Angiotensin System Inhibitors Research Articles

Association between socioeconomic position and discontinuation of pharmacotherapy for heart failure after cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Pharmacological therapy remains a cornerstone in heart failure (HF) treatment despite implantation of a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between 1) drug discontinuation, and 2) long-term adherence to HF pharmacotherapy after CRT implantation and socioeconomic position and multimorbidity. We conducted a registry-based cohort study including all patients who underwent a first-time CRT implantation at Aarhus University Hospital from 2000-2017. HF pharmacotherapy included beta blockers (BBs), renin angiotensin system inhibitors (ACEI/ARB), and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs). Patients were identified using the Danish Pacemaker and ICD Registry, and information about medication and comorbidities was obtained through linkage to the Danish health registries. We identified 2,007 patients of whom 1,880 (94%) were eligible for inclusion. The cumulative incidence of drug discontinuation at 10 years was 6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 5-8%) for BB, 10% (95% CI 9-12%) for ACEI/ARB, and 24% (95% CI 20-27%) for MRAs. Living alone was associated with higher BB discontinuation rates (hazard ratio [HR] 1.83, 95%CI 1.20-2.79), whereas patients with multimorbidity were more likely to discontinue ACEI/ARB- (HR 1.92, 95%CI 1.33-2.80) and MRA therapy (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.10-2.09). Income- and educational level did not influence drug discontinuation rates, and similar adherence patterns were observed across all strata of socioeconomic position and multimorbidity. In patients with CRTs, drug discontinuation rates were low, and adherence to HF pharmacotherapy was comparable regardless of socioeconomic position. Living alone and multimorbidity were associated with discontinuation of specific HF drugs.

#1962 Development of triple-whammy induced pre-renal AKI is highly dependent on the hydration status

Abstract Background and Aims The concomitant use of diuretics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and angiotensin system inhibitors is known as Triple Whammy (TW) and significantly increases the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) due to a reduction in the glomerular filtration rate. Maintenance of hydration contributes to correct kidney perfusion, and effective renal haemodynamic regulation allows the kidneys to cope with everyday stressors and challenges, such as TW therapy. Interference with these adaptive mechanisms frequently occurs due to extrinsic (environmental conditions, lifestyle, drugs) or intrinsic (comorbidities, ageing) factors and may lead to dehydration, a negative body liquid balance with a high impact on health. Identifying modifiable risk factors that pose individuals at high risk of AKI following TW therapy is key for the search and prescription of preventive strategies in a personalized manner. The aim of this work was to study the role of hydration status on the renal effect of TW. Method Two-month-old male Wistar rats were divided into 3 experimental groups: Blood and 24-hour urine samples were collected at basal state (B), two days after water deprivation (D0), and two days after TW therapy (D2). Body weight was monitored during the experiment. Haematocrit was assessed from blood samples, and osmolality, concentration of creatinine (Jaffe reaction), and urea (Jung method) were determined in plasma. Urinary flow was recorded, and specific gravity, osmolality and creatinine concentration were measured in urine samples. Results Dehydration was observed after 48 h water deprivation, evidenced by a 12% weight loss and significant increases in haematocrit and plasma osmolality. As expected, during this dehydrated state rats excreted a very reduced volume of a highly concentrated urine with elevated levels of specific gravity and osmolality. No changes in renal function were observed after 48 h water deprivation, nor after TW treatment in fully hydrated rats. Administration of TW triggered significant alterations of the renal function, indicative of AKI, only in rats previously deprived of water for 48 h. These alterations were markedly increased when dehydration was partially sustained during the TW treatment by a 60% water restriction. Conclusion TW-induced AKI in young Wistar rats is facilitated when the hydration status worsens. In this sense, assessing hydration and implementing (re)hydration strategies may help to reduce or prevent TW-induced AKI. This study was supported by Project PI21/01226, funded by Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) and co-funded by the European Union, and a grant from the Conserjería de Educación, Junta de Castilla y León (IES160P20), Spain, co-funded by FEDER funds. Noelia Diaz-Morales is recipient of a Juan de la Cierva-Formación postdoctoral contract (FJC2020-043205-I) funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and European Union “NextGenerationEU/PRTR”.

