Cardiorenal Benefits of Finerenone in Different Races and Kidney Function in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

BACKGROUND

The mineralocorticoid receptor plays an important pathophysiological role in cardiorenal diseases by causing inflammation and fibrosis. Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) are well known in treating cardiovascular disease and diverse nephropathies. However, the first-generation MRA (spironolactone) and the second-generation MRA (eplerenone) remain underutilized because of the risk of inducing severe adverse events. As a selective nonsteroidal MRA, finerenone is safer and more effective and improves cardiorenal outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the effect of finerenone on cardiorenal outcomes in patients of different races and kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate) is unclear.

SUMMARY

In this review, we summarized the impact of finerenone on patients with CKD and T2DM from randomized controlled trials. The synthesis of published data aims to address the questions pertaining to the cardiorenal benefits of finerenone among various racial groups and different levels of kidney function.

KEY MESSAGE

Finerenone presents racial differences and effects associated with kidney function in CKD and T2DM patients. Due to the limited data for subgroups, it is prudent to approach the conclusion with caution.

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis of clinical trials

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) improve cardiovascular outcomes in a variety of settings. This study aimed to assess whether cardioprotective effects of MRAs are modified by heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) status and to study their impact on AF events.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central databases were searched to 24 March 2023 for randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of MRAs as compared with placebo or usual care in reducing cardiovascular outcomes and AF events in patients with or at risk for cardiovascular diseases. Random-effects models and interaction analyses were used to test for effect modification.

RESULTS

Meta-analysis of seven trials (20 741 participants, mean age: 65.6 years, 32% women) showed that the efficacy of MRAs, as compared with placebo, in reducing a composite of cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization remains consistent across patients with HF [risk ratio = 0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.67-0.98] and without HF (risk ratio = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.75-0.93; interaction P = .77). Among patients with HF, MRAs reduced cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization in patients with AF (hazard ratio = 0.95; 95% CI: 0.54-1.66) to a similar extent as in those without AF (hazard ratio = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.63-1.07; interaction P = .65). Pooled data from 20 trials (21 791 participants, mean age: 65.2 years, 31.3% women) showed that MRAs reduce AF events (risk ratio = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.67-0.87) in both patients with and without prior AF.

CONCLUSIONS

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists are similarly effective in preventing cardiovascular events in patients with and without HF and most likely retain their efficacy regardless of AF status. Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists may also be moderately effective in preventing incident or recurrent AF events.

Efficacy of pharmacological and interventional treatment for resistant hypertension: a network meta-analysis

AIMS

Resistant hypertension is associated with a high risk of cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and mortality. Yet, its management is challenging. This study aims to establish the comparative effectiveness of pharmacologic and interventional treatments by conducting a network meta-analysis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

MEDLINE, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science Core Collection were systematically searched in March 2022. Randomized controlled trials comparing treatment options for management of resistant hypertension were included. Outcomes were blood pressure (BP) changes, measured in the office and in 24 h ambulatory BP measurement. We applied a frequentist random effects model to perform a network meta-analysis combining placebo medication and sham procedure as the reference comparator. From 4771 records, 24 studies met the inclusion criteria with 3458 included patients in total. Twelve active treatment alternatives [spironolactone, doxazosin, β-blocker, clonidine, darusentan, guanfacine, various types of renal sympathetic denervation, lifestyle intervention, continuous positive airway pressure, and baroreflex activation therapy (BAT)] were analysed. Among all comparators, spironolactone had the highest ranking probability and was considered the most effective treatment to reduce office systolic blood pressure (sBP) [-13.30 mmHg (-17.89; -8.72); P < 0.0001] and 24 h sBP [-8.46 mmHg (-12.54; -4.38); P < 0.0001] in patients with resistant hypertension. Lifestyle interventions were the most effective non-pharmacological treatment, lowering office sBP by -7.26 mmHg (-13.73; -0.8), whereas BAT lowered office sBP by -7.0 (-18.59; 4.59). Renal denervation lowered office sBP by -5.64 mmHg (-12.95; 1.66) and -3.79 mmHg (-11.39; 3.8) depending on the type of the procedure.

CONCLUSION

Among all pharmacologic and interventional treatments, spironolactone is the most effective treatment in reducing BP in patients with resistant hypertension. More comparative trials and especially trials with long-term follow-up are needed. In the meanwhile, we have to conclude that a combination of spironolactone and lifestyle modification are the most effective treatments in resistant hypertension.

A controlled trial of percutaneous adrenal arterial embolization for hypertension in patients with idiopathic hyperaldosteronism

Our prior study has suggested that percutaneous superselective adrenal arterial embolization (SAAE) with ethanol reduces blood pressure in patients with primary aldosteronism. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of SAAE with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) in treating patients with idiopathic hyperaldosteronism. In this prospective, randomized, controlled trial, we randomly assigned patients with idiopathic hyperaldosteronism in a 1:1 ratio to undergo SAAE (n = 29) or receive MRA (n = 30) treatment. The primary endpoint was the change in mean 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure at 6 months. The secondary endpoints included changes in office blood pressure, home blood pressure, correction of aldosterone-to-renin ratio, and adverse events at 6 months. The mean change in 24-h ambulatory systolic blood pressure from baseline to 6-month follow-up was significantly different between the two groups (-8.4 mmHg; 95% confidence interval, -15.2 to -2.1 mmHg; P < 0.01). Office, home, and ambulatory blood pressure reduction at 6 months was more pronounced in the SAAE group than the MRA group (all P < 0.05). Aldosterone-to-renin ratio was lower in the SAAE group than the MRA group at 1 and 3 months (both P < 0.01), while it had no difference between the two groups at 6 months. None of the patients experienced serious adverse events in the perioperative and 6-month follow-up periods. SAAE, as a hormonal debulking procedure, is superior to MRA in blood pressure control and correction of biochemical abnormalities in patients with idiopathic hyperaldosteronism.

The current best drug treatment for hypertensive heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

More than 90 % of patients developing heart failure (HF) have hypertension. The most frequent concomitant conditions are type-2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, atrial fibrillation, and coronary disease. HF outcome research focuses on decreasing mortality and preventing hospitalization for worsening HF syndrome. All drugs that decrease these HF endpoints lower blood pressure. Current drug treatments for HF are (i) angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers or angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors, (ii) selected beta-blockers, (iii) steroidal and non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and (iv) sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors. For various reasons, these drug treatments were first studied in HF patients with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Subsequently, they have been investigated in HF patients with a preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, HFpEF) of mostly hypertensive etiology, and with modest benefits largely assessed on top of background treatment with the drugs already proven effective in HFrEF. Additionally, diuretics are given on symptomatic indications. Patients with HFpEF may have diastolic dysfunction but also systolic dysfunction visualized by lack of longitudinal shortening. Considering the totality of evidence and the overall need for antihypertensive treatment and/or treatment of hypertensive complications in almost all HF patients, the principal drug treatment of HF appears to be the same regardless of LVEF. Rather than LVEF-guided treatment of HF, treatment of HF should be directed by symptoms (related to the level of fluid retention), signs (tachycardia), severity (NYHA functional class), and concomitant diseases and conditions. All HF patients should be given all the drug classes mentioned above if well tolerated.

Central serous chorioretinopathy: An evidence-based treatment guideline

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a relatively common disease that causes vision loss due to macular subretinal fluid leakage and is often associated with reduced vision-related quality of life. In CSC, the leakage of subretinal fluid through defects in the retinal pigment epithelial layer's outer blood-retina barrier appears to occur secondary to choroidal abnormalities and dysfunction. The treatment of CSC is currently the subject of controversy, although recent data obtained from several large randomized controlled trials provide a wealth of new information that can be used to establish a treatment algorithm. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of our current understanding regarding the pathogenesis of CSC, current therapeutic strategies, and an evidence-based treatment guideline for CSC. In acute CSC, treatment can often be deferred for up to 3-4 months after diagnosis; however, early treatment with either half-dose or half-fluence photodynamic therapy (PDT) combined with the photosensitive dye verteporfin may be beneficial in selected cases. In chronic CSC, half-dose or half-fluence PDT, which targets the abnormal choroid, should be considered the preferred treatment. If PDT is unavailable, chronic CSC with focal, non-central leakage on angiography may be treated using conventional laser photocoagulation. CSC with concurrent macular neovascularization should be treated with half-dose/half-fluence PDT and/or intravitreal injections of an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor compound. Given the current shortage of verteporfin and the paucity of evidence supporting the efficacy of other treatment options, future studies-ideally, well-designed randomized controlled trials-are needed in order to evaluate new treatment options for CSC.

