Effects of valsartan on morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure not receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors

Optimal effectiveness of heart failure management - an umbrella review of meta-analyses examining the effectiveness of interventions to reduce (re)hospitalizations in heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is a major health concern, which accounts for 1-2% of all hospital admissions. Nevertheless, there remains a knowledge gap concerning which interventions contribute to effective prevention of HF (re)hospitalization. Therefore, this umbrella review aims to systematically review meta-analyses that examined the effectiveness of interventions in reducing HF-related (re)hospitalization in HFrEF patients. An electronic literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, PsycInfo, Cochrane Reviews, CINAHL, and Medline to identify eligible studies published in the English language in the past 10 years. Primarily, to synthesize the meta-analyzed data, a best-evidence synthesis was used in which meta-analyses were classified based on level of validity. Secondarily, all unique RCTS were extracted from the meta-analyses and examined. A total of 44 meta-analyses were included which encompassed 186 unique RCTs. Strong or moderate evidence suggested that catheter ablation, cardiac resynchronization therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, telemonitoring, and RAAS inhibitors could reduce (re)hospitalization. Additionally, limited evidence suggested that multidisciplinary clinic or self-management promotion programs, beta-blockers, statins, and mitral valve therapy could reduce HF hospitalization. No, or conflicting evidence was found for the effects of cell therapy or anticoagulation. This umbrella review highlights different levels of evidence regarding the effectiveness of several interventions in reducing HF-related (re)hospitalization in HFrEF patients. It could guide future guideline development in optimizing care pathways for heart failure patients.

Cost-effectiveness of a centrifugal-flow pump for patients with advanced heart failure in Argentina

Background

Centrifugal-flow pumps are novel treatment options for patients with advanced heart failure (HF). This study estimated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of centrifugal-flow pumps for patients with advanced HF in Argentina.

Methods

Two Markov models were developed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of a centrifugal-flow pump as destination therapy (DT) in patients with contraindication for heart transplantation, and as bridge-to-transplant (BTT), with a lifetime horizon using the third-party payer Social Security (SS) and Private Sector (PS) perspectives. Clinical, epidemiological, and quality-adjusted life years (QALY) parameters were retrieved from the literature. Direct medical costs were estimated through a micro-costing approach (exchange rate USD 1 = ARS 59.95).

Results

The centrifugal-flow pump as a DT increased the per patient QALYs by 3.5 and costs by ARS 8.1 million in both the SS and PS, with an ICER of ARS 2.3 million per QALY. Corresponding values for a centrifugal-flow pump as BTT were 0.74 QALYs and more than ARS 8 million, yielding ICERs of ARS 11 million per QALY (highly dependent on waiting times). For the 1, 3, and 5 GDP per QALY thresholds, the probability of a centrifugal-flow pump to be cost-effective for DT/BTT was around 2%/0%, 40%/0%, and 80%/1%, respectively.

Conclusion

The centrifugal-flow pump prolongs life and improves the quality of life at significantly higher costs. As in Argentina there is no current explicit cost-effectiveness threshold, the final decision on reimbursement will depend on the willingness to pay in each subsector. Nevertheless, the centrifugal-flow pump as a DT was more cost-effective than as a BTT.

Development and validation of a nomogram to predict the risk of death within 1 year in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy: a retrospective cohort study

Predicting the chances mortality within 1 year in non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy patients can be very useful in clinical decision-making. This study has developed and validated a risk-prediction model for identifying factors contributing to mortality within 1 year in such patients. The predictive nomogram was constructed using a retrospective cohort study, with 615 of patients hospitalized in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University between October 2012 and May 2020. A variety of factors, including presence of comorbidities, demographics, results of laboratory tests, echocardiography data, medication strategies, and instances of heart transplant or death were collected from electronic medical records and follow-up telephonic consultations. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and logistic regression analyses were used to identify the critical clinical factors for constructing the nomogram. Calibration, discrimination, and clinical usefulness of the predictive model were assessed using the calibration plot, C-index and decision curve analysis. Internal validation was assessed with bootstrapping validation. Among the patients from whom follow-up data were obtained, the incidence of an end event (deaths or heart transplantation within 1 year) was 171 cases per 1000 person-years (105 out of 615). The main predictors included in the nomogram were pulse pressure, red blood cell count, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension, levels of N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide, medical history, in-hospital worsening heart failure, and use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers. The model showed excellent discrimination with a C-index of 0.839 (95% CI 0.799-0.879), and the calibration curve demonstrated good agreement. The C-index of internal validation was 0.826, which demonstrated that the model was quite efficacious. A decision curve analysis confirmed that our nomogram was clinically useful. In this study, we have developed a nomogram that can predict the risk of death within 1 year in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. This will be useful in the early identification of patients in the terminal stages for better individualized clinical decisions.

The use of angiotensin II receptor blocker is associated with greater recovery of cardiac function than angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor in dilated cardiomyopathy

AIMS

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEis) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) have been shown to be associated with recovery of cardiac function in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The aim of this study was to assess comparative effectiveness of ACEis vs. ARBs on recovery of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) among patients with DCM.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analysed the clinical personal records of DCM, a national database of the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, from 2003 to 2014. Patients with LVEF < 40% and on either ACEis or ARBs were included. Eligible patients were divided into two groups according to the use of ACEis or ARBs. A one-to-one propensity case-matched analysis was used. The primary outcome was defined as LVEF ≥ 40% at 3 years of follow-up. Out of 4618 eligible patients, 2238 patients received ACEis and 2380 patients received ARBs. Propensity score matching yielded 1341 pairs. Mean age was 56.0 years, 2041 (76.1%) were male, median duration of heart failure was 1 year, and mean LVEF was 27.6%. The primary outcome was observed more frequently in ARB group than in ACEi group (59.8% vs. 54.1%; odds ratio 1.26; 95% confidence interval 1.08-1.47; P = 0.003). The per-protocol analysis showed similar results (62.0% vs. 54.0%; odds ratio 1.39; 95% confidence interval 1.17-1.66; P < 0.001). The change in LVEF from baseline to 3 years of follow-up was greater in ARB group than in ACEi group (15.8 ± 0.4% vs. 14.0 ± 0.4%, P = 0.003). The subgroup analysis showed that this effect was observed independently of systolic blood pressure, heart rate, LVEF, chronic kidney disease, and concomitant use of beta-blockers and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of ARBs was associated with LVEF recovery more frequently than ACEis among patients with DCM and reduced LVEF.

Association between ethnicity and degree of improvement in cardiac function following initiation of sacubitril/valsartan

AIMS

The aim of this study was to determine the degree of short-term improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), haemodynamics, NT-proBNP and quality of life following initiation of sacubitril/valsartan in black patients when compared with white patients.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, observational, single-centre, hypothesis-generating study of patients with symptomatic heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) treated with guideline recommended therapy, who were transitioned from an ACE inhibitor (ACE-I) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) to sacubitril/valsartan.

