Dapagliflozin in Patients with Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction

A multidisciplinary transition of care approach to reduce 30-day readmissions in heart failure patients

BACKGROUND

While advancements in pharmacologic and device therapies have improved survival, one in five adults with heart failure (HF) patients is readmitted within 30 days of discharge. Thus, the epidemic of HF is largely one of increasing hospitalizations.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if a comprehensive HF program reduces 30-day readmission rate.

METHODS

A convenience sample of adults with Medicare and HF (N = 1617) admitted to a large academic medical center were identified. Patients received HF education by a specialized registered nurse while inpatient and were seen by a pharmacist prior to discharge. Post-discharge, patients were called by a pharmacist within 72 h, followed by an ambulatory care manager for 90 days, and scheduled for a multidisciplinary clinic visit with a nurse practitioner within 7 days of hospitalization. High risk patients were referred to a community health worker (CHW). Clinic services included phlebotomy, education, point-of-care ultrasound, intravenous diuretic administration, and referrals to appropriate services. Data were analyzed descriptively.

RESULTS

The 30-day readmission rate was 18.39 % (N = 930) during the intervention period compared to 22.71 % (N = 617) at baseline, resulting in a 4.32 % reduction, p value 0.0325. Approximately 40 percent of the patient cohort was over age 85. Pharmacy was able to contact greater than 86 % of patients post discharge. Only half of patients were agreeable to ambulatory care management. Less than half (42 %) of eligible patients were seen in the post-discharge clinic. The CHW supported approximately 146 patients in a 9-month period.

CONCLUSIONS

A real-world comprehensive multidisciplinary team approach to the management of HF patients can reduce 30-day hospital readmissions.

Racial and regional differences in efficacy of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors on cardiorenal outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

To investigate the efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors on multiple cardiorenal outcomes across different racial/ethnic groups and regions.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase databases in April 2024 for a systematic review and meta-analysis. Owing to inconsistencies in the reporting of the racial/ethnic and regional demographics, participants were grouped into three racial groups (Asian, Black, and White) and four regional (Asia, Central/South America, Europe, North America) groups. We compared the efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors among these racial/ethnic and regional groups by calculating the ratio of hazard ratios (RHR). We evaluated the composite of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure (HHF), cardiovascular death, HHF, all-cause death, major adverse cardiac events, and cardiorenal composite outcomes.

RESULTS

We included 14 randomized placebo-controlled trials with 94,445 participants. Across the three racial/ethnic groups, SGLT2 inhibitors showed comparable efficacy. Compared with White patients, the efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors on HHF was more pronounced in Black patients (RHR, 0.64; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.44-0.94), and a numerically lower risk was associated with Asian patients (RHR, 0.62; 95 % CI, 0.38-1.01). A consistent reduction in cardiovascular events with SGLT2 inhibitors was observed across all regions, while the efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors on HHF was more pronounced in Asia than in other regions (RHR, 0.52; 95 % CI, 0.33-0.81).

CONCLUSIONS

SGLT2 inhibitors showed generally consistent efficacy across various racial/ethnic and regional groups, with some differences noted in specific populations. Ensuring adequate representation of diverse populations in clinical trials would be key to addressing healthcare disparities.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor empagliflozin enhances autophagy and reverses remodeling in hearts with large, old myocardial infarctions

Large clinical trials recently showed that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors improve the prognosis of heart failure patients with or without diabetes. Using a mouse model of large myocardial infarction, we investigated the therapeutic effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of the highly selective SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin in heart failure. Four weeks after myocardial infarction induced by left coronary artery ligation, the surviving mice were assigned to vehicle or empagliflozin groups and treated for 8 weeks. Empagliflozin did not alter body weight, blood pressure, glycohemoglobin, blood glucose or beta-hydroxybutyrate levels but significantly attenuated cardiac dysfunction and left ventricular dilatation (remodeling). Hearts from empagliflozin-treated mice showed less fibrosis, less cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and lower myocardial ANP levels than those from vehicle-treated mice. Autophagy was augmented in cardiomyocytes from empagliflozin-treated mice, as indicated by increased myocardial microtubule-associated protein-1 LC3 (light chain 3)-II levels and LC-3-II/I ratio as well as increased levels of cathepsin D and ATP. Additionally, numerous autophagic vacuoles and lysosomes were observed, accompanied by increased AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and suppression of mammalian target of rapamycin phosphorylation. Myocardial sodium-hydrogen antiporter (NHE)-1 expression was increased in infarcted mice, and that effect was unchanged by empagliflozin. In vitro, empagliflozin increased autophagic flux and induced an intracellular pH drop, AMPK activation and ATP production in cardiomyocytes. These effects were similar to those of the NHE-1 inhibitor cariporide, suggesting a possibility that they both act on the same pathway. Empagliflozin is a beneficial pharmacological tool that enhances autophagy to reverse remodeling in the postinfarction heart.

Effect of Initial eGFR and Albuminuria Changes on Clinical Outcomes in People With Diabetes Receiving SGLT2 Inhibitors

CONTEXT

The relationship between initial changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR), and their independent association with clinical outcomes in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients receiving sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is), remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the association between initial changes in eGFR and UACR with consequent cardiovascular and kidney outcomes in an Asian population with T2D following SGLT2i treatment in a real-world setting.

METHODS

Using a large multicenter medical database in Taiwan, we analyzed 8222 T2D patients with baseline and 3-month follow-up eGFR and UACR measurements, receiving SGLT2is between June 1, 2016, and December 31, 2021. We assessed risks of major adverse renal events (MARE), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), hospitalization for heart failure (HHF), and all-cause mortality using a Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

After 3 months of SGLT2i treatment, patients were categorized based on early changes in eGFR (no decline, 0%-10% decline, > 10% decline) and UACR (no reduction, 0%-30% reduction, > 30% reduction). Among those with no initial eGFR decline (40.9%), 19.8% had no initial UACR reduction, 8.4% had 0% to 30% reduction, and 12.7% had greater than 30% reduction. For those with greater than 10% initial eGFR decline (21.5%), 6.5% had no UACR reduction, 4.3% had 0% to 30% reduction, and 10.7% had greater than 30% reduction. Patients with greater than 10% initial eGFR decline but no UACR reduction showed higher risks of MARE (adjusted HR [aHR]: 2.34; 95% CI, 1.32-4.15), MACE (aHR: 1.83; 95% CI, 1.01-3.29), and HHF/cardiovascular death (aHR: 1.93; 95% CI, 1.05-3.55) compared to those with modest early eGFR decline and UACR reduction.

CONCLUSION

T2D patients experiencing profound early eGFR decline without concordant UACR reduction while on SGLT2is represent a high-risk subgroup with worse clinical outcomes. These findings suggest the need for closer monitoring and potentially more aggressive therapeutic strategies for this patient population.

Renal macro- and microcirculatory perturbations in acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease associated with heart failure and cardiac surgery

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 50% of patients with heart failure. The pathophysiology of CKD in heart failure is proposed to be driven by macrocirculatory hemodynamic changes, including reduced cardiac output and elevated central venous pressure. However, our understanding of renal microcirculation in heart failure and CKD remains limited. This is largely due to the lack of noninvasive techniques to assess renal microcirculation in patients. Moreover, there is a lack of clinically relevant animal models of heart failure and CKD to advance our understanding of the timing and magnitude of renal microcirculatory dysfunction. Patients with heart failure and CKD commonly require cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) to improve their prognosis. However, acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent unresolved clinical complication in these patients. There is emerging evidence that renal microcirculatory dysfunction, characterized by renal medullary hypoperfusion and hypoxia, plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of cardiac surgery-associated AKI. In this review, we consolidate the preclinical and clinical evidence of renal macro- and microcirculatory perturbations in heart failure and cardiac surgery requiring CPB. We also examine emerging biomarkers and therapies that may improve health outcomes for this vulnerable patient population by targeting the renal microcirculation.

Projecting the benefit of vericiguat in PARADIGM-HF and DAPA-HF populations: Insights from the VICTORIA trial

AIMS

The VICTORIA trial demonstrated a significant reduction in the primary composite outcome of heart failure (HF) hospitalization or cardiovascular death with vericiguat relative to placebo in high-risk HF. This study aimed to contextualize treatment effects of vericiguat in populations with varying risk profiles simulated from the PARADIGM-HF and DAPA-HF trials.

METHODS

Subgroups of VICTORIA participants (n = 5050) were generated to simulate PARADIGM-HF and DAPA-HF trial populations. The PARADIGM-HF-eligible population excluded participants not meeting left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and minimal dose criteria and those with high predicted probability of run-in failure. The DAPA-HF-eligible population excluded those not meeting LVEF and eGFR criteria or with recent (<30 days) HF hospitalization. The time-to-first-event analysis was performed using an unadjusted Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

A total of 1982 (39.2%) and 2543 (50.4%) VICTORIA participants were respectively deemed eligible for PARADIGM-HF and DAPA-HF. Vericiguat was associated with numerically larger reductions in the primary outcome of HF hospitalization or cardiovascular death in populations simulated from PARADIGM-HF [hazard ratio (HR) 0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72-0.99] and DAPA-HF (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.71-0.94) compared with the overall VICTORIA trial (HR 0.90). Significant reduction in HF hospitalization with vericiguat was also observed in the DAPA-HF-eligible population (HR 0.83, 95%CI 0.73-0.95) and with a nominal reduction in the PARADIGM-HF-eligible population (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.74-1.01).

CONCLUSIONS

A trend towards enhanced efficacy of vericiguat in populations simulated from PARADIGM-HF and DAPA-HF was observed. These findings support further exploration of vericiguat in lower-risk HF populations as is being investigated in the ongoing VICTOR (a study of vericiguat in participants with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction) trial.