Incidence and progression of atrial fibrillation in patients with and without heart failure using mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) have emerged as potential therapy to target the underlying arrhythmogenic substrate in atrial fibrillation (AF). Nevertheless, there have been inconsistent results on the impact of MRAs on AF.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to evaluate the effect of MRAs on AF incidence and progression in patients with and without heart failure.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched up to September, 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated MRA use and reported AF outcomes. Primary outcome was a composite of new-onset or recurrent AF. Safety outcomes included hyperkalemia and gynecomastia risks. A random-effects meta-analysis estimated pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

12 RCTs, comprising 11,419 patients treated with various MRAs were included [5960 (52%) on MRA]. On follow-up (6-39 months), 714 (5.5%) patients developed AF. MRA therapy was associated with a 32% reduction in the risk of new-onset or recurrent AF [OR 0.68 (95% CI 0.51-0.92), I2 = 40%]. On subgroup analysis, the greatest benefit magnitude was demonstrated in reducing AF recurrence [OR 0.50 (95% CI 0.30-0.83)] and among patients with left ventricular dysfunction [OR 0.59 (95% CI 0.40-0.85)]. Gynecomastia, but not hyperkalemia, was associated with MRA use. Meta-regression analysis demonstrated that therapy duration was a significant interaction factor driving the effect size (Pinteraction = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

MRA use is associated with a reduction in AF risk, especially AF progression. A prominent effect is seen in patients with heart failure, further augmented by therapy duration. Prospective trials are warranted to evaluate MRA use as upstream therapy for preventing this common arrhythmia.

Renin as a Biomarker to Guide Medical Treatment in Primary Aldosteronism Patients. Findings from the SPAIN-ALDO Registry

INTRODUCTION

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is associated with several cardiometabolic comorbidities. Specific treatment by mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) or adrenalectomy has been reported to reduce the cardiometabolic risk. However, the cardiovascular benefit could depend on plasma renin levels in patients on MRA.

AIM

To compare the development of cardiovascular, renal and metabolic complications between medically treated patients with PA and those who underwent adrenalectomy, taking the renin status during MRA treatment into account.

METHODS

A multicenter retrospective study (SPAIN-ALDO Register) of patients with PA treated at 35 Spanish tertiary hospitals. Patients on MRA were divided into two groups based on renin suppression (n = 90) or non-suppression (n = 70). Both groups were also compared to unilateral PA patients (n = 275) who achieved biochemical cure with adrenalectomy.

RESULTS

Adrenalectomized patients were younger, had higher plasma aldosterone concentration, and lower potassium levels than MRA group. Patients on MRA had similar baseline characteristics when stratified into treatment groups with suppressed and unsuppressed renin. 97 (55.1%) of 176 patients without comorbidities at diagnosis, developed at least one comorbidity during follow-up (median 12 months vs. 12.5 months' follow-up after starting MRA and surgery, respectively). Surgery group had a lower risk of developing new cardiovascular events (HR 0.40 [95% CI 0.18-0.90]) than MRA group. Surgical treatment improved glycemic and blood pressure control, increased serum potassium levels, and required fewer antihypertensive drugs than medical treatment. However, there were no differences in the cardiometabolic profile or the incidence of new comorbidities between the groups with suppressed and unsuppressed renin levels (HR 0.95 [95% CI 0.52-1.73]).

CONCLUSION

Cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic events were comparable in MRA patients with unsuppressed and suppressed renin. Effective surgical treatment of PA was associated with a decreased incidence of new cardiovascular events when compared to MRA therapy.

Effects of esaxerenone on blood pressure, urinary albumin excretion, serum levels of NT-proBNP, and quality of life in patients with primary aldosteronism

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is typically managed with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) barring adrenalectomy. The efficacy of esaxerenone, a nonsteroidal MRA, were explored in patients with PA. Various parameters such as the urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) and serum levels of N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were evaluated in 25 PA patients before and 3 and 6 months after esaxerenone treatment. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), and the estimated glomerular filtration rate decreased after treatment, while serum levels of potassium and active renin increased. Significant reductions were observed in UACR 3 and 6 months after treatment. A significant decrease in NT-proBNP was evident at 6 months but not 3 months after treatment. Correlation analysis indicated that the reductions in BP and UACR at 3 months were independent of estimated daily salt intake. Furthermore, the effect of esaxerenone treatment on lowering UACR and NT-proBNP levels was independent of BP reduction. Responders whose systolic BP decreased 6 months after esaxerenone treatment by more than 10 mmHg compared to pretreatment had higher pretreatment NT-proBNP and similar UACR before and after treatment when compared with nonresponders. Esaxerenone improved mental, physical, and social quality of life (QOL) 6 months after treatment compared to healthy controls and increased over time. No patients discontinued treatment due to severe hyperkalemia or renal dysfunction. In conclusion, esaxerenone is a safe and effective MRA for PA treatment, offering significant benefits in terms of hypertension, albuminuria, NT-proBNP levels, and QOL improvement. Esaxerenone effectively lowers BP, UACR, and serum levels of NT-proBNP independent of dietary salt intake in mild PA patients. ARC active renin concentration, DBP diastolic blood pressure, MR mineralocorticoid receptor, MRA mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, NT-proBNP N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, PA primary aldosteronism, QOL quality of life, SBP systolic blood pressure, SF-36 Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, UACR urinary albumin to creatinine ratio.

Cardiovascular and Renal Benefit of Novel Non-steroidal Mineralocorticoid Antagonists in Patients with Diabetes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Novel non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonists (MRAs) are a new class of drugs blocking adverse MR-mediated effects with an improved benefit-risk profile compared to steroidal MRAs. This review will provide information on the preclinical and clinical pharmacology of this new drug class and will discuss their future clinical applications in patients with cardiorenal disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

Non-steroidal MRAs such as esaxerenone, AZD9977, apararenone, ocedurenone (KBP-5074), and finerenone are newly approved or in clinical development for patients with cardiorenal disease including type 2 diabetes (T2D) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), hypertension -/+ CKD or heart failure. Unlike steroidal MRAs, non-steroidal MRAs do not induce sex hormone-related side effects and appear to mediate a lower risk of hyperkalemia while maintaining compelling clinical efficacy. Recently, new data from several clinical trials with non-steroidal MRAs have been published (e.g., FIDELIO-DKD, FIGARO-DKD, ESAX-DN, and BLOCK-CKD), and additional studies are currently underway (e.g., FINEARTS-HF and CLARION-CKD). These data and the clinical scientific basis for the ongoing studies will be discussed. Non-steroidal MRAs have been extensively explored in diabetic kidney disease. Selected candidates of this drug class reduced UACR in patients with varying degrees of CKD and T2D and have shown convincing cardiorenal protection, in particular finerenone. Furthermore, finerenone is currently tested in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Beyond Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors: Modulation of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System to Delay or Manage Congestive Heart Failure

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) consists of bioactive angiotensin peptides, enzymatic pathways, receptors, and the steroid hormone aldosterone. The RAAS regulates blood pressure, sodium, and electrolyte homeostasis and mediates pathologic disease processes. Within this system is an alternative arm that counterbalances the vasoconstrictive, sodium and water retentive, and pro-fibrotic and inflammatory effects of the classical arm. Improved biochemical methodologies in RAAS quantification are elucidating how this complex system changes in health and disease. Future treatments for cardiovascular and kidney disease will likely involve a more nuanced manipulation of this system rather than simple blockade.

Prevalence, risk factors and evolution of diabetes mellitus after treatment in primary aldosteronism. Results from the SPAIN-ALDO registry

PURPOSE

To evaluate the prevalence, risk factors and evolution of diabetes mellitus (DM) after targeted treatment in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA).

METHODS

A retrospective multicenter study of PA patients in follow-up at 27 Spanish tertiary hospitals (SPAIN-ALDO Register).