RESULTS

Our analysis included 83 patients (mean age 57 years) with echocardiography performed before and after transition from ACE-I/ARB to sacubitril/valsartan, after excluding patients with concomitant Cardiac resynchronization therapy implantation. Overall, sacubitril/valsartan was associated with LVEF improvement from 28.8% ± 0.7 to 32.0% ± 1.1% (P = 0.0002), but no reverse remodelling was observed. The association with LVEF improvement was only observed in white patients (n = 46, P = 0.0006), but not in black patients (n = 37, P = 0.1728), and appeared to be associated with reduced blood pressure (baseline vs. 2-week blood pressure 116.5 ± 13.9 vs. 109.4 ± 14.3 mmHg, respectively, in white patients, P = 0.0449). Fifteen patients (18.1%) became ineligible for primary prevention Implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation.

CONCLUSION

Sacubitril/valsartan was associated with improved LVEF, NT-proBNP concentrations and quality of life in patients with symptomatic HFrEF on guideline recommended therapy. However, in our cohort, improvement of LVEF and quality of life might be attenuated in black patients, which warrants further investigation.

Effect of empagliflozin in patients with heart failure across the spectrum of left ventricular ejection fraction

Aims

No therapy has shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure across the entire range of ejection fractions seen in clinical practice. We assessed the influence of ejection fraction on the effect of the sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor empagliflozin on heart failure outcomes.

Methods and results

A pooled analysis was performed on both the EMPEROR-Reduced and EMPEROR-Preserved trials (9718 patients; 4860 empagliflozin and 4858 placebo), and patients were grouped based on ejection fraction: <25% (n = 999), 25–34% (n = 2230), 35–44% (n = 1272), 45–54% (n = 2260), 55–64% (n = 2092), and ≥65% (n = 865). Outcomes assessed included (i) time to first hospitalization for heart failure or cardiovascular mortality, (ii) time to first heart failure hospitalization, (iii) total (first and recurrent) hospitalizations for heart failure, and (iv) health status assessed by the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ). The risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure declined progressively as ejection fraction increased from <25% to ≥65%. Empagliflozin reduced the risk of cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization, mainly by reducing heart failure hospitalizations. Empagliflozin reduced the risk of heart failure hospitalization by ≈30% in all ejection fraction subgroups, with an attenuated effect in patients with an ejection fraction ≥65%. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were: ejection fraction <25%: 0.73 (0.55–0.96); ejection fraction 25–34%: 0.63 (0.50–0.78); ejection fraction 35–44%: 0.72 (0.52–0.98); ejection fraction 45–54%: 0.66 (0.50–0.86); ejection fraction 55–64%: 0.70 (0.53–0.92); and ejection fraction ≥65%: 1.05 (0.70–1.58). Other heart failure outcomes and measures, including KCCQ, showed a similar response pattern. Sex did not influence the responses to empagliflozin.

Conclusion

The magnitude of the effect of empagliflozin on heart failure outcomes was clinically meaningful and similar in patients with ejection fractions <25% to <65%, but was attenuated in patients with an ejection fraction ≥65%.

Key Question

How does ejection fraction influence the effects of empagliflozin in patients with heart failure and either a reduced or a preserved ejection fraction?

Key Finding

The magnitude of the effect of empagliflozin on heart failure outcomes and health status was similar in patients with ejection fractions <25% to <65%, but it was attenuated in patients with an ejection fraction ≥65%.

Take Home Message

The consistency of the response in patients with ejection fractions of <25% to <65% distinguishes the effects of empagliflozin from other drugs that have been evaluated across the full spectrum of ejection fractions in patients with heart failure.

Milestones in Heart Failure: How Far We Have Come and How Far We Have Left to Go

Heart failure is a clinically complex syndrome that results due to the failure of the ventricles to function as pump and oxygenate end organs. The repercussions of inadequate perfusion are seen in the form of sympathetic overactivation and third spacing, leading to clinical signs of increased blood pressure, dyspnea, fatigue, palpitations, etc. This article provided a brief overview of the clinical syndrome of heart failure; its epidemiology, risk factors, symptoms, and staging; and the mechanisms involved in disease progression. This article also described several landmark trials in heart failure that tested the efficacy of first-line drugs such as beta-blockers, angiotensin receptor blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and the latest drugs in the field of heart failure: angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors. Most studies described in this article were guideline-setting trials that revolutionized the practice of medicine and cardiology.

Improving the monitoring of chronic heart failure in Argentina: is the implantable pulmonary artery pressure with CardioMEMS Heart Failure System cost-effective?

Background

The CardioMEMS® sensor is a wireless pulmonary artery pressure device used for monitoring symptomatic heart failure (HF). The use of CardioMEMS was associated with a reduction of hospitalizations of HF patients, but the acquisition cost could be high in low-and-middle income countries. Evidence of cost-effectiveness is needed to help decision-makers to allocate resources according to “value for money”. This study is aimed at estimating the cost-effectiveness of CardioMEMS used in HF patients from the third-party payer perspective -Social Security (SS) and Private Sector (PS)- in Argentina.

Methods

A Markov model was developed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of CardioMEMS versus usual medical care over a lifetime horizon. The model was applied to a hypothetical population of patients with HF functional class III with at least one hospitalization in the previous 12 months. The main outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). To populate the model we retrieved clinical, epidemiological and utility parameters from the literature, whilst direct medical costs were estimated through a micro-costing approach (exchange rate USD 1 = ARS 76.95). Uncertainties in all parameters were assessed by deterministic, probabilistic and scenario sensitivity analysis.

Results

Compared with the usual medical care, CardioMEMS increased quality-adjusted life years (QALY) by 0.37 and increased costs per patient by ARS 1,081,703 for SS and ARS 919,051 for PS. The resultant ICER was ARS 2,937,756 per QALY and ARS 2,496,015 per QALY for SS and PS, respectively. ICER was most sensitive to the hazard ratio of HF hospital admission and the acquisition price of CardioMEMS. The probability that CardioMEMS is cost-effective at one (ARS 700,473), three (ARS 2,101,419,) and five (ARS 3,502,363) Gross Domestic Product per capita is 0.6, 17.9 and 64.1% for SS and 5.4, 33.3 and 73.2% for PS.

Conclusions

CardioMEMS was more effective and more costly than usual care in class III HF patients. Since in Argentina there is no current explicit threshold, the final decision to determine its cost-effectiveness will depend on the willingness-to-pay for QALYs in each health subsector.