Effects of sodium-glucose co-transporter inhibitors on individual clinical endpoints and quality of life

AIMS

Sodium-glucose co-transporter inhibitors (SGLTis) have cardiovascular protective effects. We aimed to assess the effects of SGLTis on individual hard clinical endpoints and quality of life (QoL) in patients with cardiovascular risk factors.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Data was searched in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and clinicaltrials.gov databases up to February 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing SGLTis with placebo were included. The primary outcomes were individual hard clinical endpoints (Subset A) and QoL (Subset B). For Subset A, 13 RCTs including 90 413 patients were enrolled (age 66 ± 10.1 years, 35.7% female, follow-up 2.4 ± 0.3 years); as compared with placebo, SGLTis were associated with significantly lower risk of all-cause mortality [risk ratio (RR): 0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.86-0.94, P < 0.01], cardiovascular mortality (RR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.82-0.92, P < 0.01), hospitalization for heart failure (HF) (RR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.68-0.76, P < 0.01), HF events (RR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.68-0.75, P < 0.01), hospitalization for any cause (RR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.88-0.93, P < 0.01) and myocardial infarction (MI) (RR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.85-0.99, P = 0.03). Notably, the favourable effect of SGLTis on all-cause mortality was more pronounced in younger (<65 years) patients (RR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.81-0.92) and in studies with less female (RR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.79-0.90). The favourable effect of SGLTis on MI was only observed in patients who received sotagliflozin (RR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.31-0.73). For Subset B, nine RCTs including 2552 HF patients were enrolled (age 67.8 ± 12.4 years, 36.4% female, follow-up 3.4 ± 1.9 months); SGLTis were associated with significant improvement in QoL as compared with placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with a broad spectrum of cardiovascular risk factors, SGLTis substantially improve individual hard clinical outcomes and QoL.

Evaluating the appropriateness and the factors associated with sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors prescribing in a Middle Eastern country: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are a novel class of oral antidiabetic drugs (ADDs). Studies evaluating the appropriateness of SGLT2is prescribing, and the factors associated with their initiation in the Middle East region are lacking.

AIM

This study aimed to evaluate the appropriateness of prescribing SGLT2is based on indication, dosing, and contraindication and determine the factors associated with their initial prescribing.

METHOD

In this cross-sectional study, a cohort of 650 patients newly prescribed SGLT2is (n = 400) and/or any other oral ADDs (n = 250) during 2020 were included. Data were extracted from an electronic medical record system. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to investigate factors associated with prescribing SGLT2is.

RESULTS

SGLT2is were prescribed for appropriate indication in 400 patients (100%), while inappropriately prescribed in relation to contraindication and dosing in 14 patients (3.5%). Male patients were more likely to be prescribed SGLT2is (odds ratio [OR], 1.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-2.82). Patients with a baseline glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) above 7% and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) were more likely to be prescribed SGLT2is (OR, 3.22; 95% CI, 1.84-5.64) and (OR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.05-4.52), respectively. Patients receiving metformin (OR, 7.56; 95% CI, 4.46-12.80), sulfonylureas (OR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.16-4.56), and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (OR, 3.43; 95% CI, 2.00-5.87) were more likely to be prescribed SGLT2is.

CONCLUSION

SGLT2is were found to be typically prescribed for the appropriate indication. Among the most important factors associated with prescribing SGLT2is are having uncontrolled HbA1c, history of ASCVD, and using other ADDs.

Timing and Adherence Matter for Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors in Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

It is imperative to maintain the use of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is) in patients with diabetes both after the index diagnosis of heart failure (HF) and even prior to the index diagnosis of HF. We aimed to investigate whether timing of SGLT-2 is before the index diagnosis of HF, and second, adherence to SGLT-2is in the form of the proportion of days covered metric matter in patients with HF and diabetes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

All-cause death up to 7 years were evaluated in HF with diabetes from the subgroup analysis of TRends-HF (TRends in Heart Failure in Türkiye). Patients with HF and diabetes, who were prescribed an SGLT-2i either before or after the index diagnosis of HF were identified, categorized according to duration of exposure before the index HF diagnosis and according to proportion of days covered after the index diagnosis of HF, and compared with nonusers. There were 1 229 833 patients with HF and diabetes in the cohort. A total of 247 987 were on an SGLT-2i and had available timing data, and 14.06% had SGLT-2i on board before the index HF diagnosis. Median duration of SGLT-2i exposure before the index HF diagnosis was 417 days. Prognosis was the best among patients with diabetes who were prescribed an SGLT-2i before the index diagnosis of HF with an exposure more than median duration. Of note, among patients who were prescribed an SGLT-2i after the index HF diagnosis; there was a numerically graded increase in all-cause mortality rate such that a >10% decrease in SGLT-2i proportion of days covered was associated with a 59% increase in all-cause death (hazard ratio, 1.21-2.09).

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of time or adherence, SGLT-2is offer a remarkable all-cause death benefit to patients with HF and diabetes. SGLT-2is' all-cause death benefit for patients with HF and diabetes was greatest when it was prescribed before the HF index diagnosis. Poor adherence to SGLT-2is was associated with worsening survival in patients with HF and diabetes following the diagnosis of index HF.

Empagliflozin Reduces High Glucose-Induced Cardiomyopathy in hiPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes : Glucose-induced Lipotoxicity in hiPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes

Human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) technology has been applied in pathogenesis studies, drug screening, tissue engineering, and stem cell therapy, and patient-specific hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) have shown promise in disease modeling, including diabetic cardiomyopathy. High glucose (HG) treatment induces lipotoxicity in hiPSC-CMs, as evidenced by changes in cell size, beating rate, calcium handling, and lipid accumulation. Empagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, effectively mitigates the hypertrophic changes, abnormal calcium handling, and contractility impairment induced by HG. Glucose concentration influences SGLT2 expression in cardiomyocytes, highlighting its potential role in diabetic cardiomyopathy. These findings support the potential utility of hiPSC-CMs in studying diabetic cardiomyopathy and the efficacy of empagliflozin in ameliorating HG-induced cardiomyocyte dysfunction. Such research may advance developments in precision medicine and therapeutic interventions for patients with diabetic cardiomyopathy.

SGLT2 inhibitors increase low serum magnesium levels in patients with chronic kidney disease immediately after treatment

BACKGROUND

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have been shown in clinical trials to increase serum Mg2+ levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, it is unclear whether this effect is similarly observed in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and whether such an increase is observed immediately after treatment.

METHODS

Our retrospective observational study included the 62 patients with CKD who started SGLT2 inhibitor therapy at our institution between 2017 and 2022 and who had complete data on serum Mg2+ measurements at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. Patients were divided into three subgroups, stratified by serum Mg2+ levels at baseline. We evaluated the changes in serum Mg2+ levels from baseline to 6 months after treatment and the factors associated with these changes.

RESULTS

Median eGFR and mean serum Mg2+ at baseline were 33.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 2.03 mg/dL, respectively. Treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors significantly increased serum Mg2+ levels immediately from 1 month after treatment compared with those at baseline and persisted over 6 months, with an overall mean change of 0.13 mg/dL from baseline to 6 months. This increased effect was observed in the low and middle tertile subgroups, but not in the high tertile subgroup. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that baseline serum Mg2+ levels and sodium-chloride differences, as a parameter of acid-base status, were independently associated with these changes.

CONCLUSIONS

SGLT2 inhibitors increased serum Mg2+ levels in patients with CKD, particularly those with lower baseline Mg2+ levels, potentially improving their prognosis.

2025 ACC/AHA/ACEP/NAEMSP/SCAI Guideline for the Management of Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

The "2025 ACC/AHA/ACEP/NAEMSP/SCAI Guideline for the Management of Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes" incorporates new evidence since the "2013 ACCF/AHA Guideline for the Management of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction" and the corresponding "2014 AHA/ACC Guideline for the Management of Patients With Non-ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes" and the "2015 ACC/AHA/SCAI Focused Update on Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction." The "2025 ACC/AHA/ACEP/NAEMSP/SCAI Guideline for the Management of Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes" and the "2021 ACC/AHA/SCAI Guideline for Coronary Artery Revascularization" retire and replace, respectively, the "2016 ACC/AHA Guideline Focused Update on Duration of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease."

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from July 2023 to April 2024. Clinical studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and other evidence conducted on human participants were identified that were published in English from MEDLINE (through PubMed), EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline.

STRUCTURE

Many recommendations from previously published guidelines have been updated with new evidence, and new recommendations have been created when supported by published data.

Meta-analysis of sotagliflozin, a dual sodium-glucose-cotransporter 1/2 inhibitor, for heart failure in type 2 diabetes

Sodium-glucose co-transporters (SGLTs) mediate sodium and glucose transport across cell membranes. SGLT2 inhibitors have a recognized place within heart failure (HF) guidelines. We evaluated the effect of sotagliflozin on HF and cardiovascular outcomes in participants with type 2 diabetes. Scopus, Medline, Embase and Central were searched from inception until 2 June 2023. Randomized controlled trials evaluating sotagliflozin in type 2 diabetes participants and reporting HF events were selected. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and systolic blood pressure were evaluated. The Cochrane risk of bias tool (RoB 2.0) was used. Pooled mean difference (MD), relative risk (RR), 95% confidence intervals and the number needed to treat (NNT) were estimated (PROSPERO: CRD42023432732). We selected nine studies (n = 15 320 participants: n = 8040 intervention and n = 7280 control). The median follow-up was 13.4 months (Q1 = 13, Q3 = 21). One study recruited participants with HF at baseline. After a follow-up of >52 weeks, sotagliflozin significantly reduced the risk of HF [n = 8 studies; RR = 0.66 (0.64, 0.69)], stroke [n = 6 studies; RR = 0.75 (0.58, 0.97)] and MACE [n = 8 studies; RR = 0.73 (0.66, 0.81)]. The NNT was 20 and 26 for HF and MACE, respectively. Sotagliflozin lowered systolic blood pressure [n = 7; MD = -2.38 mmHg (-2.79, -1.97)]. No dose-dependent effect was identified for HF [200 mg: RR = 0.38 (0.16, 0.89), 400 mg: RR = 0.57 (0.39, 0.85), P-value = 0.22]. The high risk of bias was a limitation of this review. Sotagliflozin reduced HF and cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes participants. Research exploring its effects in HF and comparisons with SGLT2 inhibitors is warranted to determine if dual SGLT inhibition surpasses selective inhibition.