RESULTS

Overall, 646 patients with PA were included. At diagnosis, 21.2% (n = 137) had DM and 67% of them had HbA1c levels < 7%. In multivariate analysis, family history of DM (OR 4.00 [1.68-9.53]), the coexistence of dyslipidemia (OR 3.57 [1.51-8.43]) and advanced age (OR 1.04 per year of increase [1.00-1.09]) were identified as independent predictive factors of DM. Diabetic patients were on beta blockers (46.7% (n = 64) vs. 27.5% (n = 140), P < 0.001) and diuretics (51.1% (n = 70) vs. 33.2% (n = 169), p < 0.001) more frequently than non-diabetics. After a median follow-up of 22 months [IQR 7.5-63.0], 6.9% of patients developed DM, with no difference between those undergoing adrenalectomy and those treated medically (HR 1.07 [0.49-2.36], p = 0.866). There was also no significant difference in the evolution of glycemic control between DM patients who underwent surgery and those medically treated (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

DM affects about one quarter of patients with PA and the risk factors for its development are common to those of the general population. Medical and surgical treatment provides similar benefit in glycemic control in patients with PA and DM.

Primary aldosteronism: Practical recommendations for treatment and follow-up

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common cause of secondary arterial hypertension. For unilateral cases, surgery offers the possibility of cure, with unilateral adrenalectomy being the treatment of choice, whereas bilateral forms of PA are treated mainly with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA). The goals of treatment for PA due to either unilateral or bilateral adrenal disease include reversal of the adverse cardiovascular effects of hyperaldosteronism, normalization of serum potassium in patients with hypokalemia, and normalization of blood pressure. The Primary Aldosteronism Surgery Outcome group (PASO) published a study defining clinical and biochemical outcomes based on blood pressure and correction of hypokalemia and aldosterone to renin ratio (ARR) levels for patients undergoing total unilateral adrenalectomy for unilateral PA. In this review, we provide several practical recommendations for the medical and surgical management and follow-up of patients with PA.

Efficacy and safety assessment of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in patients with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

The objective of our study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) and determine the optimal MRA treatment regimen in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library from their inception to June 20, 2022. The composite kidney outcome, cardiovascular events, urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR), estimated glomerular filtration rate (EGFR), serum potassium, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), creatine and creatine clearance were included for analysis. We conducted pairwise meta-analyses and Bayesian network meta-analyses (NMA) and calculated the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA).

RESULTS

We included 26 studies with 15,531 participants. By pairwise meta-analyses, we found that MRA treatment could significantly reduce UACR in CKD patients with or without diabetes. Notably, compared to placebo, Finerenone was associated with a lower risk of composite kidney outcome and cardiovascular events. Data from NMA demonstrated an overt UACR reduction without increasing serum potassium by Apararenone, Esaxerenone, and Finerenone in CKD patients. Spironolactone decreased SBP and DBP but elevated CKD patients' serum potassium.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to placebo, Apararenone, Esaxerenone, and Finerenone might ameliorate albuminuria in CKD patients without causing elevated serum potassium levels. Remarkably, Finerenone conferred a cardiovascular benefit, and Spironolactone lowered blood pressure in CKD patients.

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist initiation during admission is associated with improved outcomes irrespective of ejection fraction in patients with acute heart failure

AIMS

Heart failure (HF) guidelines recommend initiation and optimization of guideline-directed medical therapy, including mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), before hospital discharge. However, scientific evidence for this recommendation is lacking. Our objective was to determine whether initiation of MRA prior to hospital discharge is associated with improved outcomes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed a secondary analysis of 6197 patients enrolled in the RELAX-AHF-2 study. Patients were divided into four groups according to MRA therapy at baseline and discharge. At baseline 30% of patients received MRA therapy, which increased to 50% of patients at discharge. In-hospital initiation of an MRA was observed in 1690 (27%) patients, 1438 (23%) patients remained on MRA therapy, 418 (7%) patients discontinued MRA treatment, and 2651 (43%) patients did not receive an MRA during hospital stay. Compared with patients who did not receive MRA therapy, in-hospital initiation of an MRA was independently associated with lower risks of mortality (multivariable hazard ratio [HR] 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.60-0.96; p = 0.02), cardiovascular death (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.59-1.01; p = 0.06), hospitalization for HF or renal failure (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.60-0.86; p = 0.0003) and the composite endpoint of cardiovascular death and/or rehospitalization for HF or renal failure (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.61-0.83; p < 0.0001) at 180 days. These results were independent of baseline left ventricular ejection fraction.

CONCLUSION

In patients hospitalized for acute HF, in-hospital initiation of an MRA was associated with improved post-discharge outcomes, independent of left ventricular ejection fraction and other potential confounders.

Recent progress in the diagnosis and treatment of primary aldosteronism

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is caused by excessive secretion of aldosterone from the adrenal glands, with subsequent changes in the renin-angiotensin system. In Japan, chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay is currently performed for aldosterone assay rather than the earlier method of radioimmunoassay. This change in aldosterone measurement methods has resulted in faster and more accurate measurement of blood aldosterone levels. Since 2019, esaxerenone, a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) with a non-steroidal skeleton, has been available in Japan for the treatment of hypertension. Esaxerenone has been reported to have various effects, such as strong antihypertensive and anti-albuminuric/proteinuric effects. Treatment of PA with MRAs has been reported to improve the patient's quality of life and to suppress the onset of cardiovascular events independent of their effects on blood pressure. Measuring renin levels is recommended for monitoring the extent of mineralocorticoid receptor blockade during MRA treatment. Patients receiving MRAs are prone to developing hyperkalemia, and combining MRAs with sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors is expected to prevent severe hyperkalemia and provide additional cardiorenal protection. Mineralocorticoid receptor-associated hypertension is a broad concept of hypertension that includes not only PA, but also hypertension caused by borderline aldosteronism, obesity, diabetes, and sleep apnea syndrome. New findings on primary aldosteronism, which is part of MR-associated hypertension. Aldosterone measurements have been changed to the CLEIA method. Treatment of primary aldosteronism with MRAs has a variety of positive effects. CT-guided radiofrequency ablation and transarterial embolization are alternatives to surgery for aldosterone-producing adenomas. BP blood pressure, CLEIA chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay, CT computed tomography, K serum potassium, MR mineralocorticoid receptor, MRA mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, QOL quality of life, SGLT2i sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor.

Multimodal efforts to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), slowing kidney disease progression is an important therapeutic goal. Many patients with T2DM and CKD also have cardiovascular (CV) comorbidities. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASis), which include angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), are drugs with known antihypertensive effects as well as CV and kidney protective effects in patients with CKD. Studies have shown that adding a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor to ACEI or ARB therapy has additive benefits in terms of kidney and CV protection in patients with CKD (with/without T2DM). For patients with CKD associated with T2DM who have persistent albuminuria despite taking the maximum tolerated dose of a RAASi, adding a nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (finerenone) has demonstrated CV and kidney benefits in clinical trials. In this article, we review the use of ACEIs and ARBs for their kidney and CV protective effects when used alone or in combination with a drug with a different mechanism of action. From reviewing the available evidence, it seems clear that a multimodal drug effort is needed to achieve maximum kidney and CV protective effects for patients with CKD associated with T2DM.

Effect on cardiac function among patients with type 2 diabetes following high-dose mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist using echocardiography; data from the MIRAD randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Early heart failure prevention is central in patients with type 2 diabetes, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) have shown to improve prognosis. We investigated the effect of high-dose MRA, eplerenone, on cardiac function and structure in patients with type 2 diabetes and established or increased risk of cardiovascular disease but without heart failure.

METHODS

In the current randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 140 patients with high-risk type 2 diabetes were randomized to high-dose eplerenone (100-200 mg daily) or placebo as add-on to standard care for 26 weeks. Left ventricular systolic and diastolic function, indexed left ventricular mass (LVMi), and global longitudinal strain (GLS) were assessed using echocardiography at baseline and after 26 weeks of treatment.