#150 Effect of dapagliflozin in patients with CKD depending on primary kidney disease

Abstract Background and Aims Multiple trials have reported that SGLT2 inhibitors reduce the risk of its primary composite outcome of kidney disease progression or cardiovascular death in a wide range of patients with CKD. Our aim was to compare effects on kidney outcomes among the different types of kidney diseases. Method Eligible patients with eGFRs ≥30-45, or ≥45-90 ml/min/1.73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio of ≥300 mg/g, and receiving renin angiotensin system inhibitor, where indicated and tolerated were randomized to dapagliflozin 10 mg once daily vs placebo. Kidney disease progression was defined as a sustained ≥30% eGFR decline from randomization or to <10 mL/min/1.73 m2, start of maintenance dialysis or receipt of a kidney transplant, or renal death, and the effects of dapagliflozin were analyzed using a pre-specified Cox model. Testing for heterogeneity of effect between pre-specified kidney disease subgroups was performed, including exploratory analyses by specific glomerular disease etiologies. Results 362 participants were followed for a median of 2.0 years. 90 (24.8%) had diabetic kidney disease, 126 (34.8%) had glomerular disease, 94 (26%) had hypertensive or renovascular disease, and 52 (14.4%) had other or unknown causes. Overall, dapagliflozin reduced the risk of kidney disease progression by 34% (dapagliflozin 29/178 vs placebo 48/184; hazard ratio 0.62, 95% CI 0.51-0.78). This relative risk reduction appeared broadly similar in subgroup analyses by primary cause of kidney disease and by different types of glomerular disease. Conclusion Our study with a few numbers of patients with diabetic and non-diabetic causes of CKD showed that dapagliflozin reduced risk of kidney disease progression with relative risk reductions that were broadly similar across the different CKD etiologies.

#1432 Prevalence, risks and treatment of incident chronic kidney disease stage 3-4: an observational study in Finland between 2016-2022

Abstract Background and Aims The rising burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) calls for early detection and targeted interventions. Kidney-protective treatments (renin–angiotensin system inhibitors [RASis] and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors [SGLT2is]) can delay chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression, cardiovascular events and death. However, contemporary differences between CKD patients with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D) is limited. This study aimed to describe the prevalence, patient characteristics, the use of kidney protective treatments (RASi or SGLT2i) and event risks among patients with incident stage 3-4 CKD in Finland. Method We used comprehensive real-world clinical data from electronic health records from primary and hospital care in five municipalities in Finland between 1st January 2016 to 31st December 2022 to identify stage 3-4 CKD patients aged ≥18 years, defined as having either one estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) measurement between 15 to 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 followed by a second one ≥90 days apart, or a registered CKD diagnosis. Two cohorts from primary care were identified: a prevalent cohort indexed at a fixed date, 1st Jan 2022 and an incident cohort indexed at the date of new CKD. The incident CKD patients were followed from CKD incident index date until death, emigration, or end of study on 31 December 2022. Analyses were also stratified by CKD patients with T2D and non-diabetes (T1D and gestational diabetes excluded), respectively. Risks were estimated as event rates per 1000 patient-years. The proportion of patients on/off treatment were estimates as a function of time and divided into pre- vs. post-index. Results In 2022 the prevalent cohort of 16,380 CKD stage 3-4 patients, represented a prevalence of 6.2% in the total background population of 263,383 individuals. The 12,129 incident Stage 3-4 CKD patients had a median eGFR of 55 ml/min/1.73 m2, similar in both non-T2D and T2D. Most patients were non-T2D; 73% (n = 8859). At index, 1.7% had a CKD diagnosis, lower in non-T2D (1.0%) vs T2D (3.5%) patients. The use of urine albumin creatinine ratio (UACR) was generally very low (21% had a measurement), 9% in the non-T2D and 53% in the T2D patients. Non-T2D, compared to T2D patients, were similar in age (76 vs 75 years) and had slightly less comorbidities like HF (12% vs 18%), myocardial infarction (9% vs 14%), stroke (15% vs 16%), atrial fibrillation (21% vs 25%) and less treated with statins (38% vs 64%). During follow-up, 10% had died within 1-year (97 deaths per 1000 patient years), similar in non-T2D (95 deaths per 1000 patient years) and T2D patients (104 deaths per 1000 patient years). One year risk of any hospitalization was also high, 49% and 64%, respectively. The use of kidney-protective treatments (renin angiotensin system inhibitor [RASi] or SGLT2i) at index (date of incident CKD) was lower in patients without T2D (47%) compared to those with T2D (69%). No change was observed in their use in the 12 months after incident CKD (Fig.). Finally, when studying the proportion of all non-T2D patients receiving SGLT2i after approval for CKD treatment, less than 1% of all CKD patients in the study group were treated with SGLT2i on 31st December 2022. Conclusion This study shows that CKD stage 3-4 is highly prevalent in Finland. Newly detected CKD stage 3-4 patients were little diagnosed and the use of UACR was low, especially among those who were non-diabetic. More than 2 out of 3 CKD patients were non-diabetic. Importantly, these non-diabetic CKD patients had similarly high disease burden, similar high risk of dying and had less kidney/cardiovascular prevention compared to those with T2D. The high mortality risks, substantial kidney-protective treatment inertia and UACR underutilization in stage 3-4 CKD patients all call for an urgent need for improved awareness and risk management, especially in the larger group of non-T2D.