Beyond glycated haemoglobin: Modelling contemporary management of type 2 diabetes with the updated Cardiff model

AIMS

Recommendations on the use of newer type 2 diabetes (T2D) treatments (e.g., SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists [RA]) in contemporary clinical guidelines necessitate a change in how T2D models approach therapy selection and escalation. Dynamic, person-centric clinical decision-making considers factors beyond a patient's HbA1c and glycaemic targets, including cardiovascular (CV) risk, comorbidities and bodyweight. This study aimed to update the existing Cardiff T2D health economic model to reflect modern T2D management and to remain fit-for-purpose in supporting decision-making.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Cardiff T2D model's therapy selection/escalation module was updated from a conventional, glucose-centric to a holistic approach. Risk factor progression equations were updated based on UKPDS90; the cardio-kidney-metabolic benefits of SGLT2i and GLP-1 RA were captured via novel risk equations derived from relevant outcomes trial data. The significance of the updates was illustrated by comparing predicted outcomes and costs for a newly diagnosed T2D population between conventional and holistic approaches to disease management, where the latter represents recent treatment guidelines.

RESULTS

A holistic approach to therapy selection/escalation enables early introduction of SGLT2i and GLP-1 RA in modelled pathways in a manner aligned to guidelines and primarily due to elevated CV risk. Compared with a conventional approach, only considering HbA1c, patients experience fewer clinical events and gain additional health benefits.

CONCLUSIONS

Predictions based on a glucose-centric approach to therapy are likely to deviate from real-world observations. A holistic approach is more able to capture the nuances of contemporary clinical practice. T2D modelling must evolve to remain robust and relevant.

Effect of Dapagliflozin on Ventricular Arrhythmic Events in Heart Failure Patients With an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator

Background

The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of dapagliflozin on the ventricular arrhythmia burden (VAb) in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), correlating the possible reduction in arrhythmic events and ICD therapies with the basal functional capacity, as well as the remodeling parameters induced by treatment.

Methods

A total of 117 outpatient ICD patients with a known diagnosis of HFrEF who underwent treatment with dapagliflozin were evaluated according to a prospective observational protocol. VAb (including sustained ventricular tachycardia, non-sustained ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and total ventricular events) and specific ICD therapies (anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) and ICD shocks) were extrapolated from the devices' memory (events per patient per month) by comparing events in the observation period before and after the introduction of dapagliflozin.

Results

The VAb was significantly reduced after dapagliflozin introduction (2.9 ± 1.8 vs. 4.5 ± 2.0, P = 0.01). The burden of appropriate ATPs was significantly reduced (0.57 ± 0.80 vs. 0.65 ± 0.91, P = 0.03), but not for ICD shocks. In patients with a more advanced functional class, a greater reduction in VAb was observed than in patients with a better initial functional capacity (2.2 ± 0.8 vs. 5.5 ± 1.8, P = 0.001 in the New York Heart Association (NYHA) III/IV group; 3.5 ± 2.1 vs. 4.5 ± 2.2, P = 0.02 in the NYHA I/II group). Considering two independent groups according to reverse remodeling (Δleft ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) > 15%), a significant reduction in VAb was observed only in those patients who presented significant reverse remodeling (2.5 ± 1.1 vs. 5.1 ± 1.6, P = 0.01). A statistically significant interaction between the variation of total ventricular arrhythmias (VTA) and the basal NYHA class (F(1,115) = 142.25, P < 0.0001, partial η2 = 0.553), as well as between the variation of VTA and the ΔLVEF (F(1,115) = 107.678, P < 0.0001, partial η2 = 0.484) has been demonstrated using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test.

Conclusions

In ICD outpatients with HFrEF, dapagliflozin treatment produces a reduction in arrhythmic ventricular events. This improvement is more evident in patients who have a worse functional class and thus a more precarious hemodynamic state, and in patients who present with significant ventricular reverse remodeling. Therefore, we can hypothesize that the hemodynamic and structural improvements induced by treatment represent, at least in the short-medium term, some of the principal elements justifying the significant reduction in VAb.

Cardiovascular, kidney and safety outcomes with canagliflozin in older adults: A combined analysis from the CANVAS Program and CREDENCE trial

AIM

SGLT2 inhibitors may be underused in older adults with type 2 diabetes due to concerns about safety and tolerability. This pooled analysis of the CANVAS Program and CREDENCE trial examined the efficacy and safety of canagliflozin according to age.

METHODS

Pooled individual participant data from the CANVAS Program (n = 10 142) and CREDENCE trial (n = 4401) were analysed by baseline age (<65 years, 65 to <75 years, and ≥75 years). A range of adjudicated clinical outcomes were assessed, including major adverse cardiovascular events and CKD progression, as well as safety outcomes. Cox proportional hazards models and Fine and Gray competing risk analysis were used.

RESULTS

Among the 14 543 participants, 7927 (54.5%) were <65 years, 5281 (36.3%) were 65 to <75 years and 1335 (9.2%) were ≥75 years. Older participants had higher rates of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and heart failure, longer diabetes duration and lower mean eGFR. Reductions in cardiovascular and kidney outcomes with canagliflozin were consistent across age categories (all p trend >0.10), although there was some evidence that effects on cardiovascular death and all-cause death were attenuated with older age (p trend = 0.02 and 0.03, respectively). Although the incidence of adverse events increased with age, effects of canagliflozin on safety outcomes including acute kidney injury, volume depletion, urinary tract infections and hypoglycaemia, were not modified by age (all p trend >0.10).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with varying degrees of kidney function, canagliflozin reduced cardiovascular and kidney outcomes, regardless of age, with no additional safety concerns identified in older patients.

Cardiac remodelling in the era of the recommended four pillars heart failure medical therapy

Cardiac remodelling is a key determinant of worse cardiovascular outcome in patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). It affects both the left ventricle (LV) structure and function as well as the left atrium (LA) and the right ventricle (RV). Guideline recommended medical therapy for HF, including angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptors II blockers/angiotensin receptor blocker-neprilysin inhibitors (ACE-I/ARB/ARNI), beta-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) and sodium-glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), have shown to improve morbidity and mortality in patients with HFrEF. By targeting multiple pathophysiological pathways, foundational HF therapies are supposed to drive their beneficial clinical effects by a direct myocardial effect. Simultaneous initiation of guideline directed medical therapy (GDMT) through a synergistic effect promotes a 'reverse remodelling', leading to a full or partial recovered structure and function by enhancing systemic neurohumoral regulation and energy metabolism, reducing cardiomyocyte apoptosis, lowering oxidative stress and inflammation and adverse extracellular matrix deposition. The aim of this review is to describe how these classes of drugs can drive reverse remodelling in the LV, LA and RV and improve prognosis in patients with HFrEF.

Association of quality of care and long-term mortality risk for individuals presenting with ST-segment myocardial infarction (STEMI) by diabetes mellitus status: A nationwide cohort study

AIMS

This study aimed to assess how diabetes influences the quality of care and longer-term outcomes in contemporary STEMI cohorts.

METHODS

We analysed 283,658 adults hospitalised with STEMI from the United Kingdom Myocardial Ischaemia National Audit Project (MINAP) registry between 2005 and 2019. This was linked with Office of National Statistics data to provide out of hospital mortality outcomes. We compared longer-term outcomes depending on diabetes status and assessed the effect of quality of care using the opportunity-based quality-indicator score (OBQI).

RESULTS

Individuals with diabetes were older (median age 68.7 vs. 65.5), underwent percutaneous coronary intervention less frequently (60 % vs. 63 %) and were less likely to achieve a door-to-balloon time of < 60 min (69 % vs. 75 %) or < 120 min (89 % vs. 92 %). Their adjusted all-cause mortality risk was higher during follow-up, from 30 days (HR: 1.49, CI: 1.44-1.54), to up to 10 years of follow up (HR: 1.54, CI: 1.52-1.57), compared to individuals without diabetes. Excellent inpatient care was associated with lower mortality rates within individuals with diabetes (Diabetes: HR 0.56, CI: 0.50-0.64, No diabetes: HR 0.62, CI: 0.58-0.67).

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with diabetes have a higher risk of long-term mortality after STEMI. They experience delays in angiography and receive lower quality inpatient care.

The effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors on the 'forgotten' right ventricle

With the progress in diagnosis, treatment and imaging techniques, there is a growing recognition that impaired right ventricular (RV) function profoundly affects the prognosis of patients with heart failure (HF), irrespective of their left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). In addition, right HF (RHF) is a common complication associated with various diseases, including congenital heart disease, myocardial infarction (MI), pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and it can manifest at any time after left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). The sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibition by gliflozins has emerged as a cornerstone medicine for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and HF, with an increasing focus on its potential to enhance RV function. In this review, we aim to present an updated perspective on the pleiotropic effects of gliflozins on the right ventricle and offer insights into the underlying mechanisms. We can ascertain their advantageous impact on the right ventricle by discussing the evidence obtained in animal models and monumental clinical trials. In light of the pathophysiological changes in RHF, we attempt to elucidate crucial mechanisms regarding their beneficial effects, including alleviation of RV overload, reduction of hyperinsulinaemia and inflammatory responses, regulation of nutrient signalling pathways and cellular energy metabolism, inhibition of oxidative stress and myocardial fibrosis, and maintenance of ion balance. Finally, this drug class's potential application and benefits in various clinical settings are described, along with a prospective outlook on future clinical practice and research directions.