RESULTS

Of the included patients, 138 (99%) had an echocardiography performed at least once. Baseline early diastolic in-flow velocity (E-wave) indexed by mitral annulus velocity (e') was mean (SD) 11.1 (0.5), with 31% of patients reaching above 12. No effect of treatment on diastolic function was observed measured by E/e' (0.0, 95%CI [-1.2 to 1.2], P = 0.992) or E/A (-0.1, 95%CI [-0.2 to 0.0], P = 0.191). Mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at baseline was 59.0% (8.0). No improvement in systolic function was observed when comparing groups after 26 weeks (LVEF: 0.9, 95%CI [-1.1 to 2.8], P = 0.382; GLS: -0.4%, 95%CI [-1.5 to 0.6], P = 0.422), nor in LVMi (-3.8 g/m² 95%CI [-10.2 to 2.7], P = 0.246).

CONCLUSION

In the present echo sub-study, no change in left ventricular function was observed following high-dose MRA therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes when evaluated by conventional echocardiography.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Date of registration 25/08/2015 (EudraCT number: 2015-002,519-14).

Meta-Analysis Evaluating Risk of Hyperkalemia Stratified by Baseline MRA Usage in Patients with Heart Failure Receiving SGLT2 Inhibitors

BACKGROUND

Both mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) and sodium-glucose co-transporter type 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) have demonstrated beneficial reductions in cardiovascular outcomes. However, the risk of precipitating hyperkalemia with their concomitant usage remains unclear.

METHODS

MEDLINE and Cochrane were searched from inception through March 2022. Randomized controlled trials on patients with heart failure (HF) evaluating the effect of SGLT2is on clinical outcomes between MRA users and non-users were considered for inclusion. Outcomes of interest were mild and moderate/severe hyperkalemia, for which hazard ratios (HR) were pooled using a random effects model.

RESULTS

From the 972 articles retrieved from the initial search, three RCTs (n = 14,462 patients) were included in our meta-analysis. Pooled analysis demonstrated no significant difference in the incidence of mild hyperkalemia between MRA users (HR 0.82 [0.70-0.97]) and non-users (HR 0.95 [0.77-1.17]) (P-interaction = 0.28). The risk of severe hyperkalemia was significantly decreased in MRA users (HR 0.59 [0.44-0.78]; p = 0.0002; I² = 0%) but not in non-users (HR 0.76 [0.56-1.02]; p = 0.07; I² = 0%) (P-interaction = 0.22). Sensitivity analysis including patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) revealed similar results across all subgroups, but no significant reduction in the incidence of mild hyperkalemia (HR 0.89 [0.76-1.04] was noted in MRA users with HFrEF.

CONCLUSION

MRAs reduced the risk of mild or moderate/severe hyperkalemia, when added to SGLT2is. Future clinical trials should target scrupulous assessment of the risk of mild and moderate/severe hyperkalemia when used concomitantly with MRAs.

Long-term follow-up of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy patients after primary treatment of oral eplerenone or half-dose photodynamic therapy and crossover treatment: SPECTRA trial report No. 3

PURPOSE

Comparing anatomic and functional efficacy and safety of primary treatment with either half-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT) or oral eplerenone, or crossover treatment in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy patients.

METHODS

After the SPECTRA trial baseline visit, patients were randomized to either half-dose PDT or eplerenone and received crossover treatment if persistent subretinal fluid (SRF) on optical coherence tomography (OCT) was present at first follow-up (at 3 months). Presence of SRF and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was evaluated at 12 months.

RESULTS

Out of the 90 patients evaluated at 12 months, complete SRF resolution was present on OCT in 43/48 (89.6%) of patients who were primarily randomized to half-dose PDT and in 37/42 (88.1%) who were primarily randomized to eplerenone. Out of the 42 patients that were primarily randomized to eplerenone, 35 received crossover treatment with half-dose PDT. The BCVA improved significantly more at 12 months in patients who had received primary half-dose PDT as compared to the primary eplerenone group (p = 0.030).

CONCLUSIONS

Twelve months after baseline visit, most patients treated with half-dose PDT (either primary or crossover treatment) still had complete SRF resolution. The long-term BCVA in patients who receive primary half-dose PDT is better than in patients in whom PDT is delayed due to initial eplerenone treatment with persistent SRF.

Importance of dietary salt restriction for patients with primary aldosteronism during treatment with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists: The potential importance of post-treatment plasma renin levels

We measured dietary salt intake in 26 patients with primary aldosteronism treated with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and evaluated whether plasma renin levels were affected by dietary salt intake pre-treatment and post 6 months of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist treatment. The dietary salt intake level was calculated using spot urine sodium and creatinine concentrations, body weight, height, and age. The clinical parameters pre- and post- treatment were compared. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels decreased, and the serum potassium and active renin concentration increased significantly. Although the dietary salt intake did not change after treatment, the differences in dietary salt intake and active renin concentration pre- and post- treatment were inversely correlated (r = -0.418, p = 0.03). The 26 patients were divided into two groups with active renin concentration levels ≥5 pg/mL (Group 1) and <5 pg/mL (Group 2) after treatment. The Group parameters did not differ pre- and post- treatment. Group 1 evidenced improvements in systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and the potassium level and active renin concentration over time; Group 2 did not. Group 1 evidenced no significant correlation between the differences in dietary salt intake and active renin concentration levels (r = -0.481, p = 0.11) but Group 2 showed a strong inverse correlation (r = -0.7599, p = 0.01). In conclusion, we found that an active renin concentration level <5 pg/mL post-mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist treatment may indicate that salt sensitivity has not adequately improved, emphasizing the importance of measuring plasma renin levels after such treatment.

Secondary diabetes mellitus due to primary aldosteronism

Primary aldosteronism (PA) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are clinical conditions that increase cardiovascular risk. Approximately one in five patients with PA have DM. Nevertheless, the pathophysiology linking these two entities is not entirely understood. In addition, the majority of patients with PA have glucocorticoid co-secretion, which is associated with increased risk of impaired glucose homeostasis. In the present review, we aim to comprehensively discuss all the available research data concerning the interplay between mineralocorticoid excess and glucose metabolism, with separate analysis of the sequalae in muscle, adipose tissue, liver and pancreas. Aldosterone binds both mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors and amplifies tissue glucocorticoid activity, via 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 stimulation. A clear classification of the molecular events as per specific receptor in insulin-sensitive tissues is impossible, while their synergistic interaction is plausible. Furthermore, aldosterone induces oxidative stress and inflammation, perturbs adipokine expression, thermogenesis and lipogenesis in adipose tissue, and increases hepatic steatosis. In pancreas, enhanced oxidative stress and inflammation of beta cells, predominantly upon glucocorticoid receptor activation, impair insulin secretion. No causality between hypokalemia and impaired insulin response is yet proven; in contrast, hypokalemia appears to be implicated with insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis. The superior efficacy of adrenalectomy in ameliorating glucose metabolism vs. mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in clinical studies highlights the contribution of non-mineralocorticoid receptor-mediated mechanisms in the pathophysiologic process. The exact role of hypokalemia, the mechanisms linking mineralocorticoid excess with hepatic steatosis, and possible disease-modifying role of pioglitazone warrant further studies.

The effects of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with end-stage renal disease and heart failure

AIMS

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) have been shown to provide survival benefits in patients with heart failure; however, MRA use in patients with chronic kidney disease has been limited by safety concerns. The effects of MRAs on outcomes in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and heart failure remain unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of MRAs on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with heart failure under maintenance dialysis in a real-world setting.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted by collecting data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Patients diagnosed with heart failure and ESRD and who started maintenance dialysis between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2013 were identified. Patients were grouped according to MRA prescription. The outcomes of interest included cardiovascular (CV) death, hospitalization for heart failure (HHF), all-cause mortality, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), ischaemic stroke, any coronary revascularization procedures, and new-onset hyperkalaemia. Propensity score matching was performed at a 1:3 ratio between MRA users and non-users to minimize selection bias. A total of 50 872 patients who satisfied our inclusion and exclusion criteria were identified. After 1:3 matching, 2176 patients were included in the MRA group, and 6528 patients were included in the non-MRA group. The risk of CV death was significantly lower among patients who received MRAs than those who did not (hazard ratio [HR] 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.80-0.95), as was the risk of all-cause mortality (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.83-0.94). Reductions in the risks of CV death and all-cause mortality were more prominent among patients undergoing haemodialysis and those with coronary artery disease.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients undergoing regular dialysis who are diagnosed with heart failure, the use of MRAs is associated with lower risks of all-cause mortality and CV death. The benefits of MRA treatment in heart failure may persist in patients with ESRD. Further investigations through randomized controlled trials are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of MRAs in this high-risk population.