Temporal trends in outcome and patient characteristics in dilated cardiomyopathy, data from the Swedish Heart Failure Registry 2003-2015

Background

Temporal trends in clinical composition and outcome in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) are largely unknown, despite considerable advances in heart failure management. We set out to study clinical characteristics and prognosis over time in DCM in Sweden during 2003–2015.

Methods

DCM patients (n = 7873) from the Swedish Heart Failure Registry were divided into three calendar periods of inclusion, 2003–2007 (Period 1, n = 2029), 2008–2011 (Period 2, n = 3363), 2012–2015 (Period 3, n = 2481). The primary outcome was the composite of all-cause death, transplantation and hospitalization during 1 year after inclusion into the registry.

Results

Over the three calendar periods patients were older (p = 0.022), the proportion of females increased (mean 22.5%, 26.4%, 27.6%, p = 0.0001), left ventricular ejection fraction was higher (p = 0.0014), and symptoms by New York Heart Association less severe (p < 0.0001). Device (implantable cardioverter defibrillator and/or cardiac resynchronization) therapy increased by 30% over time (mean 11.6%, 12.3%, 15.1%, p < 0.0001). The event rates for mortality, and hospitalization were consistently decreasing over calendar periods (p < 0.0001 for all), whereas transplantation rate was stable. More advanced physical symptoms correlated with an increased risk of a composite outcome over time (p = 0.0043).

Conclusions

From 2003 until 2015, we observed declining mortality and hospitalizations in DCM, paralleled by a continuous change in both demographic profile and therapy in the DCM population in Sweden, towards a less affected phenotype.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12872-021-02124-0.

Impact of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α on diabetic cardiomyopathy

The prevalence of cardiomyopathy is higher in diabetic patients than those without diabetes. Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is defined as a clinical condition of abnormal myocardial structure and performance in diabetic patients without other cardiac risk factors, such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, and significant valvular disease. Multiple molecular events contribute to the development of DCM, which include the alterations in energy metabolism (fatty acid, glucose, ketone and branched chain amino acids) and the abnormalities of subcellular components in the heart, such as impaired insulin signaling, increased oxidative stress, calcium mishandling and inflammation. There are no specific drugs in treating DCM despite of decades of basic and clinical investigations. This is, in part, due to the lack of our understanding as to how heart failure initiates and develops, especially in diabetic patients without an underlying ischemic cause. Some of the traditional anti-diabetic or lipid-lowering agents aimed at shifting the balance of cardiac metabolism from utilizing fat to glucose have been shown inadequately targeting multiple aspects of the conditions. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), a transcription factor, plays an important role in mediating DCM-related molecular events. Pharmacological targeting of PPARα activation has been demonstrated to be one of the important strategies for patients with diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this review is to provide a contemporary view of PPARα in association with the underlying pathophysiological changes in DCM. We discuss the PPARα-related drugs in clinical applications and facts related to the drugs that may be considered as risky (such as fenofibrate, bezafibrate, clofibrate) or safe (pemafibrate, metformin and glucagon-like peptide 1-receptor agonists) or having the potential (sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor) in treating DCM.

Omecamtiv Mecarbil: A Novel Mechanistic and Therapeutic Approach to Chronic Heart Failure Management

Heart failure (HF) is a major public health problem in the United States as well as worldwide. Chronic heart failure is a syndrome of reduced cardiac output resulting from impaired ventricular function, impaired filling, or a combination of both. Associated symptoms include dyspnea, fatigue, and decreased exercise tolerance. HF has a marked effect on morbidity and mortality, given limited therapeutic choices. The first line of therapeutic agents indicated in heart failure are beta-blockers. Other drugs and therapeutic modalities employed in HF treatment include angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs), sacubitril (neprilysin inhibitor) combination with the ARB, valsartan, small doses of aldosterone receptor antagonists (ARAs) in the setting of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and beta-blockers. Additionally, the sodium-glucose transporter-2 inhibitor, dapagliflozin in the setting of ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or sacubitril-valsartan plus beta-blocker have been employed. Other therapeutic modalities have included loop diuretics, digoxin, the hydralazine-isosorbide dinitrate combination, ivabradine, the inotropes, dobutamine, milrinone, and dopamine. Decreased cardiac contractility is central to the systolic HF. Therapeutic agents employed to increase cardiac contractility in HF are limited because of their mechanistic-related adverse effect profiles. Omecamtiv mecarbil (OM) is a first of its class cardiac myosin activator that increases the cardiac contractility by specifically binding to the catalytic S1 domain of cardiac myosin, to be employed in heart failure treatment. This agent has demonstrated benefit in reducing heart rate, peripheral vascular resistance, mean left arterial pressure, and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure in the animal models. Additionally, OM is known to improve systolic wall thickening, stroke volume (SV), and cardiac output (CO). OM increases systolic ejection time (SET), cardiac myocyte fractional shortening without significant increase of LV dP/dtmax, myocardial oxygen consumption, and myocyte intracellular calcium. The benefits of OM have been demonstrated through key trials, as (i) The Acute Treatment with Omecamtiv mecarbil to Increase Contractility in Acute Heart Failure (ATOMIC-AHF), and (ii) The Chronic Oral Study of Myosin Activation to Increase Contractility in Heart Failure (COSMIC-HF). The Global Approach to Lowering Adverse Cardiac Outcomes Through Improving Contractility in Heart Failure (GALACTIC-HF) trial is ongoing and can help provide further clinical data. OM provides a novel mechanism and therapeutic approach to managing patients with HF. Preclinical and clinical data suggest that OM capability can improve cardiac function, decrease ventricular wall stress, reverse ventricular remodeling, and promote sympathetic withdrawal.

Fimasartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, ameliorates an in vivo zebrafish model of heart failure

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Angiotensin II in the failing heart initially helps to maintain cardiac output and blood pressure, but ultimately accelerates its deterioration. In this study, we established a model of arrhythmia-induced heart failure (HF) in zebrafish and investigated the role of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) modulation by using an angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker, fimasartan, through the assessment of cellular and physiologic responses, morbidity, and mortality.

METHODS

HF was induced in zebrafish larvae by exposure to 20 μM terfenadine. Morphologic, physiologic, and functional parameters were assessed in the presence or absence of fimasartan treatment.