#2022 Clinical outcomes in US patients initiating finerenone – a report from the FOUNTAIN platform

Abstract Background and Aims Evidence from clinical trials demonstrates that finerenone reduces the risk of cardiovascular and renal complications among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). What is lacking is the evidence on finerenone use in real-world clinical practice. Method The present analysis is based on a longitudinal single-arm cohort study of patients initiating finerenone between July 2021 and August of 2023 and with prior diagnoses of CKD and T2D. Data were obtained from US electronic health records and insurance claims (OM1 Real-World Data CloudTM). CKD was defined as either having 1 diagnostic code for CKD stage 2-4 or unspecified stage, two estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) measurements between 15 and 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, or two urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) measurements over 30 mg/g; T2D was defined as having a diagnostic code for T2D. We described patient demographics, comorbidities, and comedications at baseline (365 days prior and including index date), and incidence rates of cardiovascular and renal outcomes, including eGFR and UACR changes over time. The presented analysis (NCT05703880) is part of the multi-national, multi-database observational research platform FOUNTAIN. Results We identified 28,056 new users of finerenone with prior CKD and T2D. The users had a mean (SD) age of 68.8 (10.8) years and 44.8% were female. Comorbidities of interest at baseline were hypertension (89.8%), cardiovascular disease (21.2%), neuropathy (13.4%), retinopathy (8.1%), heart failure (7.9%), and cerebrovascular disease (4.2%). Assessment of comedication use at baseline indicates that patients who initiate finerenone had exposure to renin–angiotensin system inhibitors (52.5%), sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (39.2%), or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (27.4%) within 180 days prior to initiating finerenone. Overall, 82.5% of patients initiated finerenone at 10 mg/d, while 17.5% of patients started with 20 mg/d. Complete results including incidence rates of cardiovascular and renal outcomes, hyperkalemia events, and changes in kidney function measures (eGFR, UACR) during follow-up will be presented as part of the conference presentation. Conclusion Data from patients receiving finerenone as part of clinical practice in the USA suggest that finerenone is used concurrently with other renal and cardiovascular protective medication-classes recommended for patients with CKD and T2D.