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists as a potential treatment option in persistent subretinal fluid following the repair of a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

Purpose

To report the resolution of subretinal fluid persisting more than a year following retinal detachment surgery resolving with a short term course of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists use.

Observations

A 41 year-old, highly myopic male presented with a temporal rhegmatogenous retinal detachment involving the macula. The tear was treated with a radial sponge without subretinal fluid (SRF) drainage. Post-operatively, SRF persisted for more than 1 year with only slight improvement in visual acuity. On OCT, slow regression of subretinal fluid was noted. In order to stimulate the RPE pump, a systemic mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (spironolactone 50 mg) was initiated after discussion with the patient. After one month of therapy, there was a complete resolution of SRF and the visual acuity improved. Two years later, there was no reaccumulation of SRF and the visual acuity remained stable.

Conclusions and importance

A short term of course of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist is a potential treatment for persistent subretinal fluid following a successful detachment surgery.

The four pillars of HFrEF therapy: is it time to treat heart failure regardless of ejection fraction?

The syndrome of heart failure (HF) has historically been dichotomized based on clinical trial inclusion criteria into patients with a reduced or preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) using a cut-off of above or below 40%. The majority of trial evidence for the benefits of disease-modifying pharmacological therapy has been in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), i.e. those with an LVEF ≤40%. Recently, the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors empagliflozin and dapagliflozin have been shown to be the first drugs to improve outcomes in HF across the full spectrum of LVEF. There is, however, growing evidence that the benefits of many of the neurohumoral modulators shown to be beneficial in patients with HFrEF may extend to those with a higher LVEF above 40% but still below the normal range, i.e. HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF). Whether the benefits of some of these medications also extend to patients with HF and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is an area of ongoing debate. This article will review the evidence for HF treatments across the full spectrum of LVEF, provide an overview of recently updated clinical practice guidelines, and address the question whether it may now be time to treat HF with some therapies regardless of ejection fraction.

Dapagliflozin in patients with heart failure with mildly reduced and preserved ejection fraction treated with a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist or sacubitril/valsartan

AIMS

The effects of adding a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor to a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) or an angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) in patients with heart failure (HF) and mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are uncertain, even though the use of all three drugs is recommended in recent guidelines.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin added to background MRA or ARNI therapy was examined in patients with HFmrEF/HFpEF enrolled in the DELIVER trial. The primary outcome was the composite of worsening HF or cardiovascular death. Of 6263 patients, 2667 (42.6%) were treated with an MRA and 301 (4.8%) with an ARNI at baseline. Patients taking either were younger, more often men and had lower systolic blood pressure and ejection fraction; they were also more likely to have prior HF hospitalization. The benefit of dapagliflozin was similar whether patients were receiving these therapies. The hazard ratio for the effect of dapagliflozin compared to placebo on the primary outcome was 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.74-1.01) for MRA non-users versus 0.76 (95% CI 0.64-0.91) for MRA users (p_interaction  = 0.30). The corresponding values for ARNI non-users and users were 0.82 (95% CI 0.73-0.92) and 0.74 (95% CI 0.45-1.22), respectively (p_interaction  = 0.75). None of the adverse events examined was more common with dapagliflozin compared to placebo overall or in the MRA and ARNI subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

The efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin were similar, regardless of background treatment with an MRA or ARNI. SGLT2 inhibitors may be added to other treatments recommended in recent guidelines for HFmrEF/HFpEF.

Cardiovascular and kidney outcomes of combination therapy with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

AIMS

Both sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) have been shown to reduce cardiovascular (CV) event in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, little evidence pertains to the benefits of their combined use.

METHODS

We systematically searched the PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases through July 2022. We selected randomized controlled trials comparing SGLT-2 inhibitors, MRAs, or SGLT-2 inhibitor + MRA combination therapy, with placebo in patients with T2D and CKD. We performed a network meta-analysis to indirectly compare the treatments. The primary outcome was a composite of CV events.

RESULTS

Eight studies were selected with 36,186 patients. The primary outcome was significantly improved in the combination therapy group compared with the other groups (RR [95% CI]; vs SGLT-2 inhibitors, 0.76 [0.60; 0.96]; vs MRAs, 0.66 [0.53; 0.82]; vs placebo, 0.58 [0.47; 0.73]). Additionally, the combination therapy was associated with a considerable reduction in the risk of hyperkalemia (RR vs MRA, 0.43 [0.23; 0.79]).

CONCLUSION

Combination of SGLT-2 inhibitors and MRAs potentially reduced CV events compared with SGLT-2 inhibitors or MRAs alone. This combination may be a candidate treatment strategy for patients with T2D and CKD.

Finerenone efficacy in patients with chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

AIMS

Finerenone, a selective, non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, improves cardiovascular (CV) and kidney outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). This subgroup analysis of FIDELITY, a pre-specified, pooled, individual patient-data analysis of FIDELIO-DKD (NCT02540993) and FIGARO-DKD (NCT02545049), compared finerenone vs. placebo in patients with and without baseline history of atherosclerotic CV disease (ASCVD).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Outcomes included a composite CV outcome [CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, or hospitalization for heart failure (HHF)]; CV death or HHF; a composite kidney outcome (kidney failure, sustained estimated glomerular filtration rate decrease ≥57%, or kidney-related death); all-cause mortality; and safety by baseline history of ASCVD.Of 13 026 patients, 5935 (45.6%) had a history of ASCVD. The incidence of the composite CV outcome, CV death or HHF, and all-cause mortality was higher in patients with ASCVD vs. those without, with no difference between groups in the composite kidney outcome. Finerenone consistently reduced outcomes vs. placebo in patients with and without ASCVD (P-interaction for the composite CV outcome, CV death or HHF, the composite kidney outcome, and all-cause mortality 0.38, 0.68, 0.33, and 0.38, respectively). Investigator-reported treatment-emergent adverse events were consistent between treatment arms across ASCVD subgroups.

CONCLUSION

Finerenone reduced the risk of CV and kidney outcomes consistently across the spectrum of CKD in patients with T2D, irrespective of prevalent ASCVD.

Finerenone in diabetic kidney disease: A systematic review and critical appraisal

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Finerenone is a novel non-steroidal mineralocorticoid antagonist (MRA) recently approved for the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). We aim to conduct a systematic review of finerenone to know the efficacy and safety of finerenone in CKD with or without T2D.

METHODS

A systematic search in the electronic database of PubMed and Google Scholar was made from inception until September 09, 2022, using several MeSH keywords related to finerenone. Ongoing trials were additionally searched from ClinicalTrials.Gov.

RESULTS

Five phase 2 and three phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo- or active-controlled studies of finerenone have been published to date and several other randomized and real-world studies of finerenone are currently undergoing.

CONCLUSIONS

In short-term studies in patients with CKD and reduced ejection heart failure, with or without T2D, finerenone 20 mg appears to have a better renal outcome compared with spironolactone and a better mortality outcome compared with eplerenone, with significantly lesser hyperkalemia compared to both spironolactone and finerenone. In long-term studies in patients with CKD and T2D, finerenone 10/20 mg significantly reduces the progression of renal disease and reduced CV endpoints (especially heart failure hospitalization) compared to placebo. Finerenone has no effect on HbA1c, body weight, and sexual side effects including gynecomastia, and has only a modest effect on blood pressure. However, hyperkalemia leading to drug withdrawal was significantly higher with finerenone compared to placebo. Safety data in real-world settings is a pressing priority.

Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy Before and After Primary Prevention Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Implantation in New Zealand (ANZACS-QI 66)

INTRODUCTION

Guidelines recommend angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB)/angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors (ARNI); beta blockers; and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) in patients with symptomatic heart failure and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction before consideration of primary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). This study aims to investigate dispensing rates of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) before and after primary prevention ICD implantation in New Zealand.

METHODS

All patients receiving a primary prevention ICD between 2009 and 2018 were identified using nationally collected data on all public hospital admissions in New Zealand. This was anonymously linked to national pharmaceutical data to obtain medication dispensing. Medications were categorised as low dose (<50% of target dose), 50-99% of target dose or target dose based on international guidelines.