RESULTS

Zebrafish exposed to terfenadine showed marked dilatation of the ventricle and reduced systolic function. Treatment with terfenadine was associated with 10-fold higher expression of atrial natriuretic peptide (p < 0.001 vs. vehicle), increased p53 mRNA expression, and chromatin fragmentation in the TUNEL assay, all of which were significantly reduced by fimasartan treatment. Moreover, fimasartan improved fractional shortening (terfenadine + fimasartan 16.9% ± 3.1% vs. terfenadine + vehicle 11.4% ± 5.6%, p < 0.05) and blood flow (terfenadine + fimasartan 479.1 ± 124.1 nL/sec vs. terfenadine + vehicle 273.0 ± 109.0 nL/sec, p < 0.05). Finally, treatment with fimasartan remarkably reduced mortality (terfenadine + fimasartan 36.0% vs. terfenadine + vehicle 96.0%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Fimasartan effectively protected against the progression of HF in zebrafish by improving hemodynamic indices, which improved survival. A reduction in apoptotic cell death and an improvement in hemodynamics may be the mechanisms behind these effects. Further human studies are warranted to evaluate the possible role of fimasartan in the treatment of HF.

Targeting Ca2 + Handling Proteins for the Treatment of Heart Failure and Arrhythmias

Diseases of the heart, such as heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias, are a growing socio-economic burden. Calcium (Ca²⁺) dysregulation is key hallmark of the failing myocardium and has long been touted as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of a variety of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In the heart, Ca²⁺ is essential for maintaining normal cardiac function through the generation of the cardiac action potential and its involvement in excitation contraction coupling. As such, the proteins which regulate Ca²⁺ cycling and signaling play a vital role in maintaining Ca²⁺ homeostasis. Changes to the expression levels and function of Ca²⁺-channels, pumps and associated intracellular handling proteins contribute to altered Ca²⁺ homeostasis in CVD. The remodeling of Ca²⁺-handling proteins therefore results in impaired Ca²⁺ cycling, Ca²⁺ leak from the sarcoplasmic reticulum and reduced Ca²⁺ clearance, all of which contributes to increased intracellular Ca²⁺. Currently, approved treatments for targeting Ca²⁺ handling dysfunction in CVD are focused on Ca²⁺ channel blockers. However, whilst Ca²⁺ channel blockers have been successful in the treatment of some arrhythmic disorders, they are not universally prescribed to heart failure patients owing to their ability to depress cardiac function. Despite the progress in CVD treatments, there remains a clear need for novel therapeutic approaches which are able to reverse pathophysiology associated with heart failure and arrhythmias. Given that heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias are closely associated with altered Ca²⁺ homeostasis, this review will address the molecular changes to proteins associated with both Ca²⁺-handling and -signaling; their potential as novel therapeutic targets will be discussed in the context of pre-clinical and, where available, clinical data.

The Limitations of Symptom-based Heart Failure Management

Heart failure (HF) has emerged as a global epidemic and it affects about 6 million adults in the US. HF medical treatment, as recommended in guidelines, significantly improves survival and quality of life; however, the mortality burden of HF remains high. For decades, treatment has been guided, mainly by symptoms, leading to undertreatment in a range of settings. Current evidence emphasises the unfavourable outcomes of HF even in early stages or in patients who achieve reverse remodeling and remission or recovery under optimised treatment. This should stimulate efforts towards a more objective, rigorous management, covering the entire spectrum of mild, moderate and severe HF.

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and its suppression

Chronic activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) promotes and perpetuates the syndromes of congestive heart failure, systemic hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. Excessive circulating and tissue angiotensin II (AngII) and aldosterone levels lead to a pro-fibrotic, -inflammatory, and -hypertrophic milieu that causes remodeling and dysfunction in cardiovascular and renal tissues. Understanding of the role of the RAAS in this abnormal pathologic remodeling has grown over the past few decades and numerous medical therapies aimed at suppressing the RAAS have been developed. Despite this, morbidity from these diseases remains high. Continued investigation into the complexities of the RAAS should help clinicians modulate (suppress or enhance) components of this system and improve quality of life and survival. This review focuses on updates in our understanding of the RAAS and the pathophysiology of AngII and aldosterone excess, reviewing what is known about its suppression in cardiovascular and renal diseases, especially in the cat and dog.

YAP activation promotes the transdifferentiation of cardiac fibroblasts to myofibroblasts in matrix remodeling of dilated cardiomyopathy

Yes-associated protein (YAP) is an important regulator of cellular proliferation and transdifferentiation. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying myofibroblast transdifferentiation in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). We investigated the role of YAP in the pathological process of cardiac matrix remodeling. A classic model of DCM was established in BALB/c mice by immunization with porcine cardiac myosin. Cardiac fibroblasts were isolated from neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats by density gradient centrifugation. The expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen volume fraction (CVF) were significantly increased in DCM mice. Angiotensin II (Ang II)-mediated YAP activation promoted the proliferation and transdifferentiation of neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts, and this effect was significantly suppressed in the shRNA YAP + Ang II group compared with the shRNA Control + Ang II group in vitro (2.98±0.34 ×10⁵vs 5.52±0.82 ×10⁵, P<0.01). Inhibition of endogenous Ang II-stimulated YAP improved the cardiac function by targeting myofibroblast transdifferentiation to attenuate matrix remodeling in vivo. In the valsartan group, left ventricular ejection fraction and fractional shortening were significantly increased compared with the DCM group (52.72±5.51% vs 44.46±3.01%, P<0.05; 34.84±3.85% vs 26.65±3.12%, P<0.01). Our study demonstrated that YAP was a regulator of cardiac myofibroblast differentiation, and regulation of YAP signaling pathway contributed to improve cardiac function of DCM mice, possibly in part by decreasing myofibroblast transdifferentiation to inhibit matrix remodeling.

Sacubitril/Valsartan: The Newest Neurohormonal Blocker for Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy for Heart Failure

The burden of heart failure is projected to increase over the next decade; it is predicted that 1 in every 33 Americans will be affected by heart failure. Given that heart failure currently results in more than 1 million hospitalizations every year and the estimated 5-year mortality is approximately 50%, therapies that will improve survival and the economic burden are urgently needed. It is anticipated that the cost of managing heart failure is going to be approximately $70 billion in 2030. Therefore, the recent addition of the combination of sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696) to guideline-directed medical therapies should ameliorate this burden.

Indexes of the erythropoietin level in the blood plasma of chronic heart failure patients with anemia

BACKGROUND

Anemia aggravates the disease course and the survival rate of chronic heart failure (CHF) patients. The purpose of the study was to investigate the level of erythropoietin (EPO) in CHF patients with anemic syndrome, with the aim to more accurately assess the severity of the disease and its treatment, depending on the anemia degree.

METHODS

Patients with ischemic CHF of I-IV functional class (FC) with and without anemia were examined (total number of patients=208, patients with anemia=174). The EPO was determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Before treatment, the patients underwent the following medical therapy: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, long-acting nitrates, diuretics, digoxin, and beta-blockers at individual doses. Depending on the plasma EPO level, the CHF patients with anemia were divided into four randomized groups in terms of treatment.

