Positive Impact of Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation on Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Advanced Chronic Systolic Heart Failure

Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on Outcomes in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices

Heart failure (HF) represents a significant health burden in the United States, resulting in substantial mortality and healthcare costs. Through the array of treatment options available, including lifestyle modifications, medications, and implantable devices, HF management has evolved. Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have emerged as a crucial intervention, particularly in patients with advanced HF. However, the prevalence of comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus (DM) complicates treatment outcomes. By elucidating the impact of DM on LVAD outcomes, this review aims to inform clinical practice and enhance patient care strategies for individuals undergoing LVAD therapy. Patients with DM have higher rates of hypertension, dyslipidemia, peripheral vascular disease, and renal dysfunction, posing challenges to LVAD management. The macro/microvascular changes that occur in DM can lead to cardiomyopathy and HF. Glycemic control post LVAD implantation is a critical factor affecting patient outcomes. The recent literature has shown significant decreases in hemoglobin A1c following LVAD implantation, representing a possible bidirectional relationship between DM and LVADs; however, the clinical significance of this decrease is unclear. Furthermore, while some studies show increased short- and long-term mortality in patients with DM after LVAD implantation, there still is no literature consensus regarding either mortality or major adverse outcomes in DM patients.

HFA of the ESC position paper on the management of LVAD-supported patients for the non-LVAD specialist healthcare provider Part 3: at the hospital and discharge

The growing population of left ventricular assist device (LVAD)‐supported patients increases the probability of an LVAD‐ supported patient hospitalized in the internal or surgical wards with certain expected device related, and patient‐device interaction complication as well as with any other comorbidities requiring hospitalization. In this third part of the trilogy on the management of LVAD‐supported patients for the non‐LVAD specialist healthcare provider, definitions and structured approach to the hospitalized LVAD‐supported patient are presented including blood pressure assessment, medical therapy of the LVAD supported patient, and challenges related to anaesthesia and non‐cardiac surgical interventions. Finally, important aspects to consider when discharging an LVAD patient home and palliative and end‐of‐life approaches are described.

SGLT-2 Inhibitors in Heart Failure: Guide for Prescribing and Future Perspectives

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Heart failure is responsible for a significant part of diabetes-associated cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors are novel agents approved for the treatment of diabetes mellitus; in recent clinical trials, these agents have shown a significant reduction in cardiovascular death and hospitalization secondary to heart failure.

RECENT FINDINGS

Clinical trials with specific heart failure outcomes have shown the benefit of SGLT-2 inhibitors in reducing the mortality and morbidity associated with heart failure. The guidelines for the management of diabetes mellitus recommend the preferential use of SGLT-2 inhibitors in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease. SGLT-2 inhibitors are potential game changers in the treatment of heart failure. Guidelines for prescription of these agents help assess risk-benefit analysis and personalize treatment for maximal benefit.

Endocrine Challenges in Patients with Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices

Heart failure (HF) remains a leading cause of morbidity, hospitalization, and mortality worldwide. Advancement of mechanical circulatory support technology has led to the use of continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), reducing hospitalizations, and improving quality of life and outcomes in advanced HF. Recent studies have highlighted how metabolic and endocrine dysfunction may be a consequence of, or associated with, HF, and may represent a novel (still neglected) therapeutic target in the treatment of HF. On the other hand, it is not clear whether LVAD support, may impact the outcome by also improving organ perfusion as well as improving the neuro-hormonal state of the patients, reducing the endocrine dysfunction. Moreover, endocrine function is likely a major determinant of human homeostasis, and is a key issue in the recovery from critical illness. Care of the endocrine function may contribute to improving cardiac contractility, immune function, as well as infection control, and rehabilitation during and after a LVAD placement. In this review, data on endocrine challenges in patients carrying an LVAD are gathered to highlight pathophysiological states relevant to this setting of patients, and to summarize the current therapeutic suggestions in the treatment of thyroid dysfunction, and vitamin D, erythropoietin and testosterone administration.

