References

Potential Expanded Indications for Neprilysin Inhibitors

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The goal of this article is to review potential expanded indications for neprilysin inhibitors. This article reviews the rationale and design for ongoing and future trials of sacubitril/valsartan in cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

Randomized trial data are lacking for use of sacubitril/valsartan in acute heart failure and advanced heart failure. Mechanistic data from animal studies suggest a role for neprilysin inhibition in the treatment of post-myocardial infarction systolic dysfunction and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Beyond the cardiovascular system, renal and neurological function may be impacted by neprilysin inhibition. Forthcoming randomized trials will address the clinical impact of sacubitril/valsartan on these conditions. Neprilysin inhibition with sacubitril/valsartan offers a new therapeutic strategy with a broad range of potential therapeutic actions. In PARADIGM-HF, the combination of neprilysin and RAAS inhibition was proven to be superior to enalapril for patients with stable NYHA class II-III heart failure and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Preliminary data suggests it may also have a role in other cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular disease. Several ongoing and planned studies will determine the extent of its benefit for these other indications.

[Antihypertensive therapy in diabetes mellitus: Guidelines of the Austrian Diabetes Association 2016]

Blood pressure lowering is one of the most important interventions for reducing the vascular complications and mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus. Recent studies indicate that the optimal blood pressure level might be in the range between 130-140 mmHg systolic and 80‒90 mmHg diastolic. Lower blood pressure levels (e.g. 120/80 mmHg) can further reduce the risk for stroke and diabetic nephropathy, but are associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. In particular, very low blood pressure levels (< 120 mmHg) should be avoided in patients with coronary heart disease or peripheral arterial disease. Most patients with diabetes mellitus need antihypertensive combination therapies, whereby ACE-inhibitors or Angiotensin-II receptor antagonists should be first line drugs.