Effect of sotagliflozin on major adverse cardiovascular events: a prespecified secondary analysis of the SCORED randomised trial

BACKGROUND

Sodium-glucose co-transporter (SGLT)-2 inhibitors have shown consistent benefit in improving heart failure-related outcomes but not ischaemic cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction or stroke. We assessed if the dual SGLT1/2 inhibitor sotagliflozin improves ischaemic outcomes.

METHODS

We did a prespecified secondary analysis of the SCORED trial, which was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial enrolling patients (aged ≥18 years) with type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] 25-60 mL/min per 1·73 m2), and additional cardiovascular risk factors. Patients at 750 sites in 44 countries were randomly assigned (1:1) to oral sotagliflozin or placebo via an interactive response technology system (block size of four; stratified by heart failure-related criteria and geographical region), with participants, investigators, and study staff, including those who assessed outcomes, masked to group assignment. Sotagliflozin treatment was prescribed at 200 mg once a day, with the dose increased to 400 mg once a day within the first 6 months if tolerated. Matching placebo was prescribed at the same treatment frequency as the intervention regimen. A prespecified secondary outcome was total major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), which was defined as a composite of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and non-fatal stroke, assessed as first and subsequent events. Other outcomes included total myocardial infarction and total stroke (fatal and non-fatal events) as individual post-hoc endpoints. Outcomes were assessed by intention to treat with competing-risk proportional hazard models in the overall population, and, for total MACE, in prespecified subgroups stratified by baseline demographic and clinical features (sex, age, geographical region, heart failure-related criteria, eGFR, urine albumin-creatinine ratio, and cardiovascular disease history). The SCORED trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03315143, and was ended early due to loss of funding.

FINDINGS

10 584 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to sotagliflozin (n=5292 [50·0%]) or placebo (n=5292 [50·0%]) between Dec 8, 2017 and Jan 20, 2020 (median age 69 years [IQR 63-74]; 4754 [44·9%] female patients and 5830 [55·1%] male patients). 5144 (48·6%) patients had a history of cardiovascular disease, of whom 2108 (19·9% of the total population) had a history of myocardial infarction, 946 (8·9%) had a history of stroke, and 2375 (22·4%) had a history of coronary revascularisation. Patients in the sotagliflozin group had a significantly lower rate of total MACE than those in the placebo group (4·8 events per 100 person-years vs 6·3 events per 100 person-years; hazard ratio [HR] 0·77 [95% CI 0·65-0·91]; p=0·0020). Interaction analyses suggested a consistent effect of sotagliflozin on total MACE among stratified subgroups without evidence of heterogeneity. Additionally, sotagliflozin significantly reduced the rate of myocardial infarction (1·8 events per 100 person-years vs 2·7 events per 100 person-years; HR 0·68 [0·52-0·89]; p=0·0041) and stroke (1·2 events per 100 person-years vs 1·8 events per 100 person-years; HR 0·66 [0·48-0·91]; p=0·012) compared with placebo.

INTERPRETATION

Sotagliflozin reduced MACE, with independent reductions in myocardial infarction and stroke, among patients with type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and additional cardiovascular risk. The ischaemic benefit on both myocardial infarction and stroke has not been previously observed with other SGLT inhibitors and warrants investigation of combined SGLT1 and SGLT2 inhibition as a possible underlying mechanism.

FUNDING

Lexicon Pharmaceuticals.

Reassessing the need for primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in contemporary patients with heart failure

The main function of the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is to protect against sudden cardiac death (SCD) due to ventricular tachyarrhythmia (VTA). Current guidelines provide a recommendation to implant a prophylactic ICD for the primary prevention of SCD in individuals having heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) who never experienced a previous sustained VTA. However, these recommendations are based on clinical trials conducted more than 20 years ago and may not be applicable to contemporary patients with HFrEF who have a lower arrhythmic risk as a result of advances in heart failure medical therapies. Thus, there is an unmet need for more appropriate selection of contemporary patients with HFrEF for a primary prevention ICD. In this article, we review data underlying the current clinical equipoise on the need for routine implantation of a primary prevention ICD in patients with HFrEF and the rationale for conducting clinical trials that aim to reassess the role of the ICD in this population.

Novel therapeutic agents for cardiometabolic risk mitigation in heart transplant recipients

Heart transplant (HT) recipients experience high rates of cardiometabolic disease. Novel therapies targeting hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and obesity, including proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin inhibitors, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists, are increasingly used for cardiometabolic risk mitigation in the general population. However, limited data exist to support the use of these agents in patients who have undergone heart transplantation. Herein, we describe the mechanisms of action and emerging evidence supporting the use of novel pharmacologic agents in the post-HT setting for cardiometabolic risk mitigation and review evidence supporting their ability to modulate immune pathways associated with atherogenesis, epicardial adipose tissue, and coronary allograft vasculopathy.

Dapagliflozin in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic-Valve Implantation

BACKGROUND

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce the risk of heart-failure admission among high-risk patients. However, most patients with valvular heart disease, including those undergoing transcatheter aortic-valve implantation (TAVI), have been excluded from randomized trials.

METHODS

We conducted this randomized, controlled trial in Spain to evaluate the efficacy of dapagliflozin (at a dose of 10 mg once daily) as compared with standard care alone in patients with aortic stenosis who were undergoing TAVI. All the patients had a history of heart failure plus at least one of the following: renal insufficiency, diabetes, or left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The primary outcome was a composite of death from any cause or worsening of heart failure, defined as hospitalization or an urgent visit, at 1 year of follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 620 patients were randomly assigned to receive dapagliflozin and 637 to receive standard care alone after TAVI; after exclusions, a total of 1222 patients were included in the primary analysis. A primary-outcome event occurred in 91 patients (15.0%) in the dapagliflozin group and in 124 patients (20.1%) in the standard-care group (hazard ratio, 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55 to 0.95; P = 0.02). Death from any cause occurred in 47 patients (7.8%) in the dapagliflozin group and in 55 (8.9%) in the standard-care group (hazard ratio, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.59 to 1.28). Worsening of heart failure occurred in 9.4% and 14.4% of the patients, respectively (subhazard ratio, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.88). Genital infection and hypotension were significantly more common in the dapagliflozin group.

CONCLUSIONS

Among older adults with aortic stenosis undergoing TAVI who were at high risk for heart-failure events, dapagliflozin resulted in a significantly lower incidence of death from any cause or worsening of heart failure than standard care alone. (Funded by Instituto de Salud Carlos III and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04696185.).

Novel Antidiabetic Drugs and Risk of Venous Thromboembolism: A Literature Review

Novel antidiabetic drugs, particularly sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, have significantly transformed the management landscape for type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic kidney diseases, owing to their well-established cardiorenal protective effects. Given the shared risk factors and comorbidities, it is relevant to consider the potential risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in individuals prescribed these novel antidiabetic medications. This literature review aims to summarize currently available evidence on VTE risk associated with novel antidiabetic drugs, including GLP-1 receptor agonists, dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (DPP-4) inhibitors, and SGLT2 inhibitors. Following a comprehensive search on PubMed using relevant keywords and backward reference searching, we identified 25 publications that directly reported on associations between these medications and VTE risk. Findings from these studies, including seven meta-analyses, reveal inconsistent results: some studies suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonists or DPP-4 inhibitors may be associated with increased risk of VTE, whereas SGLT2 inhibitors do not appear to be associated with VTE and may even be a protective factor. A notable limitation of the existing studies is the significant challenge posed by confounding in observational studies, while the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) often concluded with a limited number of VTE events, if it was studied. Furthermore, all identified studies focused on the risk of primary VTE, leaving an important knowledge gap regarding whether these novel antidiabetic drugs may influence the efficacy or safety of anticoagulants used for preventing VTE recurrence. Addressing these gaps presents an important avenue for future research.

SGLT-2 inhibitors on cardiac autonomic function in individuals with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors have emerged as key therapeutic agents in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity, offering benefits that extend beyond glycemic control. This review examines the role of SGLT-2 inhibitors in modulating cardiac autonomic function, with a particular focus on heart rate variability (HRV) as a biomarker of autonomic balance. These agents improve metabolic profiles through enhanced glucosuria, natriuresis, and weight loss, while concurrently reducing blood pressure. Importantly, they also attenuate sympathetic nervous system overactivity and promote parasympathetic modulation, which may lower the risk of adverse cardiovascular events. The underlying mechanisms include not only the metabolic effects but also anti-inflammatory and antioxidative actions, which together contribute to improved endothelial function and vascular health. Advanced HRV analyses, encompassing traditional time and frequency domain methods as well as nonlinear approaches, have proven valuable in detecting early autonomic dysfunction in high-risk populations. Some studies suggest that SGLT-2 inhibitors may be associated with improvements in HRV parameters, such as increased SDNN and RMSSD and a reduced LF/HF ratio. However, findings are inconsistent across studies, and further research is needed to determine the extent and mechanisms of these potential effects. Although these findings are promising, further standardized, long-term studies are essential to clarify the mechanisms and optimal therapeutic strategies involving SGLT-2 inhibitors in the management of autonomic dysfunction. Future research should also explore the synergistic potential of combining SGLT-2 inhibitors with other cardiometabolic therapies to enhance cardiovascular outcomes in individuals with and without T2DM.

Secular trends in types of cardiovascular disease in the West of Scotland

OBJECTIVE

Historical reductions in cardiovascular disease (CVD) due to lifestyle and treatment improvements are now threatened by factors such as increasing obesity and diabetes, but the relative importance of different risk factors varies by CVD condition. This study describes secular trends in CVD events by individual condition from 2012 to 2022.

METHODS

In a cohort of 452 094 Greater Glasgow and Clyde residents aged ≥51 years, linked hospital admission and death data were used to ascertain total annual events for ischaemic heart disease (IHD), myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure (HF), atrial fibrillation (AF), stroke, abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Poisson regressions with robust standard errors were used to examine the relative change in event rates over time, overall and by subgroup.