RESULTS

Normal erythropoietinemia was found in 36.2% of the CHF patients with anemic syndrome (I-III FC), hypoerythropoietinemia in 44.8% (III-IV FC), and hypererythropoietinemia in 18.96% (III-V FC). The EPO level in the blood plasma of the patients with I-II FC CHF with hypoerythropoietinemia, who were treated with methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin β (MEB), increased by 2.2 times. Combination therapy with disease-modifying drugs and MEB led to a significant increase in the plasma EPO level in the CHF patients with hypoerythropoietinemia.

CONCLUSIONS

It was shown that the EPO level in patients with CHF and anemia did not always drop. Hypererythropoietinemia in patients with CHF and anemia leads to an unfavorable treatment prediction. This necessitates the investigation of the EPO level in all patients with CHF before and after treatment, with the aim of correcting the anemic syndrome. The research showed that the combined therapy of patients with CHF and anemia using MEB medication and iron with regard to the EPO level in the blood plasma improved their overall physical condition, reduced heart failure symptoms and hospitalization frequency, and demonstrated a clear tendency to reduce the general mortality rate.

Heart Failure

Heart failure affects more than 6 million people in the United States and incurs a heavy toll in morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. It frequently coexists with other important disorders, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes, and obesity. Decades of clinical trials have shown that several medications and interventions are effective for improving outcomes; however, mortality and hospitalization rates remain high. More recently, additional medications and devices have shown promise in reducing the health burden of heart failure.

Effectiveness of guideline-consistent heart failure drug prescriptions at hospital discharge on 1-year mortality: Results from the EPICAL2 cohort study

BACKGROUND

We aimed to assess the effectiveness of recommended drug prescriptions at hospital discharge on 1-year mortality in patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction (HFREF).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used data from the EPICAL2 cohort study. HF patients ≥18years old with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <40% and alive at discharge were included and followed up for mortality. Socio-demographic, clinical and therapeutic data were collected at admission. Therapeutic data were collected at discharge and at 6month. Prescription of an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (or an angiotensin II receptor blocker [ARB] in case of ACE inhibitor intolerance) and a β-blocker at discharge were considered "guideline-consistent discharge prescription" (GCDP). A frailty Cox model after propensity score (PS) matching was used to assess the association of GCDP with survival.

RESULTS

Among 624 patients included, the mean (SD) age was 73.6 (12.8) years; 65% were male. A total of 412 (65.6%) patients received GCDP, and 82.8% still had guideline consistent prescription at 6months. A total of 166 patients died during the follow-up, 78 in the GCDP group and 88 in the other group. Before PS matching, patients with GCDP were younger (|StDiff|=48.32%) and had higher body mass index (BMI) (|StDiff|=11.71%), lower LVEF (|StDiff|=23.13%) and lower Charlson index (|StDiff|=55.27%) than patients without GCDP. After PS matching, all characteristics were balanced between the two treatment groups, and GCDP was associated with reduced mortality (pooled HR=0.51, 95% CI [0.35-0.73]).

CONCLUSION

Prescription of ACE (or ARB) inhibitors and β-blockers for patients with HFREF may be low despite the evidence for morbidity and mortality improvement with these medications but remains associated with reduced 1-year mortality in unselected HFREF patients.

Echo and heart failure: when do people need an echo, and when do they need natriuretic peptides?

Heart failure (HF) is a threat to public health. Heterogeneities in aetiology and phenotype complicate the diagnosis and management of HF. This is especially true when considering HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), which makes up 50% of HF cases. Natriuretic peptides may aid in establishing a working diagnosis in patients suspected of HF, but echocardiography remains the optimal choice for diagnosing HF. Echocardiography provides important prognostic information in both HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and HFpEF. Traditionally, emphasis has been put on the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). LVEF is useful for both diagnosis and prognosis in HFrEF. However, echocardiography offers more than this single parameter of systolic function, and for optimal risk assessment in HFrEF, an echocardiogram evaluating systolic, diastolic, left atrial and right ventricular function is beneficial. In this assessment echocardiographic modalities such as global longitudinal strain (GLS) by 2D speckle-tracking may be useful. LVEF offers little value in HFpEF and is neither helpful for diagnosis nor prognosis. Diastolic function quantified by E/e′ and systolic function determined by GLS offer prognostic insight in HFpEF. In HFpEF, other parameters of cardiac performance such as left atrial and right ventricular function evaluated by echocardiography also contribute with prognostic information. Hence, it is important to consider the entire echocardiogram and not focus solely on systolic function. Future research should focus on combining echocardiographic parameters into risk prediction models to adopt a more personalized approach to prognosis instead of identifying yet another echocardiographic biomarker.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and heart failure: a position statement from the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology

The coexistence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and heart failure (HF), either with reduced (HFrEF) or preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), is frequent (30-40% of patients) and associated with a higher risk of HF hospitalization, all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality. The most important causes of HF in T2DM are coronary artery disease, arterial hypertension and a direct detrimental effect of T2DM on the myocardium. T2DM is often unrecognized in HF patients, and vice versa, which emphasizes the importance of an active search for both disorders in the clinical practice. There are no specific limitations to HF treatment in T2DM. Subanalyses of trials addressing HF treatment in the general population have shown that all HF therapies are similarly effective regardless of T2DM. Concerning T2DM treatment in HF patients, most guidelines currently recommend metformin as the first-line choice. Sulphonylureas and insulin have been the traditional second- and third-line therapies although their safety in HF is equivocal. Neither glucagon-like preptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, nor dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitors reduce the risk for HF hospitalization. Indeed, a DPP4 inhibitor, saxagliptin, has been associated with a higher risk of HF hospitalization. Thiazolidinediones (pioglitazone and rosiglitazone) are contraindicated in patients with (or at risk of) HF. In recent trials, sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, empagliflozin and canagliflozin, have both shown a significant reduction in HF hospitalization in patients with established CV disease or at risk of CV disease. Several ongoing trials should provide an insight into the effectiveness of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with HFrEF and HFpEF in the absence of T2DM.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors reduce mortality compared to angiotensin receptor blockers: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Background There are few reviews comparing the long-term outcomes of the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers in a hypertensive population because both are effective in reducing blood pressure. None of them compared angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers with a placebo group in patients with essential hypertension, because few studies exist with this design. Methods A systematic search of PUBMED, LILACS, SCIELO, ICTRP, Cochrane, EMBASE and ClinicalTrials.gov from 1 January 2000 until 31 December 2015 selected prospective studies that reported an association between the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers in the following cardiovascular outcomes: heart failure/hospitalisation, stroke, acute myocardial infarction, total cardiovascular deaths, total deaths and total outcomes. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were combined by using a fixed-effects model. Results Seventeen studies ( n = 73,761) were included of which 12 studies were randomly assigned to angiotensin II receptor blocker therapy ( n = 24,697) and five to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors ( n = 12,170). Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors proved to be significant in reducing total deaths (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.78-0.93) and cardiovascular deaths (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.69-0.87). Angiotensin II receptor blocker therapy did not show a reduction in total deaths (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.96-1.09) or cardiovascular deaths (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.86-1.06). For acute myocardial infarction, stroke and heart failure/hospitalisation, the reductions were significant for both classes. Conclusion Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blocker use is similar in preventing major cardiovascular outcomes regarding acute myocardial infarction, stroke and heart failure/hospitalisation. However, the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors is more effective in reducing total deaths and cardiovascular deaths than angiotensin II receptor blockers.