RESULTS

Of the 1,698 patients identified, ACEi/ARB/ARNI, beta blockers and MRA were dispensed in 80.2%, 83.6% and 45.4%, respectively, prior to ICD implant. However, ≥50% target doses of each medication class were dispensed in only 51.8%, 51.8% and 34.5%, respectively. Only 15.8% of patients were receiving ≥50% target doses of all three classes of medications. In the 1,666 patients who survived 1 year after ICD implant, the proportions of patients dispensed each class of medications remained largely unchanged.

CONCLUSION

Dispensing of GDMT was suboptimal in patients before and after primary prevention ICD implantation in New Zealand, and only a minority received ≥50% target doses of all classes of medication. Interventions are needed to optimise use of these standard evidence-based medications to improve clinical outcomes and avoid unnecessary device implantation.

Renin-angiotensin system blockers-SGLT2 inhibitors-mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in diabetic kidney disease: A tale of the past two decades!

Several pharmacological agents to prevent the progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) have been tested in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the past two decades. With the exception of renin-angiotensin system blockers that have shown a significant reduction in the progression of DKD in 2001, no other pharmacological agent tested in the past two decades have shown any clinically meaningful result. Recently, the sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT-2i), canagliflozin, has shown a significant reduction in the composite of hard renal and cardiovascular (CV) endpoints including progression of end-stage kidney disease in patients with DKD with T2DM at the top of renin-angiotensin system blocker use. Another SGLT-2i, dapagliflozin, has also shown a significant reduction in the composite of renal and CV endpoints including death in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), regardless of T2DM status. Similar positive findings on renal outcomes were recently reported as a top-line result of the empagliflozin trial in patients with CKD regardless of T2DM. However, the full results of this trial have not yet been published. While the use of older steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) such as spironolactone in DKD is associated with a significant reduction in albuminuria outcomes, a novel non-steroidal MRA finerenone has additionally shown a significant reduction in the composite of hard renal and CV endpoints in patients with DKD and T2DM, with reasonably acceptable side effects.

Association of cardiovascular disease risk and changes in renin levels by mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in patients with primary aldosteronism

A recent report stated that patients with primary aldosteronism who remain renin suppressed during mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist treatment might have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease than those with unsuppressed renin activity. We retrospectively investigated the incidence of composite cardiovascular disease and risk factors for cardiovascular disease in 1115 Japanese patients with primary aldosteronism treated with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. The median follow-up period was 3.0 years, and the incidence of cardiovascular events was very low (2.1%) throughout 5 years of follow-up. Changes in plasma renin activity from before to after mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist treatment were divided into three groups based on tertile, low, intermediate, and high plasma renin activity change groups, with incidences of cardiovascular disease events of 2.1%, 0.5%, and 3.7%, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed age (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, [1.02-1.12]) and body mass index (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.13 [1.04-1.23]) as independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The high plasma renin activity change group had significantly higher cardiovascular disease risk with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist treatment than the intermediate plasma renin activity change group (adjusted hazard ratio, 5.71 [1.28-25.5]). These data suggest that a high change in renin level after mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist treatment may not necessarily predict a better prognosis of cardiovascular disease in patients with primary aldosteronism.

Finerenone Reduces Renal RORγt γδ T Cells and Protects against Cardiorenal Damage

INTRODUCTION

Chronic activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) leads to pathological processes like inflammation and fibrosis during cardiorenal disease. Modulation of immunological processes in the heart or kidney may serve as a mechanistic and therapeutic interface in cardiorenal pathologies. In this study, we investigated anti-inflammatory/-fibrotic and immunological effects of the selective nonsteroidal MR antagonists finerenone (FIN) in the deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt model.

METHODS

Male C57BL6/J mice were uninephrectomized and received a DOCA pellet implantation (2.4 mg/day) plus 0.9% NaCl in drinking water (DOCA-salt) or received a sham operation and were orally treated with FIN (10 mg/kg/day) or vehicle in a preventive study design. Five weeks after the procedure, blood pressure (BP), urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR), glomerular and tubulointerstitial damage, echocardiographic cardiac function, as well as cardiac/renal inflammatory cell content by FACS analysis were assessed.

RESULTS

BP was significantly reduced by FIN. FACS analysis revealed a notable immune response due to DOCA-salt exposure. Especially, infiltrating renal RORγt γδ-positive T cells were upregulated, which was significantly ameliorated by FIN treatment. This was accompanied by a significant reduction of UACR in FIN-treated mice. In the heart, FIN reduced DOCA-salt-induced cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis and led to an improvement of the global longitudinal strain. Cardiac actions of FIN were not associated with a regulation of cardiac RORγt γδ-positive T cells.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

The present study shows cardiac and renal protective effects of FIN in a DOCA-salt model. The cardiorenal protection was accompanied by a reduction of renal RORγt γδ T cells. The observed actions of FIN may provide a potential mechanism of its efficacy recently observed in clinical trials.

Evolution of the cardiometabolic profile of primary hyperaldosteronism patients treated with adrenalectomy and with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists: results from the SPAIN-ALDO Registry

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the evolution of the cardiometabolic profile of patients with primary hyperaldosteronism (PA) after the treatment with surgery and with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA).

DESIGN

Retrospective multicentric study of patients with PA on follow-up in twelve Spanish centers between 2018 and 2020.

RESULTS

268 patients with PA treated by surgery (n = 100) or with MRA (n = 168) were included. At baseline, patients treated with surgery were more commonly women (54.6% vs 41.7%, P = 0.042), had a higher prevalence of hypokalemia (72.2% vs 58%, P = 0.022) and lower prevalence of obesity (37.4% vs 51.3%, P = 0.034) than patients treated with MRA. Adrenalectomy resulted in complete biochemical cure in 94.0% and clinical response in 83.0% (complete response in 41.0% and partial response in 42.0%). After a median follow-up of 23.6 (IQR 9.7-53.8) months, the reduction in blood pressure (BP) after treatment was similar between the group of surgery and MRA, but patients surgically treated reduced the number of antihypertensive pills for BP control more than those medically treated (∆antihypertensives: -1.3 ± 1.3 vs 0.0 ± 1.4, P < 0.0001) and experienced a higher increased in serum potassium levels (∆serum potassium: 0.9 ± 0.7 vs 0.6 ± 0.8mEq/ml, P = 0.003). However, no differences in the risk of the onset of new renal and cardiometabolic comorbidities was observed between the group of surgery and MRA (HR = 0.9 [0.5-1.5], P = 0.659).

CONCLUSION

In patients with PA, MRA and surgery offer a similar short-term cardiovascular protection, but surgery improves biochemical control and reduces pill burden more commonly than MRA, and lead to hypertension cure or improvement in up to 83% of the patients.

Impact of Primary Aldosteronism in Resistant Hypertension

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In this narrative review, we aim to summarize the latest data on the association between primary aldosteronism and resistant hypertension, as well as to emphasize the necessity for screening for primary aldosteronism all patients with resistant hypertension.

RECENT FINDINGS

Epidemiological data suggests that up to one out of five patients with resistant hypertension suffer from primary aldosteronism. Patients with primary aldosteronism have increased incidence of renal disease, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, and obstructive sleep apnea, as well as they are characterized by an extended target organ damage and increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Specific treatments for primary hyperaldosteronism (adrenalectomy and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists) have significant impact on blood pressure, can reverse target organ damage, and mitigate cardiovascular risk. All patients with resistant hypertension should be evaluated for primary aldosteronism. Patients diagnosed with the disease may further undergo lateralization with adrenal vein sampling in order to receive the optimal therapeutic option which results in significant improvements in quality of life and cardiovascular profile.

Report from the CVOT Summit 2021: new cardiovascular, renal, and glycemic outcomes

The 7th Cardiovascular Outcome Trial (CVOT) Summit on Cardiovascular, Renal, and Glycemic Outcomes, was held virtually on November 18–19, 2021. Pursuing the tradition of the previous summits, this reference congress served as a platform for in-depth discussion and exchange on recently completed CVOTs. This year’s focus was placed on the outcomes of EMPEROR-Preserved, FIGARO-DKD, AMPLITUDE-O, SURPASS 1–5, and STEP 1–5. Trial implications for diabetes and obesity management and the impact on new treatment algorithms were highlighted for endocrinologists, diabetologists, cardiologists, nephrologists, and general practitioners. Discussions evolved from outcome trials using SGLT2 inhibitors as therapy for heart failure, to CVOTs with nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and GLP-1 receptor agonists. Furthermore, trials for glycemic and overweight/obesity management, challenges in diabetes management in COVID-19, and novel guidelines and treatment strategies were discussed.