#425 Felzartamab (anti-CD38) in patients with IgA Nephropathy—interim results from the IGNAZ study

Abstract Background and Aims Most patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) will progress to kidney failure within 10-15 years of diagnosis. Sustained proteinuria is the best predictor of adverse long-term kidney outcomes and is a surrogate marker for efficacy. CD38+ plasma cells are likely the main source of pathogenic Gd-IgA1, and the related autoantibodies in IgAN. Felzartamab (felza; HIB202) is a recombinant purified human immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) monoclonal antibody (mAb) that binds to CD38 on plasma cells and is being studied across immune-mediated kidney diseases such as IgAN, Primary Membranous Nephropathy, Lupus Nephritis, and Antibody Mediated Rejection. The primary aims of the IGNAZ study were to assess: 1) efficacy of felza compared to placebo on urine protein:creatinine ratio (UPCR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) change from baseline, and 2) the relationship between exposure, safety, and efficacy in each of 3 dose groups vs. placebo. Interim results with 15 months of follow-up from this 24-month trial are presented. Method In Part 1, 48 IgAN subjects were randomized in a 1:1:1:1 ratio across a placebo and 3 active arms in this multicenter, double-blind placebo-controlled, phase IIa trial. The M1, M2, and M3 active arms received 2 doses in 15 days, 5 doses in 2 months, and 9 doses in 5 months, respectively. In Part 2, 6 Japanese subjects received the M3 regimen, open-label, and have been followed for 9 months. Key inclusion criteria included ages 18-80 years, biopsy confirmed diagnosis of IgAN within the past 8 years, proteinuria at screening ≥1.0 g/d, eGFR ≥30 ml/min/1.73 m2 (by CKD-EPI), and background stable and maximally tolerated renin angiotensin system inhibitors. Results 48 randomized subjects were enrolled at 28 sites in the US and in 14 different countries in Europe and in Asia, of which 46 completed the treatment phase. Mean (SD) baseline characteristics (Parts 1 and 2 combined): age 41.6 (12.3) yrs, UPCR 1.67 (1.0) g/g, eGFR 74.6 (30.3) ml/min/1.73 m2. 67% of subjects were male. Intention-to-treat with felza demonstrated rapid, clinically meaningful reductions in UPCR with the maximal treatment effect being observed in the M3 9-dose regimen. In Part 1, percentage change from baseline in UPCR was −14% for placebo and −25% for M3 9-dose arm at month 3, and +9% for placebo and −35% for M3 at month 6 (Fig. A). Reductions in proteinuria observed at month 6 persisted until Month 15, 10 months after the last dose: +6% and −38% mean UPCR change from baseline for placebo and the M3 9-dose arm, respectively (Fig. B). Relatively stable eGFR values were observed for the felza arms compared to loss of eGFR in the placebo arm. Rapid, durable reductions in IgA and Gd-IgA1 levels were seen across the dosing arms, with reductions lasting 10 months after the last dose (Fig. C). IgG recovery occurred faster off-treatment than IgA. Results in the Part 2 subjects were similar to the Part 1 M3 cohort through 9 months. There were no apparent dose-dependent adverse events and no exposure-safety relationship. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were generally of mild or moderate intensity or toxicity grade. The most common TEAE assessed as related by study investigator was infusion related reactions (IRR), most of which occurred on the first infusion. There was one treatment-related serious AE due to an IRR. Five subjects discontinued treatment due to IRRs or drug hypersensitivity; for four of the five subjects, the infusion rate was higher than protocol-specified or had an error in pre-medication. TEAE infections were comparable between placebo and felza arms: Placebo (33.3%), M1 (33.3%), M2 (36.4%), M3 (38.5%), Part 2 (50.0%); all were Grades 1 or 2, and non-serious. Conclusion This proof-of-concept study highlights the potential for disease modification in IgAN with the anti-CD38 mAb felza and supports continued research as a potential treatment for high-risk IgAN patients. Felza treatment resulted in clinically meaningful, prolonged UPCR reductions and eGFR stabilization sustained ≥10 months after dosing was completed. Felza was generally well tolerated with rapid recovery of IgG with durable reductions in IgA and pathogenic Gd-IgA1 levels.