ANALYSIS OF CHANGE IN NT-proBNP AFTER ANGIOTENSIN RECEPTOR BLOCKER (ARB) THERAPY IN PATIENT WITH HEART FAILURE

NT-proBNP is an inactive fragment of BNP secreted by stretched ventricle as response to wall stress in patients with heart failure. As a specific cardiac marker, elevated NT-proBNP correlates well with heart failure severity. The principle of heart failure therapy is modulation on neurohormonal activation. ARB can modulate neurohormon on RAA system, that result in decreasing NT-proBNP level and favorable outcomes. Reduction in NT-proBNP more than biologic variability (> 25%) shows a therapy response.This study was to analyze change of NT-proBNP after ARB therapy in ambulatory HF patients. This observational prospective study was carried from September to December 2015. Blood sampling was performed on patients who meet the inclusion criteria of the study at first visit and after 2 months therapy. NT-proBNP was measured by IMMULITE® as primary parameter and creatinin as secondary parameter. There are 14 patients met the inclusion criteria of the study (11 males and 3 females). ARB therapy used in patients were Valsartan (64%), Telmisartan (22%) and Candesartan (14%). After 2 months ARB therapy, a decrease in level of NT-proBNP with initial median 3092.5 (216 – 32112) pg/ml to 2135.5 (350 – 16172) pg/ml respectively were statistically significant (p=0.003). And the secondary parameter creatinin serum convert to eGFR shows a change in eGFR with initial median 73.33 (37.05 – 266.68) ml/minute to 81.04 (39.31 – 167.02) ml/minute respectively were statistically not significant (p=0.657). There were 7 patients (50%) have a decrease > 25%. In this study, we found that ARB therapy can change NT-proBNP level significantly after 2 months therapy.

Importance of endogenous compensatory vasoactive peptides in broadening the effects of inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system for the treatment of heart failure

The magnitude of the clinical benefits produced by inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system in heart failure has been modest, possibly because of the ability of renin-angiotensin activity to escape from suppression during long-term treatment. Efforts to intensify pharmacological blockade by use of dual inhibitors that interfere with the renin-angiotensin system at multiple sites have not yielded consistent incremental clinical benefits, but have been associated with serious adverse reactions. By contrast, potentiation of endogenous compensatory vasoactive peptides can act to enhance the survival effects of inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system, as evidenced by trials that have compared angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors with drugs that inhibit both the renin-angiotensin system and neprilysin. Several endogenous vasoactive peptides act as adaptive mechanisms, and their augmentation could help to broaden the benefits of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors for patients with heart failure.

Pulmonary artery pressure-guided heart failure management: US cost-effectiveness analyses using the results of the CHAMPION clinical trial

AIMS

Haemodynamic-guided heart failure (HF) management effectively reduces decompensation events and need for hospitalizations. The economic benefit of clinical improvement requires further study.

METHODS AND RESULTS

An estimate of the cost-effectiveness of haemodynamic-guided HF management was made based on observations published in the randomized, prospective single-blinded CHAMPION trial. A comprehensive analysis was performed including healthcare utilization event rates, survival, and quality of life demonstrated in the randomized portion of the trial (18 months). Markov modelling with Monte Carlo simulation was used to approximate comprehensive costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) from a payer perspective. Unit costs were estimated using the Truven Health MarketScan database from April 2008 to March 2013. Over a 5-year horizon, patients in the Treatment group had average QALYs of 2.56 with a total cost of US$56 974; patients in the Control group had QALYs of 2.16 with a total cost of US$52 149. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was US$12 262 per QALY. Using comprehensive cost modelling, including all anticipated costs of HF and non-HF hospitalizations, physician visits, prescription drugs, long-term care, and outpatient hospital visits over 5 years, the Treatment group had a total cost of US$212 004 and the Control group had a total cost of US$200 360. The ICER was US$29 593 per QALY.

CONCLUSIONS

Standard economic modelling suggests that pulmonary artery pressure-guided management of HF using the CardioMEMS™ HF System is cost-effective from the US-payer perspective. This analysis provides the background for further modelling in specific country healthcare systems and cost structures.

Impact of Practice-Based Management of Pulmonary Artery Pressures in 2000 Patients Implanted With the CardioMEMS Sensor

Background:

Elevated pulmonary artery (PA) pressures in patients with heart failure are associated with a high risk for hospitalization and mortality. Recent clinical trial evidence demonstrated a direct relationship between lowering remotely monitored PA pressures and heart failure hospitalization risk reduction with a novel implantable PA pressure monitoring system (CardioMEMS HF System, St. Jude Medical). This study examines PA pressure changes in the first 2000 US patients implanted in general practice use.

Methods:

Deidentified data from the remote monitoring Merlin.net (St. Jude Medical) database were used to examine PA pressure trends from the first consecutive 2000 patients with at least 6 months of follow-up. Changes in PA pressures were evaluated with an area under the curve methodology to estimate the total sum increase or decrease in pressures (mm Hg-day) during the follow-up period relative to the baseline pressure. As a reference, the PA pressure trends were compared with the historic CHAMPION clinical trial (CardioMEMS Heart Sensor Allows Monitoring of Pressure to Improve Outcomes in New York Heart Association [NYHA] Functional Class III Heart Failure Patients). The area under the curve results are presented as mean±2 SE, and P values comparing the area under the curve of the general-use cohort with outcomes in the CHAMPION trial were computed by the t test with equal variance.

Results:

Patients were on average 70±12 years old; 60% were male; 34% had preserved ejection fraction; and patients were followed up for an average of 333±125 days. At implantation, the mean PA pressure for the general-use patients was 34.9±10.2 mm Hg compared with 31.3±10.9 mm Hg for CHAMPION treatment and 32.0±10.5 mm Hg for CHAMPION control groups. The general-use patients had an area under the curve of −32.8 mm Hg-day at the 1-month time mark, −156.2 mm Hg-day at the 3-month time mark, and −434.0 mm Hg-day after 6 months of hemodynamic guided care, which was significantly lower than the treatment group in the CHAMPION trial. Patients consistently transmitted pressure information with a median of 1.27 days between transmissions after 6 months.

