxicities, and loss of response to these agents is common. Alternative strategies are needed for the maintenance of euvolemia in heart failure (HF). Nonrenal removal of sodium directly across the peritoneal membrane (direct sodium removal [DSR]) with a sodium-free osmotic solution should result in extraction of large quantities of sodium with limited off-target solute removal.

METHODS

This article describes the preclinical development and first-in-human proof of concept for DSR. Sodium-free 10% dextrose was used as the DSR solution. Porcine experiments were conducted to investigate the optimal dwell time, safety, and scalability and to determine the effect of experimental heart failure. In the human study, participants with end-stage renal disease on peritoneal dialysis (PD) underwent randomization and crossover to either a 2-hour dwell with 1 L DSR solution or standard PD solution (Dianeal 4.25% dextrose, Baxter). The primary end point was completion of the 2-hour dwell without significant discomfort or adverse events, and the secondary end point was difference in sodium removal between DSR and standard PD solution.

RESULTS

Porcine experiments revealed that 1 L DSR solution removed 4.1±0.4 g sodium in 2 hours with negligible off-target solute removal and overall stable serum electrolytes. Increasing the volume of DSR solution cycled across the peritoneum increased sodium removal and substantially decreased plasma volume (P=0.005). In the setting of experimental heart failure with elevated right atrial pressure, sodium removal was ≈4 times greater than in healthy animals (P<0.001). In the human proof-of-concept study, DSR solution was well tolerated and not associated with significant discomfort or adverse events. Plasma electrolyte concentrations were stable, and off-target solute removal was negligible. Sodium removal was substantially higher with DSR (4.5±0.4 g) compared with standard PD solution (1.0±0.3 g; P<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

DSR was well tolerated in both animals and human subjects and produced substantially greater sodium removal than standard PD solution. Additional research evaluating the use of DSR as a method to prevent and treat hypervolemia in heart failure is warranted. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03801226.

Acute Decompensated Heart Failure in Patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction

Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) requires immediate treatments because it impairs perfusion to systemic organs and their function. Half of all patients with ADHF are diagnosed with heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF). The initial goal of management for ADHF is to stabilize hemodynamic status. Pulmonary edema is treated with vasodilators or diuretics. Inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and β-blockers should be started and/or increased to meet the maximum dose, ideally the target dose, that the patient can tolerate as a treatment of HFrEF. Patients with severe circulatory failure need inotropic drugs or mechanical circulatory support.

Cardiorenal Syndrome: Classification, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment Strategies: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Cardiorenal syndrome encompasses a spectrum of disorders involving both the heart and kidneys in which acute or chronic dysfunction in 1 organ may induce acute or chronic dysfunction in the other organ. It represents the confluence of heart-kidney interactions across several interfaces. These include the hemodynamic cross-talk between the failing heart and the response of the kidneys and vice versa, as well as alterations in neurohormonal markers and inflammatory molecular signatures characteristic of its clinical phenotypes. The mission of this scientific statement is to describe the epidemiology and pathogenesis of cardiorenal syndrome in the context of the continuously evolving nature of its clinicopathological description over the past decade. It also describes diagnostic and therapeutic strategies applicable to cardiorenal syndrome, summarizes cardiac-kidney interactions in special populations such as patients with diabetes mellitus and kidney transplant recipients, and emphasizes the role of palliative care in patients with cardiorenal syndrome. Finally, it outlines the need for a cardiorenal education track that will guide future cardiorenal trials and integrate the clinical and research needs of this important field in the future.

Diuretic Strategies for Loop Diuretic Resistance in Acute Heart Failure: The 3T Trial

OBJECTIVES

This study compared combination diuretic strategies in acute heart failure (AHF) complicated by diuretic resistance (DR).

BACKGROUND

Combination diuretic regimens to overcome loop DR are commonly used but with limited evidence.

METHODS

This study was a randomized, double-blinded trial in 60 patients hospitalized with AHF and intravenous (IV) loop DR. Patients were randomized to oral metolazone, IV chlorothiazide, or tolvaptan therapy. All patients received concomitant high-dose IV infusions of furosemide. The primary outcome was 48-h weight loss.

RESULTS

The cohort exhibited DR prior to enrollment, producing 1,188 ± 476 ml of urine in 12 h during high-dose loop diuretic therapy (IV furosemide: 612 ± 439 mg/day). All 3 interventions significantly improved diuretic efficacy (p < 0.001). Compared to metolazone (4.6 ± 2.7 kg), neither IV chlorothiazide (5.8 ± 2.7 kg; 1.2 kg [95% confidence interval (CI)]: -2.9 to 0.6; p = 0.292) nor tolvaptan (4.1 ± 3.3 kg; 0.5 kg [95% CI: -1.5 to 2.4; p = 0.456) resulted in more weight loss at 48 h. Median (interquartile range [IQR]) cumulative urine output increased significantly and did not differ among those receiving metolazone (7.78 [IQR: 6.59 to 10.10] l) and chlorothiazide (8.77 [IQR: 7.37 to 10.86] l; p = 0.245) or tolvaptan (9.70 [IQR: 6.36 to 13.81] l; p = 0.160). Serum sodium decreased less with tolvaptan than with metolazone (+4 ± 5 vs. -1 ± 3 mEq/l; p = 0.001), but 48-h spot urine sodium was lower with tolvaptan (58 ± 25 mmol/l) than with metolazone (104 ± 16 mmol/l; p = 0.002) and with chlorothiazide (117 ± 14 mmol/l; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In this moderately sized DR trial, weight loss was excellent with the addition of metolazone, IV chlorothiazide, or tolvaptan to loop diuretics, without a detectable between-group difference. (Comparison of Oral or Intravenous Thiazides vs. tolvaptan in Diuretic Resistant Decompensated Heart Failure [3T]; NCT02606253).