#1468 Alport syndrome family screening and management—experience of a tertiary center

Abstract Background and Aims Alport syndrome (AS) is the most common cause of inherited chronic kidney disease. This disorder is caused by deleterious variants on COL4A3, COL4A4 or COL4A5 genes. These genes codify the proteins that constitute collagen type IV of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM). Importantly, AS patients can develop chronic kidney disease (CKD) kidney disease that can be delayed or possibly prevented by timely initiation of therapy. The identification of at-risk relatives and their genetic testing allow to identify AS patients and initiate appropriate renal care and avoid unnecessary vigilance if the test is negative. Our aim was to assess the outcomes of Alport Syndrome cascade family screening in a tertiary hospital. Method In this study, we retrospectively assessed familial relatives at risk of AS index cases in our Nephrogenetics consult, from January 2018 to November 2023. After referral, routine tests to detect renal disease were done and AS gene panel was performed. Demographic and clinical data were also compiled. Results A total of 75 at-risk relatives were assessed, belonging to 26 families with a COL4A variant identified in the index case. Relatives at risk were mostly referred by primary care doctors (n = 52, 69.3%), with other 15 patients (20%) directly scheduled for consultation, and 8 (10.7%) referred by a nephrology clinic. In this cohort, an AS diagnosis was confirmed in 43 relatives (57.3%), with an additional 13 (17.3%) of the at-risk relatives with ongoing biochemical or molecular analyses. In 19 (25.4%) relatives the molecular study allowed the exclusion of AS. In the subgroup of patients diagnosed with AS (n = 43): median age at molecular diagnosis was 40.5 years (IQR 20.2-56.5years) and 26 (60.5%) were female. Thirty-five patients (81.4%) patients had autosomal dominant AS: 32 had a variant in COL4A3 (6 different variants were found: 4 were pathogenic or likely pathogenic and 2 were of uncertain significance) and 3 patients on COL4A4. COL4A5 variants were identified in 8 patients, 5 of them were female. Three (7%) patients presented with intermittent hematuria, 14 (32.6%) patients presented isolated hematuria, 10 (23.2%) patients had urinary protein/creatine (Up/cr) <0,3g/g, 7 (16.2%) presented Up/cr between 0.3g/g and 1g/g, 3 (7%) patients had Up/cr >1g/g; Six (14%) had CKD. Twenty-two (51.2%) patients were started on a renin angiotensin system inhibitor (RASi) and 5 (11.6%) were already under a RASi. At the last visit in this group of AS patients, the mean epiTFG was 104.2 ml/min (IQ 85.6-120-5 ml/min) and 6 (14%%) patients had epiTFG below 60 ml/min; mean Uprot/creat was 0.11g/g (IQR 0.06-0.32), 12 (28%) patients had no proteinuria. In the subgroup of relatives at risk were AS excluded (n = 19): median age was 38.5 years (IQR 20.2-56.0) and 11 (58%) were female. One patient had CKD, 7 (36.8%) had no signs of renal disease and 8 (42%) patients had intermittent hematuria. Conclusion Our retrospective review showed that the systematic screening of relatives at risk in our hospital was met with a high discovery rate of AS patients. Since there is clinical benefit in an early AS diagnosis, namely through improved renal care and prevention of disease progression, timely genetic/biochemical screening of at-risk relatives is advisable. Additionally, by discharging the relatives with a negative test, this is a more cost-effective approach than providing continuous vigilance to all.