Conclusions:

The first 2000 general-use patients managed with hemodynamic-guided heart failure care had higher PA pressures at baseline and experienced greater reduction in PA pressure over time compared with the pivotal CHAMPION clinical trial. These data demonstrate that general use of implantable hemodynamic technology in a nontrial setting leads to significant lowering of PA pressures.

Review: Effective Implementation of the New ESC Guidelines for the Management of Chronic Heart Failure in Routine Clinical Practice

European guidelines for the management of chronic heart failure (CHF) have been recently updated. Key changes include emphasis on CHF with preserved ejection fraction, and recognition of the role of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in the management of CHF patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction who remain symptomatic despite optimal therapy, or who are intolerant to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.

Recent trials that clearly demonstrated significant mortality and morbidity benefits were integral to these new recommendations. Additionally, a high dose of an ARB, as demonstrated in the Candesartan in Heart Failure Assessment of Reduction in Mortality and morbidity (CHARM) programme, can significantly reduce hospitalisation for heart failure in these settings. The guidelines recommend that only those ARBs and doses used in clinical trials should be considered, taking into account current licensed indications. Clinicians who are directly involved in the management of CHF must play a key role in the dissemination of these guidelines to colleagues to ensure that optimal CHF management is integrated into standard practice.

Hemodynamic-guided heart-failure management using a wireless implantable sensor: Infrastructure, methods, and results in a community heart failure disease-management program

BACKGROUND

The real-world impact of remote pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) monitoring on New York Heart Association (NYHA) class improvement and heart failure (HF) hospitalization rate is presented here from a single center.

HYPOTHESIS

METHODS: Seventy-seven previously hospitalized outpatients with NYHA class III HF were offered PAP monitoring via device implantation in a multidisciplinary HF-management program. Prospective effectiveness analyses compared outcomes in 34 hemodynamically monitored patients to a group of similar patients (n = 32) who did not undergo device implantation but received usual care. NYHA class and 6-minute walk testing were assessed at baseline and 90 days. All hospitalizations were collected after 6 months of the implantation date (average follow-up, 15 months) and compared with the number of hospitalizations experienced prior to hemodynamic monitoring.

RESULTS

Patients in both groups had similar distributions of age, sex, and ejection fraction. After 90 days, 61.8% of the monitored patients had NYHA class improvement of ≥1, compared with 12.5% in the controls (P < 0.001). Distance walked in 6 minutes increased by 54.5 meters in the monitored group (253.0 ± 25.6 meters to 307.4 ± 26.3 meters; P < 0.005), whereas no change was seen in the usual-care group. After implantation, 19.4% of the monitored group had ≥1 HF hospitalization, compared with 100% who had been hospitalized in the year prior to implantation. The monitored group had a significantly lower HF hospitalization rate (0.16; 95% confidence interval: 0.06-0.35 hospitalizations/patient-year) compared with the year prior (1.0 hospitalizations/patient-year; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Hemodynamic-guided HF management leads to significant improvements in NYHA class and HF hospitalization rate in a real-world setting compared with usual care delivered in a comprehensive disease-management program.

Long-term use of secondary prevention medications for heart failure in Western Australia: a protocol for a population-based cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Heart failure (HF) is a chronic, debilitating and progressive disease associated with high morbidity and mortality. Evidence-based medications (EBMs) are the cornerstone of management of patients with HF. In Australia, these EBMs are subsidised by the Commonwealth Government under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Suboptimal dispensing and non-adherence to these EBMs have been observed in patients with HF. Our study will investigate trends in dispensing patterns, as well as adherence and persistence of EBMs for HF. We will also identify factors influencing these patterns and their impact on long-term clinical outcomes.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This whole population-based cohort study will use longitudinal data for people aged 65-84 years who were hospitalised for HF in Western Australia between 2003 and 2008. Linked state-wide and national data will provide patient-level information on medication dispensing, medical visits, hospitalisations and death. Drug dispensing trends will be described, drug adherence and persistence estimated and the association with all-cause/cardiovascular death and hospitalisations reported.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This project has received approvals from the Western Australian Department of Health Human Research Ethics Committee and the Western Australian Aboriginal Health Ethics Committee. Results will be published in relevant cardiology journals and presented at national and international conferences.

Heart Failure: a Major Cardiovascular Complication of Diabetes Mellitus

Heart failure (HF) is a major cardiovascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). The greatest risk factor for HF is age, and data indicate that 6 to 10 % of individuals over the age of 65 years suffer from HF. Patients with DM have a 2.5-fold increased risk for developing HF than individuals without DM. The 25 to 40 % of patients with HF who have DM have worse outcome (death from cardiovascular disease or hospitalization for worsening HF) than patients without DM. Hyperglycemia is a risk factor for the development of HF with an increase in incidence of HF rising from 10 % at hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 8.0 to 9.0 % to 71 % at a HbA1c > 10 %. Patients with DM and HF are equally distributed between those with low ejection fractions and those with normal ejection fractions. The HF treatment regimens for patients with HF and DM (blockade of angiotensin II synthesis or action, cardioselective β-adrenergic blockade, mineralocorticoid receptor blockade, and diuretics) are the same as for HF patients without DM, though the benefit on clinical outcomes is not as great. The new angiotensin-neprilysin inhibitors appear to provide increase outcome benefits in both HF patients with or without DM. Glycemic control impacts the clinical outcomes in patients with HF and DM in a U-shaped relationship with poorer survival at low and high mean HbA1c levels. The optimal chronic glycemic control occurs at an HbA1c of 7.5 to 8.0 % for patients with DM who have symptoms of HF.

Medical interventions for treating anthracycline-induced symptomatic and asymptomatic cardiotoxicity during and after treatment for childhood cancer

BACKGROUND

Anthracyclines are frequently used chemotherapeutic agents for childhood cancer that can cause cardiotoxicity during and after treatment. Although several medical interventions in adults with symptomatic or asymptomatic cardiac dysfunction due to other causes are beneficial, it is not known if the same treatments are effective for childhood cancer patients and survivors with anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. This review is an update of a previously published Cochrane review.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effect of medical interventions on anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity in childhood cancer patients or survivors with the effect of placebo, other medical interventions, or no treatment.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (the Cochrane Library, 2015, Issue 8), MEDLINE/PubMed (1949 to September 2015), and EMBASE/Ovid (1980 to September 2015) for potentially relevant articles. In addition, we searched reference lists of relevant articles, conference proceedings of the International Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOP), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the American Society of Hematology (ASH), the International Conference on Long-Term Complications of Treatment of Children & Adolescents for Cancer, and the European Symposium on Late Complications from Childhood Cancer (from 2005 to 2015), and ongoing trial databases (the ISRCTN Register, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Register, and the trials register of the World Health Organization (WHO); all searched in September 2015).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled clinical trials (CCTs) comparing the effectiveness of medical interventions to treat anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity with either placebo, other medical interventions, or no treatment.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently performed the study selection. One review author performed the data extraction and 'Risk of bias' assessments, which another review author checked. We performed analyses according to the guidelines in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.