RESULTS

Overall, the event rate ratios (RRs) for IHD, MI, AF and AAA all fell between 2012 and 2021 after adjustment for age, sex and deprivation. However, on subgroup analysis, the RRs increased between 2012 and 2022 among those aged 51-64 years for HF (RR 1.5), stroke (RR 1.4) and PAD (RR 1.8).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall declines in most types of CVD mask an increasing burden of events relating to HF, stroke and PAD among individuals aged 51-64 years.

A Digital Platform to Optimize Guideline Directed Heart Failure Therapy: Rationale and Design of the AIM-POWER Trial

BACKGROUND

Patients with heart failure (HF) remain at high risk for hospitalization and death in part due to underutilization of available HF pharmacologic therapy. Digital interventions may facilitate rapid initiation and titration of HF pharmacologic therapy but have not been systematically evaluated in adequately powered randomized control trials. In the AIM-POWER study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of the BiovitalsHF DTx decision support platform as a strategy to guide optimal initiation and titration of pharmacologic therapy in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

METHODS AND RESULTS

We enrolled 122 participants with symptomatic HFrEF (left ventricular ejection fraction≤40%) who were not yet optimized on HF pharmacologic therapy. Participants were randomized 1:1 in an open-label fashion to management supported with BiovitalsHF or usual care. Using wearable home-based monitors and digital scales, the BiovitalsHF platform assembled data regarding patient status and formulated suggestions regarding initiation and titration of HF pharmacologic therapy as per published guidelines. These recommendations were provided to site clinicians, but final decisions on prescribing and titration were left to the sites. The primary outcome was the between-group difference in the change from baseline in a HF optimal medical therapy score from baseline to 90 days.

CONCLUSION

The results of the AIM-POWER study will provide important insights on digital interventions for HF management and evaluate the effectiveness of BiovitalsHF to improve the use and dosing of pharmacologic therapy for participants with HFrEF.

Hyperoxemic Oxygen Therapy in Patients with Acute Anterior Myocardial Infarction: HOT-AAMI - Design and Rationale of a Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

Patients with acute anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are at high risk for death and heart failure (HF) despite treatment with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Adjunctive therapy with hyperoxemic supersaturated oxygen (SSO2) following PCI reduced infarct size in previous randomized trials, but none of these trials were powered for clinical endpoints.

AIMS

The HOT-AAMI trial evaluates whether hyperoxemic supersaturated oxygen (SSO2) therapy following PCI reduces the risk of death and heart failure.

METHODS

HOT-AAMI is a multicenter, 1:1 randomized, open-label study across 50 sites in Germany. Patients presenting with anterior STEMI and undergoing successful PCI of the left anterior descending artery are randomized to receive SSO2 therapy on top of standard care or standard of care alone. The primary endpoint is a composite of all-cause mortality or unplanned heart failure hospital admission or outpatient visit due to heart failure requiring intravenous diuretic therapy during 12-48 months follow-up. Secondary endpoints include cardiovascular mortality, recurrent myocardial infarction, stroke, and quality of life. The sample size calculation for the HOT-AAMI trial is based on detecting a relative reduction of 25% in the primary composite endpoint. In the control group, a yearly event rate of 16% is expected, comprised of mortality (7%), hospitalization for heart failure (5%), and acute heart failure requiring outpatient treatment (4%). The study is designed to detect this 25 % relative difference with a two-sided significance level of 0.05 and 80% power, requiring a total of 393 events; therefore 1266 patients will be enrolled.

CONCLUSIONS

The HOT-AAMI trial is the first trial powered to determine whether SSO2 therapy, administered immediately post-PCI, improves death and heart failure outcomes in patients with anterior STEMI.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

HOT-AAMI Clinicaltrials.gov NCT06742684.

Differences in clinical features and 1-year outcomes of patients with heart failure and reduced, mildly reduced, and preserved ejection fraction in a contemporary cohort: is the clinical profile changing?

AIMS

To analyze in a contemporary registry of heart failure (HF) patients followed in specialized HF units in Spain, the differences in clinical features, treatment, and 1-year outcomes in HF with reduced, mildly reduced, and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analyzed data from the registry of the SEC-Excelente-IC quality accreditation program of the Spanish Society of Cardiology, with 1716 patients with HF included between 2019 and 2021 by 45 specialized HF units accredited by the SEC. Treatment and 1-year mortality, HF hospitalizations and decompensations of HF used were compared according to the type of HF. Of the 1,716 patients, 55.5% had HFrEF, 11.9% had HFmrEF, and 32.6% had HFpEF. HFpEF patients were older and had a higher proportion of women, atrial fibrillation, and hypertension. Sacubitril-valsartan and mineral receptor antagonists were used in greater proportion in HFrEF (56.5% and 73%, respectively, p < 0.001), but also in 10.3 and 33% in HFpEF. One-year mortality (17.3 vs 20.9 vs 15.6/100 persons-year; p = 0.321), 1-year HF hospitalizations (34.4 vs 29.5 vs 26.7/100 persons-year; p = 0.330), and 1-year decompensations of HF without hospitalization (13.1 vs 10.4 vs 11.1; p = 0.393) were similar for the 3 types of HF.

CONCLUSION

In our contemporary cohort of real-life HF patients, slight differences were observed in clinical features and treatment between the 3 types of HF, but the prevalence of most of the major comorbidities and 1-year outcomes (mortality, hospitalizations and decompensations of HF) were similar in the 3 groups.

Medical treatments in ambulatory heart failure patients: First data from the BRING-UP-3 Heart Failure Study

BACKGROUND

Current ESC guidelines introduced a four-pillar approach for the treatment of HFrEF, and a Class IA recommendation for Empagliflozin and Dapagliflozin in HFmrEF and HFpEF.

OBJECTIVES

BRING-UP-3 Heart Failure (HF) study was designed to guide the Guideline implementation recommendations in HF patients enrolled by a large sample of Italian cardiology sites.

METHODS

BRING-UP-3 HF study is an observational, prospective, nationwide investigation encompassing 179 sites enrolling ambulatory and hospitalized HF patients. The study includes an educational intervention followed by two three-month enrolment periods and by a 6-month follow-up period with end-point evaluation. For HFrEF patients, the objective is to describe the proportion of patients who receive the four pillars. Here we present the baseline data of the ambulatory cohort.

RESULTS

A total of 3,830 ambulatory patients were included in the study. The mean age was 70±12 years (34.5% over 75 years), females were 21.9%. The most prevalent group was HFrEF (58.4%), followed by HFimpEF (17.4%), HFmrEF (14.4%), and HFpEF (9.8%). Hypertension, atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease were reported in 68.2%, 40.4%, 31.0%, and 33.1%, respectively. In HFrEF patients, a high prescription rate (65%) for the four therapeutic pillars was observed; beta-blockers and RASi (mostly ARNIs) were prescribed in over 90% while SGLT2i and MRAs were prescribed in over 80% of cases. In HFmrEF and HFpEF, SGLT2i prescription rates reached 72.1% and 50.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A comprehensive analysis of a large sample of Italian cardiology sites revealed a high prevalence of prescription of guideline-recommended treatments.

CLINICALTRIAL

GOV: NCT06279988.

Safety and efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors in heart failure patients with ischemic and non-ischemic etiologies: a systematic review and meta-analyses

BACKGROUND

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) show promise as a therapy for heart failure (HF); however, the safety and efficacy of SGLT2i in different HF etiologies are uncertain, thus arising the need for a meta-analyses.

MAIN TEXT

PubMed and Scopus were queried until May 2023 for studies comparing SGLT2i with placebo in HF patients with ischemic and non-ischemic etiologies. Meta-analyses were performed using risk ratio and hazard ratio. A fixed effect model was used. Outcomes assessed were hospitalization due to HF (HHF), cardiovascular death (CVD), CVD/HHF, all-cause mortality, volume depletion, fracture, and discontinuation of drug due to adverse effects. Four RCTs were included (15,676 patients). Analysis revealed no significant differences in CVD/HHF between ischemic [HR: 0.77 (0.70-0.86) P < 0.00001] and non-ischemic patients [HR: 0.72 (0.65-0.80) P < 0.00001] using SGLT2i (P = 0.35). Significant reductions were seen in HHF in both ischemic [RR 0.74 (0.65-0.84) P < 0.00001] and non-ischemic [RR 0.68 (0.59-0.78) P < 0.00001] patients (P = 0.39), with the effect more notable in the non-ischemic cohort. However, CVD significantly decreased in non-ischemic patients [RR 0.78 (0.63-0.95) P = 0.01], whereas no significant reduction was noted in ischemic patients [RR 0.94 (0.80-1.10) P = 0.43] (P-interaction = 0.15). All-cause mortality was significantly reduced in non-ischemic patients [RR 0.80 (0.67-0.96) P = 0.02] but not in ischemic patients [RR 0.96 (0.83-1.10) P = 0.52]. No significant safety events were observed in the SGLT2i cohort including volume depletion [RR 1.08 (0.94-1.25) P = 0.26], fracture [RR 1.02 (0.77-1.36) P = 0.88], or discontinuation of drug due to adverse effects [RR 0.97 (0.86-1.10) P = 0.65].

CONCLUSION

Similar CVD/HHF outcomes for ischemic and non-ischemic patients with SGLT2i. Significant HHF reductions in both groups. Non-ischemic patients showed greater improvements in CVD and all-cause mortality. However, no subgroup difference between ischemic and non-ischemic cause of heart failure was noted in our analysis.

Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate for Management of Hyperkalemia During Spironolactone Optimization in Patients With Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) improve outcomes in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) but are underused in clinical practice. Observational data suggest that hyperkalemia is the leading obstacle for the suboptimal use of MRA.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to evaluate the effects of sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC) in optimizing use of spironolactone among participants with HFrEF and hyperkalemia.