#2638 SGLT2i in CKD with high albuminuria: an observational real-world study

Abstract Background and Aims Dapagliflozin, a sodium–glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i), is indicated to treat chronic kidney disease (CKD). Clinical trials have shown that dapagliflozin significantly reduces albuminuria in patients with urine albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) 200–5000 mg/g and has beneficial effects on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline and combined kidney outcomes. In the DAPA-CKD trial, dapagliflozin led to substantial reductions in the composite of sustained eGFR decline of ≥50%, end-stage kidney disease, and renal or cardiovascular death (hazard ratio [HR], 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.51, 0.72; p < 0.001), with similar reductions observed across UACR subgroups. Furthermore, compared with placebo, dapagliflozin reduced geometric mean UACR by 29.3% (95% CI: –33.1, –25.2; p < 0.0001), with no difference in relative UACR reduction by baseline UACR above or below 1000 mg/g. In the ZENITH-CKD study, over 12 weeks the combination of zibotentan (a novel endothelin A receptor antagonist) and dapagliflozin showed a robust reduction in UACR of 47.7% vs 28.3% for dapagliflozin alone, with this effect maintained in patients with UACR >700 mg/g. It is well known that renal disease progresses more quickly in patients with higher degree of albuminuria than in those with lower levels. We aimed to further characterize renal risk in patients with different levels of residual albuminuria despite standard of care treatment with renin–angiotensin system inhibitors (RASi) and SGLT2i. Methods We used a large USA claims database (Optum's de-identified Clinformatics® Data Mart Database [CDM]) to identify patients aged ≥18 years with CKD, defined as either two eGFR measurements ≤60 mL/min/1.73 m2 taken ≥90 days apart or a first eGFR ≤60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and a CKD diagnosis. Patients were indexed at the date of dapagliflozin 10 mg initiation between 30 April 2021 (date of approval for dapagliflozin in CKD) and March 2023. Patients with prior use of SGLT2i, immunosuppressive drugs, hydroxychloroquine, CKD stage 5 (based on eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73 m2 or dialysis), polycystic kidney disease, or type 1 or gestational diabetes were excluded. Patients were indexed on 1st January 2022 and grouped into two UACR groups: ≥700UACR group (≥700 mg/g) and <700UACR group (200–699 mg/g). Outcomes were UACR changes, eGFR slopes and CKD-associated hospitalizations within 1 year after dapagliflozin initiation. Hazard ratios were estimated using adjusted Cox survival regression. UACR follow-up analyses were restricted to patients with at least one follow-up measurement. Results In the 5908 patients with CKD, median UACRs at index in the ≥700UACR and <700UACR groups were 1414 mg/g and 102 mg/g, respectively. Patients in the ≥700UACR group vs <700UACR group had lower eGFR (40 vs 48 mL/min/1.73 m2), were younger (71 vs 74 years), and both groups had a high burden of comorbidities (heart failure: 38% vs 42%; type 2 diabetes: 74% vs 75%). RASi use was 81% and 74%, respectively. During follow-up, 22% of patients in the ≥700UACR group experienced a CKD-related hospitalization (25.1 events per 100 patient years) as compared to 19.5 events per 100 patient years in the <700UACR group (HR 1.38 [95% CI: 1.16, 1.64, p < 0.001]; Fig. panel A). The eGFR slope (95% Cl) of patients in the ≥700UACR group was –2.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year (–3.49, –1.65), compared with a flat eGFR trajectory in patients in the <700UACR group (0.39 [–0.11, 0.96]). In the ≥700UACR group with at least one follow-up measurement (n = 431), UACR lowered from 2077 mg/g to 1674 mg/g (–36.3%) within 1 month of dapagliflozin initiation but remained above 1200 mg/g throughout the 12-month follow-up period (Fig. panel B). Conclusions While treatment with RASi and SGLT2i are associated with reduced risk of renal outcomes in patients with CKD, awareness and management of residual albuminuria remains an area of unmet clinical need. The novel combination of zibotentan/dapagliflozin currently under investigation in the ZENITH High Proteinuria phase III trial (NCT06087835) seeks to address this need.

#2459 Matching-adjusted indirect comparison of eGFR in patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy treated with Nefecon (TRF budesonide) or sparsentan