Trial registration The 8th Cardiovascular Outcome Trial Summit will be held virtually on November 10–11, 2022 (http://www.cvot.org)

Direct Blood Pressure-Independent Anti-Fibrotic Effects by the Selective Nonsteroidal Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist Finerenone in Progressive Models of Kidney Fibrosis

INTRODUCTION

The nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonist finerenone and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have demonstrated clinical benefits in chronic kidney disease patients with type 2 diabetes. Precise molecular mechanisms responsible for these benefits are incompletely understood. Here, we investigated potential direct anti-fibrotic effects and mechanisms of nonsteroidal MR antagonism by finerenone or SGLT2 inhibition by empagliflozin in 2 relevant mouse kidney fibrosis models: unilateral ureter obstruction and sub-chronic ischemia reperfusion injury.

METHODS

Kidney fibrosis was induced in mice via unilateral ureteral obstruction or ischemia. In a series of experiments, mice were treated orally with the MR antagonist finerenone (3 or 10 mg/kg), the SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin (10 or 30 mg/kg), or in a direct comparison of both drugs. Interstitial myofibroblast accumulation was quantified via alpha-smooth muscle actin and interstitial collagen deposition via Sirius Red/Fast Green staining in both models. Secondary analyses included the assessment of inflammatory cells, kidney mRNA expression of fibrotic markers as well as functional parameters (serum creatinine and albuminuria) in the ischemic model. Blood pressure was measured via telemetry in healthy conscious compound-treated animals.

RESULTS

Finerenone dose-dependently decreased pathological myofibroblast accumulation and collagen deposition with no effects on systemic blood pressure and inflammatory markers in the tested dose range. Reduced kidney fibrosis was paralleled by reduced kidney plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and naked cuticle 2 (NKD2) expression in finerenone-treated mice. In contrast, treatment with empagliflozin strongly increased urinary glucose excretion in both models and reduced ischemia-induced albuminuria but had no effects on kidney myofibroblasts or collagen deposition.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

Finerenone has direct anti-fibrotic properties resulting in reduced myofibroblast and collagen deposition accompanied by a reduction in renal PAI-1 and NKD2 expression in mouse models of progressive kidney fibrosis at blood pressure-independent dosages.

Effect of Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonism and ACE Inhibition on Angiotensin Profiles in Diabetic Kidney Disease: An Exploratory Study

BACKGROUND

Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockade with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) is the cornerstone of antihypertensive treatment in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetes mellitus. Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) on top of conventional RAAS blockade confer cardio- and renoprotective effects. Yet, the detailed effects of this therapeutic approach on key RAAS effectors have not been elucidated to date.

METHODS

In this exploratory placebo-controlled study, 15 patients with CKD stages 2-3 and albuminuria due to diabetic kidney disease (DKD) were randomized to receive the MRA eplerenone or placebo in addition to ACEi therapy. Employing mass-spectrometry, we quantified plasma angiotensin levels [Ang I, Ang II, Ang-(1-7), Ang-(1-5), Ang III, Ang IV], renin and aldosterone in patients before and after 8 weeks of MRA treatment.

RESULTS

While blood pressure and kidney function were similar in the placebo and eplerenone treatment group during the study period, distinct differences in RAAS regulation occurred: eplerenone treatment resulted in an increase in plasma renin activity, Ang I and aldosterone concentrations, indicating global RAAS activation. In addition, eplerenone on top of ACEi profoundly upregulated the alternative RAAS effector Ang-(1-7).

CONCLUSIONS

Combined eplerenone and ACEi therapy increases Ang-(1-7) levels in patients with CKD indicating a unique nephroprotective RAAS pattern with considerable therapeutic implications.

Nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism for cardiovascular and renal disorders - New perspectives for combination therapy

During the recent 30 years, there has been a dramatic increase in knowledge about the role of aldosterone and the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular (CV) and kidney diseases. The scientific perspective on the aldosterone/MR ensemble extended from a previously renal epithelial-centered focus on sodium-potassium exchange to a broader view as systemic modulators of extracellular matrix, inflammation and fibrosis. Spironolactone was launched as the first antagonist of aldosterone 27 years before the MR was cloned. It was classified as a potassium-sparing diuretic, based on its initial clinical characterization as a diuretic and its preferred activity to compensate for the potassium loss induced by loop diuretics when used in combination. The second steroidal MR antagonist was eplerenone which was discovered at a time when the role of aldosterone and MR in cardiac fibrosis was rediscovered. The constraint of developing potentially life-threatening hyperkalaemia when used in combination with other inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin-system (RAS) in patients with reduced kidney function initiated extensive research and development activities with the goal to identify novel nonsteroidal MR antagonists with an improved benefit-risk ratio. Here we summarize major current clinical trials with MRAs in different CV and renal diseases. Addition of the nonsteroidal MRA finerenone to optimal RAS blockade recently reduced CV and kidney outcomes in two large phase III trials in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). We provide an outlook on further opportunities for combination therapy of nonsteroidal MRA finerenone with RAS inhibitors and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i).

Heart failure drug titration, discontinuation, mortality and heart failure hospitalization risk: a multinational observational study (US, UK and Sweden)

AIMS

Use and dosing of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) in patients with heart failure (HF) have been shown to be suboptimal. Among new users of GDMT in HF, we followed the real-life patterns of dose titration and discontinuation of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), beta-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) and angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNI).

METHODS AND RESULTS

New users were identified in health care databases in Sweden, UK and US between 2016-2019. Inclusion criterion was a recent HF hospitalization (HHF) triggering the initiation of GDMT. Patients were grouped by GDMT, i.e. ACEi, ARB, beta-blocker, MRA and ARNI, and stratified by initial dose. Follow-up was 12 months, until death or study end. Outcomes were dose titration within each drug class, discontinuation and first HHF or death. Dose/discontinuation follow-up was assessed daily based on the coverage length of a filled prescription and reported on day 365. New users of ACEi (n = 8426), ARB (n = 2303), beta-blockers (n = 10 476), MRA (n = 17 421), and ARNI (n = 29 546) were identified. Over 12 months, target dose achievement was 15%, 10%, 12%, 30%, and discontinuation was 55%, 33%, 24% and 27% for ACEi, ARB, beta-blockers and ARNI, respectively. MRA was rarely titrated and discontinuation rates were high (40%). Event rates for HHF or death ranged from 40.0-86.9 per 100 patient-years across the treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

Despite high risk of clinical events following HHF, new initiation of GDMT was followed by consistent patterns of low up-titration and early GDMT discontinuation in three countries with different health care and economies. Our data highlight the urgent need for moving away from long sequential approach when initiating HF treatment and for improving just-in-time decision support for patients and health care providers.

Renoprotective Effect of the Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist Esaxerenone

Background: The effects of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, including the newly introduced esaxerenone, on renal function remain uncertain.

Methods and Results: This retrospective study was performed on patients who received esaxerenone for resistant hypertension between November 2019 and June 2020. Trends in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were compared between the 6-month period before esaxerenone treatment (pre-treatment period) and the 6-month treatment period on esaxerenone. Twenty-six patients (15 men), with a median age of 70 years (interquartile range [IQR] 51–73 years) and a median systolic blood pressure of 146 mmHg (IQR 139–156 mmHg), were included in the study and completed 6 months of esaxerenone therapy without any adverse events. eGFR decreased significantly during the pre-treatment period (from 66.6 to 59.5 mL/min/1.73 m²; P=0.003), whereas eGFR was unchanged during the treatment period (from 59.5 to 61.8 mL/min/1.73 m²; P=0.15). The median change in eGFR differed significantly between the treatment and pre-treatment periods (3.8 [IQR −4.2, 6.8] vs. −6.1 [IQR −11.1, 1.8] mL/min/1.73 m², respectively; P=0.008).