METHODS

REALIZE-K (Study to Assess Efficacy and Safety of SZC for the Management of High Potassium in Patients With Symptomatic HFrEF Receiving Spironolactone) was a prospective, double-blind, randomized- withdrawal trial in participants with HFrEF (NYHA functional class II-IV; left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40%), optimal guideline-directed therapy (except MRA), and prevalent or incident MRA-induced hyperkalemia. During open-label run-in, participants underwent spironolactone titration (target: 50 mg/day); those with hyperkalemia started SZC. Participants with normokalemia (potassium: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L) on SZC and spironolactone ≥25 mg/day were randomized to continued SZC or placebo for 6 months. The primary endpoint was optimal treatment response (normokalemia on spironolactone ≥25 mg/day without rescue therapy for hyperkalemia [months 1-6]). The 5 secondary endpoints were tested hierarchically. Exploratory endpoints included a composite of adjudicated cardiovascular death or worsening heart failure (HF) events (hospitalizations and urgent visits).

RESULTS

Overall, 203 participants were randomized (SZC: 102; placebo: 101). Higher percentage of SZC- vs placebo-treated participants had optimal response (71% vs 36%; OR: 4.45; 95% CI: 2.89-6.86; P < 0.001). SZC (vs placebo) improved the first 4 secondary endpoints: normokalemia on randomization dose of spironolactone and without rescue therapy (58% vs 23%; OR: 4.58; 95% CI: 2.78-7.55; P < 0.001); receiving spironolactone ≥25 mg/day (81% vs 50%; OR: 4.33; 95% CI: 2.50-7.52; P < 0.001); time to hyperkalemia (HR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.37-0.71; P < 0.001); and time to decrease/discontinuation of spironolactone due to hyperkalemia (HR: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.17-0.73; P = 0.006). There was no between-group difference in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-Clinical Summary Score at 6 months (-1.01 points; 95% CI: -6.64 to 4.63; P = 0.72). Adverse events (64% vs 63%) and serious adverse events (23% vs 22%) were balanced between SZC and placebo, respectively. Composite of cardiovascular (CV) death or worsening HF occurred in 11 (11%) participants in the SZC group (1 with CV death, 10 with HF events) and 3 (3%) participants in the placebo group (1 with CV death, 2 with HF events; log-rank nominal P = 0.034).

CONCLUSIONS

In participants with HFrEF and hyperkalemia, SZC led to large improvements in the percentage of participants with normokalemia while on optimal spironolactone dose, and reduced risk of hyperkalemia and down-titration/discontinuation of spironolactone. Although underpowered for clinical outcomes, more participants had HF events with SZC than placebo, which should be factored into the clinical decision making. (Study to Assess Efficacy and Safety of SZC for the Management of High Potassium in Patients With Symptomatic HFrEF Receiving Spironolactone; NCT04676646).

The Effect of SGLT2 Inhibition on Brain-related Phenotypes and Aging: A Drug Target Mendelian Randomization Study

INTRODUCTION

An observational study suggested sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors might promote healthy aging. However, whether brain-related phenotypes mediate this association is still a question. We applied Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the effect of SGLT2 inhibition on chronological age, biological age, and cognition and explore the mediation effects of brain imaging-derived phenotypes (IDPs).

METHODS

We selected genetic variants associated with both expression levels of SLC5A2 (Genotype-Tissue Expression and eQTLGen data; n = 129 to 31 684) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels (UK Biobank; n = 344 182) and used them to proxy the effect of SGLT2 inhibition. Aging-related outcomes, including parental longevity (n = 389 166) and epigenetic clocks (n = 34 710), and cognitive phenotypes, including cognitive function (n = 300 486) and intelligence (n = 269 867) were derived from genome-wide association studies. Two-step MR was conducted to explore the associations between SGLT2 inhibition, IDPs, and aging outcomes and cognition.

RESULTS

SGLT2 inhibition was associated with longer father's attained age [years of life increase per SD (6.75 mmol/mol) reduction in HbA1c levels = 6.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.27-11.15], better cognitive function (beta = .17, 95% CI 0.03-0.31), and higher intelligence (beta = .47, 95% CI 0.19-0.75). Two-step MR identified 2 IDPs as mediators linking SGLT2 inhibition with chronological age (total proportion of mediation = 22.6%), where 4 and 5 IDPs were mediators for SGLT2 inhibition on cognitive function and intelligence, respectively (total proportion of mediation = 61.6% and 68.6%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Our study supported that SGLT2 inhibition increases father's attained age, cognitive function, and intelligence, which was mediated through brain images of different brain regions. Future studies are needed to investigate whether a similar effect could be observed for users of SGLT2 inhibitors.

Dapagliflozin effects on exercise, cardiac remodeling, biomarkers, and renal and pulmonary function in heart failure patients: not as good as expected?

Background

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2-i) are standard therapy for heart failure (HF). We performed a holistic evaluation of dapagliflozin, including its effects on exercise performance, left ventricle (LV) reverse remodeling, cardiac biomarkers, fluid retention, and renal and pulmonary function.

Methods

We enrolled HF reduced ejection fraction (LVEF) outpatients (EF <40%) eligible for SGLT2-i and performed cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET), pulmonary function tests, bioelectrical impedance vector analysis, and laboratory and echocardiographic assessments at baseline (T = 0), after 2-4 weeks (T1), and after 6 months of treatment (T2).

Results

None of the patients interrupted SGLT2-i for adverse events albeit follow-up was completed by 67 of 75 enrolled patients. At T2, mean LVEF increased (from 34.6 ± 7.8 to 37.5 ± 9.2%; p < 0.001) while end-diastolic (EDV) and end-systolic (ESV) volumes decreased [EDV: 186 (145-232) vs. 177 (129-225) mL, ESV: 113 (87-163) vs. 110 (76-145) mL; p < 0.001]. Peak oxygen intake was unchanged [peakVO2: 16.2 (13.4-18.7) vs. 16.0 (13.3-18.9) mL/kg/min; p = 0.297], while exercise ventilatory efficiency (VE/VCO2 slope) improved [from 34.2 (31.1-39.2) to 33.7 (30.2-37.6); p = 0.006]. Mean hemoglobin increased (from 13.8 ± 1.5 to 14.6 ± 1.7 g/dL; p < 0.001), while renal function did not change after a transient worsening at T1. NT-proBNP, ST-2, and hs-TNI did not change as overall body fluids and quality of life assessed by KCCQ. NYHA class improved (p=0.002), paralleled by a decrease of MECKI (Metabolic Exercise test data combined with Cardiac and Kidney Indexes) score, from 3.3% (1.9-8.0) to 2.8% (1.2-5.7), suggestive of a positive impact on 2 years prognosis (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Dapagliflozin induced positive LV remodeling, improvement of exercise ventilatory efficiency, and NYHA class but without peakVO2 fluid status and cardiac biomarkers changes.

Transition to Advanced Heart Failure: From Identification to Improving Prognosis

Advanced heart failure (AHF) represents the terminal stage of heart failure (HF), characterized by persistent symptoms and functional limitations despite optimal guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT). This review explores the clinical definition, pathophysiology, and therapeutic approaches for AHF. Characterized by severe symptoms, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III-IV, significant cardiac dysfunction, and frequent hospitalizations, AHF presents substantial challenges in prognosis and management. Pathophysiological mechanisms include neurohormonal activation, ventricular remodeling, and systemic inflammation, leading to reduced cardiac output and organ dysfunction. Therapeutic strategies for AHF involve a multidisciplinary approach, including pharmacological treatments, device-based interventions like ventricular assisted devices, and advanced options such as heart transplantation. Despite progress, AHF management faces limitations, including disparities in access to care and the need for personalized approaches. Novel therapies, artificial intelligence, and remote monitoring technologies offer future opportunities to improve outcomes. Palliative care, which focuses on symptom relief and quality of life, remains crucial for patients ineligible for invasive interventions. Early identification and timely intervention are pivotal for enhancing survival and functional outcomes in this vulnerable population. This review underscores the necessity of integrating innovative technologies, personalized medicine, and robust palliative strategies into AHF management to address its high morbidity and mortality.

Effects of new hypoglycemic drugs on patients with heart failure: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Currently, there is no relevant study comparing sodium-dependent glucose transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA), and dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitor (DPP4i) head to head to evaluate their comprehensive impact on heart failure patients.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive literature search across multiple databases. Utilizing the risk of bias tool from the Cochrane Collaboration, the methodological quality of included studies was critically assessed and potential publication bias was examined via funnel plots.

RESULTS

All results are presented as mean difference; 95% confidence interval (MD; 95% CI). The network meta-analysis indicated that in regards to left ventricular function, there is a big difference in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of Empagliflozin 25 mg (13.64; 0.26, 27.01) compared to Canagliflozin 100 mg; and significant differences in the left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) of Dapagliflozin 10 mg (-0.76; -1.27, -0.25 and -0.95; -1.86, -0.05), Vildagliptin 50 mg (-1.05; -1.47, -0.63 and -1.12; -2.19, -0.05), and Sitagliptin 100 mg (-1.34; -2.31, -0.38 and -1.89; -3.50, -0.27) compared to Empagliflozin 10 mg. In terms of the quality of life, there are significant differences in the N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and the Quality of life score of Sitagliptin 100 mg (408.08; 213.59, 602.57 and 3.74; 1.57, 5.92) compared to Dapagliflozin 5 mg. In terms of the cardiovascular outcome events, there is a significant difference in the heart failure rehospitalization rate of Dapagliflozin 10 mg (0.45; 0.25, 0.82) and Empagliflozin 10 mg (0.48; 0.28, 0.81) compared to Liraglutide 1.8 mg. Further significant differences are found in the all-cause mortality of Dapagliflozin 10 mg (0.81; 0.66, 0.98) compared to Vildagliptin 50 mg; the cardiovascular death of Albiglutide 30 mg (0.49; 0.28, 0.86) compared to Exenatide 2 mg; and the arrhythmic events of Liraglutide 1.8 mg (0.49; 0.26, 0.90) compared to Empagliflozin 10 mg. The network meta-analysis of SGLT2i, GLP-1RA, and DPP4i as a class of drugs showed that GLP-1RA is superior to SGLT2i in improving LVEF and reducing myocardial infarction/acute coronary syndrome, whereas DPP4i is superior to SGLT2i in improving LVEDV and LVESV.