The role of sodium glucose co-transporter inhibitors in heart failure prevention

The worldwide prevalences of diabetes mellitus (DM) and of heart failure (HF) have collectively been on the rise. HF accounts for a large portion of the cardiovascular mortality and morbidity associated with DM. DM increases the risk of developing heart failure by promoting atherosclerosis and exerting direct deleterious effects on the myocardium. Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors are agents approved for the treatment of DM; they exert their anti-hyperglycemic effects by blocking renal reabsorption of glucose and inducing glycosuria. SGLT-2 inhibitors have consistently decreased the hospitalization rate of HF and cardiovascular mortality in several clinical trials. SGLT-2 inhibitors also possess anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and antihypertensive in addition to beneficial effects on the myocardial metabolism, which may account for their heart failure benefits. However, further research still needs to be done to evaluate the use of SGLT-2 inhibitors in non-diabetic patients and their efficacy in preventing or treating different heart failure phenotypes.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Heart Failure: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association and the Heart Failure Society of America: This statement does not represent an update of the 2017 ACC/AHA/HFSA heart failure guideline update

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for incident heart failure and increases the risk of morbidity and mortality in patients with established disease. Secular trends in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and heart failure forecast a growing burden of disease and underscore the need for effective therapeutic strategies. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated the shared pathophysiology between diabetes mellitus and heart failure, the synergistic effect of managing both conditions, and the potential for diabetes mellitus therapies to modulate the risk of heart failure outcomes. This scientific statement on diabetes mellitus and heart failure summarizes the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and impact of diabetes mellitus and its control on outcomes in heart failure; reviews the approach to pharmacological therapy and lifestyle modification in patients with diabetes mellitus and heart failure; highlights the value of multidisciplinary interventions to improve clinical outcomes in this population; and outlines priorities for future research.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Heart Failure, A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association and Heart Failure Society of America

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for incident heart failure and increases the risk of morbidity and mortality in patients with established disease. Secular trends in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and heart failure forecast a growing burden of disease and underscore the need for effective therapeutic strategies. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated the shared pathophysiology between diabetes mellitus and heart failure, the synergistic effect of managing both conditions, and the potential for diabetes mellitus therapies to modulate the risk of heart failure outcomes. This scientific statement on diabetes mellitus and heart failure summarizes the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and impact of diabetes mellitus and its control on outcomes in heart failure; reviews the approach to pharmacological therapy and lifestyle modification in patients with diabetes mellitus and heart failure; highlights the value of multidisciplinary interventions to improve clinical outcomes in this population; and outlines priorities for future research.

Left ventricular assist device implantation improves glycaemic control: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

Heart failure (HF) and diabetes mellitus (DM) often coexist and have bidirectional association. Advanced HF is associated with worsened glycaemic control. This meta-analysis investigated the effects of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation on markers of DM control.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed a systematic search of MEDLINE and Cochrane through October 2017 to identify studies evaluating advanced HF patients who had received an LVAD and reported markers of glycaemic control. The primary outcome was glycosylated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and the secondary outcomes included fasting glucose, daily insulin requirements, and body mass index (BMI). Outcomes were pooled using a Hartung-Knapp random-effects model producing a mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Thirteen studies, including 820 participants, were included. HbA1c was 1.23% lower following LVAD implantation (95% CI -1.49 to -0.98). Greater HbA1c reductions were seen with higher pre-LVAD values. Similarly, fasting plasma glucose (-24.4 mg/dL, 95% CI -33.4 to -15.5), daily insulin requirements (-18.8 units, 95% CI -28.8 to -8.7), and serum creatinine levels (MD -0.20, 95% CI -0.35 to -0.06) were significantly lower than pre-LVAD levels. We saw no difference in BMI (MD 0.09, 95% CI -1.24 to 1.42).

CONCLUSIONS

LVAD implantation was associated with significant improvement in HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, and daily insulin need in advanced HF patients.