Conclusions: Esaxerenone may have renoprotective effects when administered to treat hypertension. Further studies are needed to understand which patient populations may see greater renoprotective benefits with esaxerenone.

Rapid evidence-based sequencing of foundational drugs for heart failure and a reduced ejection fraction

Foundational therapy for heart failure and a reduced ejection fraction consists of a combination of an angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor, a beta-blocker, a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist and a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. However, the conventional approach to the implementation is based on a historically-driven sequence that is not strongly evidence-based, typically requires ≥6 months, and frequently leads to major gaps in treatment. We propose a rapid sequencing strategy that is based on four principles. First, since drugs act rapidly to reduce morbidity and mortality, patients should be started on all four foundational treatments within 2-4 weeks. Second, since the efficacy of each foundational therapy is independent of treatment with the other drugs, priority can be determined by considerations of relative efficacy, safety and ease-of-use. Third, low starting doses of foundational drugs have substantial therapeutic benefits, and achievement of low doses of all four classes of drugs should take precedence over up-titration to target doses. Fourth, since drugs can influence the tolerability of other foundational agents, sequencing can be based on whether agents started earlier can enhance the safety of agents started simultaneously or later in the sequence. We propose an accelerated three-step approach, which consists of the simultaneous initiation of a beta-blocker and an SGLT2 inhibitor, followed 1-2 weeks later by the initiation of sacubitril/valsartan, and 1-2 weeks later by a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist. The latter two steps can be re-ordered or compressed depending on patient circumstances. Rapid sequencing is a novel evidence-based strategy that has the potential to dramatically improve the implementation of treatments that reduce the morbidity and mortality of patients with heart failure and a reduced ejection fraction.

Report from the CVOT Summit 2020: new cardiovascular and renal outcomes

The 6th Cardiovascular Outcome Trial (CVOT) Summit “Cardiovascular and Renal Outcomes 2020” was the first to be held virtually on October 29–30, 2020. As in previous years, this summit served as reference meeting for in-depth discussions on the topic of recently completed and presented major outcome trials. This year, focus was placed on the outcomes of VERTIS-CV, EMPEROR-Reduced, DAPA-CKD, and FIDELIO-DKD. Trial implications for diabetes management and the impact on new treatment algorithms were highlighted for diabetologists, cardiologists, endocrinologists, nephrologists, and general practitioners. Discussion evolved from major outcome trials using SGLT-2 inhibitors for treatment and prevention of heart failure and chronic kidney disease in people with and without diabetes, to additional therapy options for chronic kidney disease with a novel mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist. Furthermore, challenges in diabetes management like COVID-19 and obesity, as well as novel treatment strategies and guidelines, were discussed.

The 7th Cardiovascular Outcome Trial Summit will be held virtually on November, 18–19, 2021 (http://www.cvot.org).

Evaluation of the safety and tolerability of spironolactone in patients with heart failure and chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Spironolactone reduces morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (EF) and decreases hospitalizations in HF with preserved EF. To minimize the risk of hyperkalemia, patients must have an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) > 30 mL/min/1.73 m² and potassium < 5.0 mEq/L prior to initiation; however, spironolactone is prescribed outside these parameters. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of spironolactone in patients with HF and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

METHODS

This single-center, retrospective cohort study evaluated patients ≥ 18 years with HF and CKD stages 3-5 who received ≥ 48 h of spironolactone therapy and were hospitalized from February 2018 to August 2019. The primary outcome was incidence of hyperkalemia (potassium ≥ 5.5 mEq/L).

RESULTS

Overall, 121 patients were evaluated: 52.1% (n = 63) had an EF > 40% and 47.9% (n = 58) had an EF ≤ 40% with 69.4% (n = 84) CKD stage 3, 24.8% (n = 30) stage 4, and 5.8% (n = 7) stage 5. Spironolactone was initiated prior to admission (PTA) for 54.5% (n = 66) of patients, while 45.5% (n = 55) of orders were initiated during hospitalization. Eight patients (6.6%) experienced inpatient hyperkalemia-all with PTA spironolactone. Patients who experienced inpatient hyperkalemia had a numerically lower eGFR that was not statistically significant (35.40 vs. 38.22 mL/min/1.73 m²; p = 0.730). Patients with CKD stage 3 (n = 4) had numerically higher rates of inpatient hyperkalemia than stages 4 (n = 1) or 5 (n = 3) (50%, 12.5%, and 37.5% respectively; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Spironolactone may be safe to initiate in hospitalized patients with HF and CKD; however, appropriateness of therapy must be assessed upon admission to the hospital. Larger studies are needed for conclusive results.

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in patients with chronic kidney disease

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) can reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure and ischemic heart disease. In addition, these agents have been used in patients with diabetic nephropathy to control proteinuria and slow down chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. Current guidelines recommend against the use of MRAs in patients with advanced CKD. However, there is growing interest on their use in this population that has unmet needs (high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality) and unique challenges (risk of acute kidney injury or hyperkalemia). This narrative review discusses the emerging role of MRAs for the management of cardiovascular disease and/or the prevention of CKD progression, highlighting results from randomized controlled trials and presenting real-world data from available registries. Results from recent trials in patients on maintenance dialysis are also discussed.

Prognostic impact of additional mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in octogenarian heart failure patients

AIMS

Guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) including beta-blockers and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors is shown to reduce mortality risk in patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). However, there is little evidence about the efficacy of additional administration of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) with GDMT in patients ≥80 years presenting with HF. We aimed to investigate the prognostic impact of GDMT with MRA in relation to the age of patients with HF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This observational study included patients admitted for HF with reduced LVEF who were discharged alive; among them, 224 patients were ≥80 years, and 661 patients were <80 years. Both populations were divided into three groups depending on whether they received GDMT with or without MRA or single/no GDMT drugs (GDMT+MRA+, GDMT+MRA-, or non-GDMT, respectively). The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. In patients ≥80 years, all-cause mortality was the lowest in the GDMT+MRA+ group (log-rank trend, P = 0.034), and no significant differences were observed between the GDMT+MRA- and non-GDMT groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that GDMT+MRA+ was superior to GDMT+MRA-, even after adjusting for parameters at discharge (hazard ratio: 0.32, 95% confidence interval: 0.11-0.99). In patients <80 years, GDMT reduced all-cause mortality; however, additional MRA was not associated with an improved outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that additional MRA to GDMT at discharge is one of the therapeutic options for elderly HF patients with reduced LVEF. This finding is not well documented in previous clinical trials.

Effect of high-dose mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist eplerenone on urinary albumin excretion in patients with type 2 diabetes and high cardiovascular risk: Data from the MIRAD trial

AIM

As mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) may possess renoprotective effects in type 2 diabetes (T2D), it was decided to investigate the impact of high-dose MRA on prespecified secondary endpoints-namely, change in urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure-in the MIRAD trial.

METHODS

This was a double-blind clinical trial in which T2D patients at high risk of or with established cardiovascular disease (CVD) were randomized to either high-dose (100-200 mg) eplerenone or a dose-matched placebo as an add-on to background antihypertensive treatment for 26 weeks. Safety was evaluated by the incidence of hyperkalaemia and kidney-related adverse events.

RESULTS

A total of 140 patients were enrolled (70 in each group). Baseline UACR was 17 mg/g (geometric mean; 95% CI: 13-22); this decreased by 34% in the eplerenone group compared with the placebo group at week 26 (95% CI: -51% to -12%; P =  0.005). There was no significant decrease in 24-h systolic blood pressure (SBP) due to treatment (-3 mmHg; 95% CI: -6 to 1; P = 0.150). However, the observed change in 24-h SBP correlated with the relative change in UACR in the eplerenone group (r = 0.568, P < 0.001). Mean baseline (± SD) estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 85 (± 18.6) mL/min/1.73 m², and 12 (± 9%) had an eGFR of 41-59 mL/min/1.73 m². No significant differences in the incidence of mild hyperkalaemia (≥ 5.5 mmol/L; eplerenone vs placebo: 6 vs 2, respectively; P = 0.276) and no severe hyperkalaemia (≥ 6.0 mmol/L) were observed.

CONCLUSION

The addition of high-dose eplerenone to T2D patients at high risk of CVD can markedly reduce UACR with an acceptable safety profile.