CONCLUSIONS

GLP-1RA is superior to SGLT2i in improving LVEF and reducing myocardial infarction/acute coronary syndrome, whereas DPP4i is superior to SGLT2i in improving LVEDV and LVESV. Key message What is already known on this topic-It has been confirmed that three new hypoglycemic drugs have a protective effect on the cardiovascular system. Studies have shown that sodium-dependent glucose transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) can improve cardiovascular outcomes and enhance the quality of life of heart failure patients. Currently, SGLT2i is widely used in the clinical treatment of heart failure, and related studies have shown that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) and dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitor (DPP4i) also play important roles in the treatment of heart failure. What this study adds-However, there is no relevant research on whether these drugs' clinical efficacy is dose-dependent. How this study might affect research, practice, or policy-This study included different doses of hypoglycemic drugs and used a network meta-analysis method to comprehensively evaluate the effects of three hypoglycemic drugs on heart function, quality of life, and prognosis in heart failure patients, providing a basis for clinical practice.

Heart Failure in Older Patients: An Update

Heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome with high incidence and prevalence and high morbidity and death rate, even in the short term, representing a serious public health issue, mainly in older people. It is a growing cause for hospital admission in this age group, being frequently associated with several comorbidities, further aggravating the disease's course. Moreover, older HF patients are usually affected by clinical conditions, like frailty, malnutrition, and cachexia, which significantly impact the overall management of HF and need to be properly identified and treated. Diagnosing and managing HF in older patients may be very complicated and challenging. Although specific data on treatment of both acute and chronic HF in older subjects are limited and mainly extrapolated from large-scale clinical trials, the standard pharmacological management may be considered well-tolerated and generally safe. In any case, a personalized and tailored approach is mandatory and is based on severity of comorbidities, overall status, and prognosis, above all in frailer and more comorbid subjects, due to the higher rate of drug interactions, side effects, and therapy discontinuation in this population. In this scenario, palliative care has become a fundamental part of HF management in the elderly in order to improve their care and the quality of life. Moreover, an increasing number of promising pharmacological options deserve further investigation in order to support clinicians in optimizing management of comorbid and frailer patients. In this work, we provide detailed and updated insight into clinical, therapeutic, and prognostic features of both acute and chronic HF in the older population.

Comparative cardiovascular effectiveness of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease phenotypes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) encompasses various phenotypes with elevated risks of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). This study aimed to assess the comparative cardiovascular effectiveness of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) across diverse ASCVD phenotypes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating GLP-1 RAs or SGLT2is against placebo or standard care in ASCVD patients. Primary outcomes included MACE, defined as cardiovascular mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and non-fatal stroke. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model.Twenty-six trials (151 789 patients) were included. Both GLP-1 RAs and SGLT2is significantly reduced MACE rates in ASCVD patients (RR 0.85; 95% CI 0.80-0.91 for both). GLP-1 RAs showed significant effectiveness in peripheral artery disease (RR 0.86; 95% CI 0.76-0.98) and post-acute cardiovascular events (RR 0.90; 95% CI 0.83-0.97). In ASCVD with heart failure, both drug classes reduced MACE (GLP-1 RAs: RR 0.73; 95% CI 0.63-0.84; SGLT2is: RR 0.86; 95% CI 0.78-0.95). SGLT2is significantly reduced MACE in ASCVD with chronic kidney disease (RR 0.84; 95% CI 0.72-0.99), particularly in severe albuminuria (RR 0.61; 95% CI 0.37-0.99).

CONCLUSION

GLP-1 RAs and SGLT2is exhibit distinct cardiovascular effectiveness profiles across ASCVD phenotypes. GLP-1 RAs show particular benefits in peripheral artery disease and post-acute cardiovascular events, while SGLT2is demonstrate unique advantages in ASCVD with comorbid chronic kidney disease. Both are effective in heart failure. These findings support tailored treatment strategies for diverse ASCVD participants based on specific comorbidities and risk factors.

Acute effects of empagliflozin on left atrial and ventricular filling parameters using echocardiography-a subanalysis of the EMPAG-HF trial

BACKGROUND

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors improve prognosis in chronic heart failure as part of currently recommended therapeutic strategies. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is frequently used to assess heart function and dimensions in acute heart failure to lead therapy and assess volume status. Immediate changes, especially of left heart haemodynamic parameters, measured by echocardiography in patients with acute heart failure treated with SGLT2 inhibitors, remain unknown.

AIM

The aim of this pre-defined secondary analysis was to assess whether treatment with empagliflozin 25 mg/day in patients with acute heart failure improves echocardiographic parameters of load, left ventricular or right ventricular function.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In the single-centre, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled EMPAG-HF trial, patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) were screened and randomized within 12 h following hospital admission to receive either empagliflozin or placebo in addition to standard medical treatment over 5 days. Sixty patients were enrolled and randomized irrespective of left ventricular ejection fraction or diabetes. All patients received 2D TTE on admission (tB = at baseline) and after completing the study treatment (tC = time after completing study medication) (according to study design). The recorded loops were analysed using dedicated software (Image-Arena™ Version 4.6; TomTec Imaging Systems). After 5 days of treatment, patients in the empagliflozin cohort showed a relevant decrease in left atrial volume [LAV: ∆tB-tC = 30.9 ± 27.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) 20.1-41.7) compared to placebo ∆tB-tC = 10.5 ± 26; 95% CI 0.4-20.5; P = <0.001] and left atrial end-systolic volume index (LAESVI: ∆tB-tC = 15.7 ± 15.1; 95% CI 9.8-21.6 vs. placebo ∆tB-tC = 9.7 ± 10.2; 95% CI 5.7-13.6; P = 0.016) compared to placebo.

CONCLUSION

Immediate addition of empagliflozin to standard therapy improves echocardiographic parameters of LAV in patients following recompensation of ADHF.

Eligibility of Outpatients with Chronic Heart Failure for Vericiguat and Omecamtiv Mecarbil: From Clinical Trials to the Real-World Practice

Background: Several drugs are emerging as potential therapeutic resources in the context of chronic heart failure (CHF), although their impact on daily clinical practice remains unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the theoretical eligibility for vericiguat and omecamtiv mecarbil (OM) in a real-world outpatient setting. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted, enrolling all patients with CHF who had at least one visit between January 2023 and January 2024 in a dedicated outpatient clinic of a tertiary referral center. Theoretical eligibility for vericiguat and OM in our population was assessed by adopting the criteria of the respective phase III clinical trials (VICTORIA trial for vericiguat and GALACTIC-HF trial for OM). Results: In 350 patients with CHF, the rate of individuals eligible was 2% for vericiguat and 4% for OM. A value for left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) over the clinical trials' cutoffs was observed in 41% of cases for vericiguat and 69% for OM. The absence of a recent heart failure (HF) worsening was found in 78% of cases for vericiguat and 72% for OM. Conclusions: Only a small proportion of CHF patients would be eligible for vericiguat and OM in a real-world outpatient setting. The absence of a recent HF worsening and an LVEF over the established trials' cutoffs are the main causes of non-eligibility. Further studies are required to assess the efficacy of these drugs in a wider population in order to increase the candidates for these beneficial treatments.

Enhancing Diabetes Treatment: Comparing Pioglitazone/Metformin with Dapagliflozin Versus Basal Insulin/Metformin in Type 2 Diabetes

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of fixed-dose combination (FDC) of pioglitazone and metformin supplemented with dapagliflozin (test group) with those of basal insulin supplemented with metformin (control group) in patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

This 16-week, prospective, randomized, open-label study enrolled patients aged 18-75 years with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels between ≥ 8% and ≤ 11%. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved HbA1c < 7% at week 16 without hypoglycemia or weight gain. The secondary endpoints included blood glucose, lipid profile, body weight, body mass index, inflammatory markers, bone Gla-protein, liver enzymes, and patient satisfaction.

Results

Among the full analysis set of 147 participants, no significant difference was observed in the primary endpoint between the test group and the control group. However, the test group had a higher percentage of patients who achieved HbA1c <7% at week 16 without hypoglycemia and experienced a weight loss of ≥3% (31.51% vs 13.51%, P=0.009). Patients in the test group whose BMI≥24 kg/m2 also achieved a substantial achievement rate (36.73% vs 15.79%, P=0.014). The test group also exhibited a greater reduction in body weight and improvements in 2-hour postprandial glucose level, systolic blood pressure, and lipid profile. Notably, combination therapy did not increase the risk of hypoglycemia or weight gain. Patients in the test group were more satisfied than those in the control group with continuing to accept pioglitazone/metformin FDC combined with dapagliflozin.

Conclusion

In the absence of contraindications, pioglitazone/metformin FDC supplemented with dapagliflozin may serve as a safe and effective alternative to basal insulin combined with metformin for rectifying inadequate glucose control, as the former enables metabolic improvements without compromising safety.

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Number

CHiCTR2000036076. https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=58825.

Direct-to-Physician Marketing and Uptake of Optimal Medical Therapy for Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction

BACKGROUND

Guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction remains underused. The role of direct-to-physician marketing in accelerating uptake of GDMT is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

The authors investigated the association between industry marketing meals and GDMT prescribing rates under Medicare Part D.

METHODS

The authors linked Medicare data sets to identify general and advanced heart failure (AHF) cardiologists' prescriptions for angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs), sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and beta-blockers from 2019 to 2021. Using negative binomial regression analyses, they examined the association between marketing meals and prescribing rates of marketed and un-marketed classes of GDMT.