Hyponatremia in Heart Failure: Pathogenesis and Management

Hyponatremia is a very common electrolyte abnormality, associated with poor short- and long-term outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). Two opposite processes can result in hyponatremia in this setting: Volume overload with dilutional hypervolemic hyponatremia from congestion, and hypovolemic hyponatremia from excessive use of natriuretics. These two conditions require different therapeutic approaches. While sodium in the form of normal saline can be lifesaving in the second case, the same treatment would exacerbate hyponatremia in the first case. Hypervolemic hyponatremia in HF patients is multifactorial and occurs mainly due to the persistent release of arginine vasopressin (AVP) in the setting of ineffective renal perfusion secondary to low cardiac output. Fluid restriction and loop diuretics remain mainstay treatments for hypervolemic/dilutional hyponatremia in patients with HF. In recent years, a few strategies, such as AVP antagonists (Tolvaptan, Conivaptan, and Lixivaptan), and hypertonic saline in addition to loop diuretics, have been proposed as potentially promising treatment options for this condition. This review aimed to summarize the current literature on pathogenesis and management of hyponatremia in patients with HF.

Lower urine sodium predicts longer length of stay in acute heart failure patients: Insights from the ROSE AHF trial

Background

In patients hospitalized with acute heart failure (AHF), low urine sodium concentration (U_Na) after diuretic treatment may identify patients at risk for longer length of stay (LOS) and adverse events. We investigated the prognostic significance of 24‐hour cumulative postdiuretic urine sodium concentration in a multicenter clinical trial population.

Methods

The Renal Optimization Strategies Evaluation AHF (ROSE AHF) trial randomized 360 patients with AHF and renal dysfunction receiving intravenous diuretic to dopamine, nesiritide, or placebo. Sodium concentration was measured in cumulative urine sample collected during the first 24 hours after randomization in 298 patients. Based on prior studies, lower U_Na was defined as ≤60 mmol/L.

Results

Lower U_Na was present in 142 (48%) patients, who had longer LOS (7 days vs 5 days, P < .001) and less 72‐hour weight loss (5.7 lb vs 9.0 lb, P < .001). These associations persisted after controlling for baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate and outpatient furosemide dose. Lower U_Na did not modify the null effects of dopamine or nesiritide on clinical outcomes. Results were similar for spot rather than cumulative 24‐hour U_Na concentration.

Conclusion

In patients hospitalized for AHF and renal dysfunction, U_Na ≤ 60 mmol/L during the first 24 hours of diuresis identifies patients at risk for prolonged hospitalization but does not provide an indication for adjunctive dopamine or nesiritide.

Tolvaptan in reversing worsening acute heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

In this meta-analysis, we aimed to compare efficacy and clinical outcomes of tolvaptan in treating acute heart failure (AHF).

Methods

Using MEDLINE, we searched relevant clinical studies using tolvaptan that investigated clinical effects in treating AHF. We performed meta-analysis for potentially extractable clinical outcomes such as body weight reduction, change in serum sodium levels, and clinical or safety events including worsening heart failure, worsening renal function (WRF), all-cause mortality, rehospitalization, and dyspnea improvement.

Results

The results showed that tolvaptan significantly reduced body weight (mean change: −1.28 kg, 95% credible interval (CI): −1.58–0.98), increased serum sodium levels (mean change: 3.48 mmol/L; 95% Cl: 3.22–3.74), and improved dyspnea function (odds ratio (OR): 1.43; 95% CI: 1.26–1.62) versus conventional therapy. The event risk of WRF was also significantly reduced (OR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.15–0.80). Low, intermediate, and high tolvaptan doses did not reduce mortality and rehospitalization risks. No significant publication bias was observed regarding effects on mortality and rehospitalization.

Conclusion

Current evidence indicates that using tolvaptan as add-on therapy can decrease body weight, increase sodium levels, improve dyspnea function, and reverse WRF, which may circumvent loop diuretics overdose and improve outcomes in patients with AHF.

Diuretic Resistance in Cardio-Nephrology: Role of Pharmacokinetics, Hypochloremia, and Kidney Remodeling

Background: Diuretic resistance is among the most challenging problems that the cardio-nephrologist must address in daily clinical practice, with a considerable burden on hospital admissions and health care costs. Indeed, loop diuretics are the first-line therapy to overcome fluid overload in heart failure patients. The pathophysiological mechanisms of fluid and sodium retention are complex and depend on several neuro-hormonal signals mainly acting on sodium reabsorption along the renal tubule. Consequently, doses and administration modalities of diuretics must be carefully tailored to patients in order to overcome under- or overtreatment. The frequent and tricky development of diuretic resistance depends in part on post-diuretic sodium retention, reduced tubular secretion of the drug, and reduced sodium/chloride sensing. Sodium and chloride depletions have been recently shown to be major factors mediating these processes. Aquaretics and high-saline infusions have been recently suggested in cases of hyponatremic conditions. This review discusses the limitations and strengths of these approaches. Summary: Long-term diuretic use may lead to diuretic resistance in cardio-renal syndromes. To overcome this complication intravenous administration of loop diuretics and a combination of different diuretic classes have been proposed. In the presence of hyponatremia, high-saline solutions in addition to loop diuretics might be beneficial, whereas aquaretics require caution to avoid overcorrection. Key Messages: Diuretic resistance is a central theme for cardio-renal syndromes. Hyponatremia and hypochloremia may be part of the mechanisms for diuretic resistance. Aquaretics and high-saline solutions have been proposed as possible new therapeutic solutions.