MAIN RESULTS

In the original version of the review we identified two RCTs; in this update we identified no additional studies. One trial (135 participants) compared enalapril with placebo in childhood cancer survivors with asymptomatic anthracycline-induced cardiac dysfunction. The other trial (68 participants) compared a two-week treatment of phosphocreatine with a control treatment (vitamin C, adenosine triphosphate, vitamin E, oral coenzyme Q10) in leukaemia patients with anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. Both studies had methodological limitations.The RCT on enalapril showed no statistically significant differences in overall survival, mortality due to heart failure, development of clinical heart failure, and quality of life between treatment and control groups. A post-hoc analysis showed a decrease (that is improvement) in one measure of cardiac function (left ventricular end-systolic wall stress (LVESWS): -8.62% change) compared with placebo (+1.66% change) in the first year of treatment (P = 0.036), but not afterwards. Participants treated with enalapril had a higher risk of dizziness or hypotension (risk ratio 7.17, 95% confidence interval 1.71 to 30.17) and fatigue (Fisher's exact test, P = 0.013).The RCT on phosphocreatine found no differences in overall survival, mortality due to heart failure, echocardiographic cardiac function, and adverse events between treatment and control groups.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Only one trial evaluated the effect of enalapril in childhood cancer survivors with asymptomatic cardiac dysfunction. Although there is some evidence that enalapril temporarily improves one parameter of cardiac function (LVESWS), it is unclear whether it improves clinical outcomes. Enalapril was associated with a higher risk of dizziness or hypotension and fatigue. Clinicians should weigh the possible benefits with the known side effects of enalapril in childhood cancer survivors with asymptomatic anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity.Only one trial evaluated the effect of phosphocreatine in childhood cancer patients with anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. Limited data with a high risk of bias showed no significant difference between phosphocreatine and control treatments on echocardiographic function and clinical outcomes.We did not identify any RCTs or CCTs studying other medical interventions for symptomatic or asymptomatic cardiotoxicity in childhood cancer patients or survivors.High-quality studies should be performed.

Short-Term Angiotensin Subtype 1 Receptor Blockade Does Not Alter the Circulatory Responses to Sympathetic Nervous System Modulation in Healthy Volunteers Before and During Sevoflurane Anesthesia: Results of a Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE

The mechanism of perioperative hypotension in patients taking an angiotensin-receptor blocker up to the time of surgery remains unclear. This study tested the hypothesis that short-term angiotensin-receptor blocker treatment attenuated the sympathetic and vascular responses to autonomic stimuli in volunteers undergoing anesthesia.

DESIGN

Randomized, crossover, blinded, pilot design.

SETTING

Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI.

PARTICIPANTS

The study comprised 8 male and 6 female healthy, young volunteers (age 23±1.2 years [mean±standard error of the mean]).

INTERVENTIONS

Volunteers were studied after receiving oral placebo or 50 mg of losartan (angiotensin-receptor blocker) for 3 days before each test day. The effectiveness of angiotensin-receptor blocker treatment was confirmed using the mean arterial blood pressure response to intravenous angiotensin II (1-µg bolus). Eight volunteers underwent direct mean arterial pressure and forearm bloodflow measurements during conscious baseline, a cold pressor test, induction of anesthesia, tracheal intubation, maintenance of anesthesia with 1 minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane, and airway irritation with 12% desflurane. Six volunteers experienced mean arterial pressure responses to 0.1 mg of phenylephrine at baseline and during 1 minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Comparisons were made over time and across groups. Angiotensin-receptor blocker treatment significantly reduced-mean arterial pressure and forearm vascular resistance (forearm blood flow/mean arterial pressure) over time and blocked the mean arterial pressure response to angiotensin-II challenge. The changes in mean arterial pressure and forearm vascular resistance in response to all stressors did not differ between treatments. Mean arterial pressure increases from phenylephrine were preserved.

CONCLUSIONS

In healthy, young volunteers, sympathetically-mediated responses from the short-term use of an angiotensin-receptor blocker were not altered and most likely did not contribute to perioperative hypotension during the intraoperative period.

Kicking the tyres of a heart failure trial: physician response to the approval of sacubitril/valsartan in the USA

Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibition has been shown to be superior to target doses of an ACE inhibitor in reducing the risk of cardiovascular death and clinical disease progression in patients with chronic heart failure and a reduced EF. Nevertheless, although sacubitril/valsartan has been available in the USA for a year, uptake of the drug by practitioners has been slow, in part because of misconceptions about the pivotal trial that demonstrated its efficacy in heart failure (PARADIGM-HF). This review addresses questions that have been raised in the USA about the design of the trial as well as the patients who were studied, the replicability and applicability of the results, and the safety of neprilysin inhibition. The totality of evidence indicates that the PARADIGM-HF trial used an appropriate comparator; enrolled patients typical of those seen in the community with mild to moderate symptoms; yielded highly persuasive and replicable results; and demonstrated benefits that are applicable to patients taking subtarget doses of ACE inhibitors and ARBs. Regulatory review in the USA concluded that the established advantages of sacubitril/valsartan on cardiovascular death and disease progression outweighed hypothetical uncertainties about the long-term effects of neprilysin inhibition in patients who might not have survived without the drug. Accordingly, both the new US and European Society of Cardiology heart failure guidelines recommend sacubitril/valsartan as the preferred approach to inhibiting the renin-angiotensin system in patients with chronic heart failure who are currently receiving an ACE inhibitor or ARB.

Pharmacology of heart failure: From basic science to novel therapies

Chronic heart failure is one of the leading causes for hospitalization in the United States and Europe, and is accompanied by high mortality. Current pharmacological therapy of chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction is largely based on compounds that inhibit the detrimental action of the adrenergic and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone systems on the heart. More than one decade after spironolactone, two novel therapeutic principles have been added to the very recently released guidelines on heart failure therapy: the HCN-channel inhibitor ivabradine and the combined angiotensin and neprilysin inhibitor valsartan/sacubitril. New compounds that are in phase II or III clinical evaluation include novel non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, guanylate cyclase activators or myosine activators. A variety of novel candidate targets have been identified and the availability of gene transfer has just begun to accelerate translation from basic science to clinical application. This review provides an overview of current pharmacology and pharmacotherapy in chronic heart failure at three stages: the updated clinical guidelines of the American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology, new drugs which are in clinical development, and finally innovative drug targets and their mechanisms in heart failure which are emerging from preclinical studies will be discussed.