RESULTS

Of 11,277 general and 329 AHF cardiologists, 60% received marketing payments for ARNI and 50% for SGLT2i from 2019 to 2021. Among general cardiologists, but not AHF cardiologists, exposure to ARNI marketing meals in 2020 was associated with a greater prescribing volume of ARNI in 2021 (1-4 ARNI meals; relative ratio: 1.43 [95% CI: 1.34-1.53]; 5-9 ARNI meals; relative ratio: 1.69 [95% CI: 1.48-1.93]; ≥10 ARNI meals; relative ratio: 2.09 [95% CI: 1.80-2.43]). Findings were similar for SGLT2i. The association between marketing and prescribing of other pillars of GDMT was inconsistent across drug classes. Neither ARNI nor SGLT2i marketing was consistently associated with increased prescribing of MRAs.

CONCLUSIONS

Industry marketing to general cardiologists is associated with increased uptake of ARNIs and SGLT2is, but not with increased uptake of all pillars of GDMT. Improvements in comprehensive therapy for heart failure will require other mechanisms to accelerate uptake of MRAs and beta-blockers, as well as ARNIs and SGLT2is once multiple generic formulations become available in the United States.

Characterization of treatment intensified (add-on to metformin) adults with type 2 diabetes in Thailand: A cross-sectional real-world study (CONVERGE)

OBJECTIVE

The CONVERGE (Cardiovascular Outcomes and Value in the Real-World with GLP-1RAs) study characterized demographics, clinical characteristics, and medication use in treatment-intensified (add-on to metformin) adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Thailand.

METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional study of data from medical records (Jul 26, 2013, to Dec 31, 2017) was descriptively summarized for overall population and subgroups defined by glucose-lowering agent (GLA) classes.

RESULTS

Data from 1,000 adults were collected in reverse chronological order. At baseline, the mean (SD) age was 60 (12) years, HbA1c was 8.0%, and the median (IQR) T2D duration was 1.0 (0.2-2.4) years. Patients taking SGLT2-is (sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors) had a longer T2D duration (1.8 years, 0.8-3.2), GLP-1RAs (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) had a higher body mass index of 32.0 (8.84) kg/m2, and insulin subgroup had a higher HbA1c 8.5% (7.5-10.1). The utilization of GLP-1 RAs/SGLT-2is was low (1.5% and 6%, respectively). Among the subgroups, most patients in the GLP-1RA (80.0%) and insulin subgroup (81.3%) receiving 3/≥4 GLAs. The most frequently prescribed GLAs post-metformin were sulfonylureas (45.2%) and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (39.4%). Overall, 90% received ≥1 cardiovascular (CV) medication; lipid-lowering agents (78%) were the most prescribed.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate low utilization of GLAs with CV benefits, attributed to a lack of CV benefit data during the study period and partial reimbursement implementation. Future studies must identify barriers to adoption and estimate the usage of these GLAs with CV benefits as more evidence becomes available on positive CV outcomes to improve patient care in Thailand.

Dapagliflozin in Chronic Kidney Disease: Insights from Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Simulation

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) involves inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis, leading to renal dysfunction. Dapagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, shows renoprotective effects beyond glucose control, but its precise molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study utilizes network pharmacology and molecular docking to elucidate its multi-target effects in CKD. Dapagliflozin's SMILES structure was analyzed for ADMET properties. Potential targets were identified via SwissTargetPrediction, GeneCards, and SEA, and common CKD-related targets were determined. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and key pathways were identified using GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. Molecular docking was conducted to validate dapagliflozin's binding affinities with hub proteins. A total of 208 common targets were identified, including EGFR, GSK3β, and IL-6. GO and KEGG analyses highlighted key pathways, such as PI3K-Akt, MAPK, and AGE-RAGE, involved in inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic regulation. Molecular docking confirmed strong binding affinities with EGFR (-8.42 kcal/mol), GSK3β (-7.70 kcal/mol), and IL-6 (-6.83 kcal/mol). Dapagliflozin exhibits multi-target therapeutic potential in CKD by modulating inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic pathways. This integrative approach enhances the understanding of its mechanisms, supporting future experimental validation and clinical application in CKD management.

Perioperative Considerations of Novel Antidiabetic Agents in Heart Failure Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including heart failure (HF). A high proportion of DM patients eventually require cardiac surgery. While the traditional approach to DM therapy focuses on tight glucose control with insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents, novel antidiabetic drugs have emerged over the past two decades that offer not only improved glycemic control but also cardiovascular and renal protection, such as benefits in HF management. The aim of this review is to examine and evaluate the perioperative risk and benefits of novel antidiabetic agents in HF treatment for both DM and non-DM patients undergoing cardiac surgery. We specifically studied glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is). Although studies on novel antidiabetic therapy in cardiac surgeries were limited, the results showed all three agents to be safe for use in the perioperative period, with SLGT2i demonstrating the most benefits in HF management for those with or without DM and kidney impairment undergoing cardiac surgery. Future research on larger study populations and using a more rigorous study design is necessary in bridging current knowledge to improve patient outcomes.

Effect of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor on contrast-induced acute kidney injury and prognosis in type 2 diabetes patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

Introduction

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CIAKI) is a common and serious complication following contrast administration in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). dapagliflozin, a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i), has demonstrated renal protective effects in various clinical settings. However, the impact of dapagliflozin on the incidence of CIAKI in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) undergoing PCI is not yet fully understood.

Objective

To evaluate the impact of dapagliflozin on CIAKI and long-term prognosis in T2DM patients undergoing PCI.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included T2DM patients who underwent PCI at the Department of Cardiology, Tianjin University Chest Hospital, from January 2022 to June 2023. Patients were grouped based on dapagliflozin use (dapagliflozin vs. no dapagliflozin). Renal function was assessed before PCI, 48 h, and 1 week post-PCI, measuring serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate, cystatin C, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin. All patients were followed for at least 1 year. The primary endpoint was CIAKI incidence, with secondary endpoints including renal function changes and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

Results

CIAKI occurred less frequently in the dapagliflozin group compared to the control group (5.8% vs. 11.7%, χ2  = 4.494, p = 0.033). After adjusting for confounders, dapagliflozin was an independent predictor of reduced CIAKI risk (OR = 0.365, 95% CI: 0.176-0.767, p = 0.008). During a median 15-month follow-up, the dapagliflozin group had a lower incidence of MACE compared to the control group (Log-rank χ 2 = 6.719, p = 0.009). Cox regression analysis showed that dapagliflozin reduced the risk of MACE (HR = 0.484, 95% CI: 0.246-0.955, p = 0.036).

Conclusion

Chronic administration of dapagliflozin can reduces the risk of CIAKI and improves long-term cardiovascular outcomes in T2DM patients undergoing PCI. These findings support its potential use as adjunctive therapy to mitigate kidney injury and improve prognosis in this high-risk population.

Cardiovascular-Endocrine-Metabolic Medicine: Proposing a New Clinical Sub-Specialty Amid the Cardiometabolic Pandemic

Cardiovascular-Renal-Hepatic-Metabolic diseases are on the rise worldwide, creating major challenges for patient care and clinical research. Although these conditions share common mechanisms and often respond to similar treatments-such as lifestyle changes and newer cardiometabolic drugs (e.g., SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists)-clinical management remains divided among multiple specialties. Recently proposed curricula in Cardiometabolic Medicine and Preventive Cardiology reflect an effort to address this fragmentation. In addition, recent studies reveal that hormonal deficiencies may increase cardiovascular risk and worsen heart failure, with emerging data showing that correcting these imbalances can improve exercise capacity and possibly reduce major cardiac events. To overcome gaps in care, we propose a new sub-specialty: Cardiovascular-Endocrine-Metabolic Medicine. This approach unifies three main pillars: (1) Lifestyle medicine, emphasizing nutrition, physical activity, and smoking cessation; (2) the Integrated Medical Management of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, early-stage kidney disease, metabolic-associated liver disease, and related conditions; and (3) hormonal therapies, focused on optimizing sex hormones and other endocrine pathways to benefit cardiometabolic health. By bridging cardiology, endocrinology, and metabolic medicine, this sub-specialty offers a more seamless framework for patient care, speeds up the adoption of new treatments, and sets the stage for innovative research-all critical steps in addressing the escalating cardiometabolic pandemic.

Efficacy and safety of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with heart failure according to kidney function: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors throughout the spectrum of kidney function in patients with heart failure (HF).

METHODS

This meta-analysis included randomized controlled trials comparing SGLT2 inhibitors with placebo in patients with HF stratified by renal function. Literature from inception to June 8, 2024 was searched. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death or HF events.

RESULTS

Five trials were identified, comprising 21 204 patients (10 605 in the SGLT2 inhibitor group and 10 599 in the placebo group) who were randomized and followed up for a weighted median duration of 1.8 years. When patients were classified by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 60mL/min/1.73 m2, SGLT2 inhibitors reduced the risk of the primary outcome irrespective of kidney function (RR, 0.81; 95%CI, 0.75-0.87; P<.01 for eGFR <60mL/min/1.73 m2; RR, 0.79; 95%CI, 0.72-0.87; P<.01 for eGFR≥ 60mL/min/1.73 m2; test for subgroup differences P=.75). The beneficial impact of SGLT2 inhibitors was consistently observed when patients were further subclassified by eGFR values of 20-30, 30-45, 45-60, and >60mL/min/1.73 m2 (test for subgroup differences, P=.54). Early eGFR decline showed a differential impact with increased risk only in the placebo subgroup (RR, 1.30; 95%CI, 1.15-1.47; P<.01), but not in the SGLT2 inhibitor subgroup (RR, 0.99; 95%CI, 0.86-1.13; P=.84) (test for subgroup differences, P<.01).

CONCLUSIONS

SGLT2 inhibitor therapy is safe and effective throughout the spectrum of kidney function and regardless of the initial decline in kidney function in patients with chronic HF. Registered at PROSPERO: CRD42024565218.