Abstract Background and Aims Primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is an immune-mediated disease that can lead to kidney failure, need for dialysis and kidney transplantation, and early death. IgAN is the most common type of primary glomerulonephritis globally, with an estimated worldwide incidence of 2.5 per 100 000 individuals per year. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is a measure of renal function and is accepted as a surrogate endpoint for clinical trials evaluating kidney function deterioration. In December 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted full approval to Nefecon (marketed as Tarpeyo® by Calliditas Therapeutics), a targeted-release formulation of budesonide, to reduce the loss of kidney function in adults with IgAN at risk of disease progression, based on the Phase 3 NefIgArd clinical trial. In February 2023, sparsentan (marketed as Filspari™ by Travere Therapeutics) was granted accelerated approval by the FDA to reduce proteinuria in adults with primary IgAN at risk of rapid disease progression, generally a urine protein–creatinine ratio (UPCR) ≥1.5 g/g, based on the Phase 3 PROTECT study. Matching-adjusted indirect comparison (MAIC) is a widely accepted and relevant methodology for comparing treatments across trials in the absence of head-to-head comparisons. In this analysis, we aimed to compare the effects of Nefecon and sparsentan on kidney function deterioration in patients with IgAN, as assessed by eGFR. Method An anchored MAIC was performed to estimate the relative effect of Nefecon and sparsentan on the absolute eGFR change from baseline at 9, 12 and 24 months, with common comparators of optimized renin–angiotensin system inhibition for NefIgArd and irbesartan for PROTECT. Patient-level data from NefIgArd were used to select a population matched to PROTECT, and the following baseline characteristics were used to determine the weights: mean age (years), sex (% male), race (% white), mean eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m2), mean UPCR (g/g), urine albumin–creatinine ratio (UACR) (% with UACR >1.1 g/g), and urinary protein excretion (% with urinary protein excretion >1.8 g/day). Absolute change in eGFR was analyzed using a mixed model for repeated measures (MMRM) method, including baseline, 3-, 6-, 9-, 12-, 18- and 24-month data, baseline eGFR, baseline eGFR-by-time interaction, treatment, and treatment-by-time interaction. The MAIC weights were incorporated into the MMRM. A Bayesian fixed-effects network meta-analysis was performed on the relative effect from PROTECT and the weighted relative effect from NefIgArd, measured by the estimated absolute change from baseline in eGFR. Results The matching-adjustment of the NefIgArd patient population to the PROTECT population is shown in Table 1. The weighted NefIgArd population exhibits very similar baseline characteristics to the PROTECT population. The effective sample size of the weighted NefIgArd population is 208. Results from the anchored MAIC showed statistically and clinically significant favorable effects of Nefecon versus sparsentan on eGFR for all time points analyzed (Fig. 1). Mean differences in the absolute change in eGFR of 5.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 (95% credible interval [Crl] 3.14, 8.20; p < 0.001), 3.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 (95% Crl 0.97, 5.97; p = 0.006) and 3.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 (95% Crl 0.02, 6.51; p = 0.048) were observed when comparing Nefecon with sparsentan at 9 months vs 36 weeks, 12 months vs 48 weeks, and 24 months vs 106 weeks, respectively. Conclusion After accounting for differences in the patient populations from the NefIgArd and PROTECT trials, the anchored MAIC showed that treatment with Nefecon 16 mg/day for 9 months was associated with greater eGFR benefit compared with continuous treatment with sparsentan 400 mg/day over 2 years, with significant differences observed as early as 9 months after treatment initiation and sustained up to 2-years of follow-up.

HEART FAILURE AND ITS PHENOTYPES IN THE REAL WORLD: DATA FROM THE CARDIOVASCULAR OBSERVATORY OF FRIULI–VENEZIA GIULIA

Abstract Introduction Heart Failure (HF) is a disease with high mortality and morbidity burden. Guidelines classify HF according the ejection fraction (EF) in three phenotypes. HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is the most prevalent in the real world for increasing in life expectancy and the presence of many comorbidities. Aim Knowing and analysing the epidemiology and clinic features of HF to create the most appropriate diagnostic–therapeutic pathways. The Cardiovascular Observatory of Friuli–Venezia Giulia (CVOFVG), which allows this analysis, is a powerful tool for clinical governance. Results In Friuli Venezia Giulia, at 1st January 2023, 21.212 alive patients had a HF diagnosis (1.78% prevalence). Considering the different phenotypes, in the real world, from 2018 to 2023, the most prevalent patients had EF > 40% (in 2022: HFpEF 55%, HFmrEF 9% and HFimpEF 20%). In our registry patients with HFpEF are older (mean age 80±10 yrs vs 79±11 yrs in HFmrEF vs 76±11 yrs in HFrEF), mostly women (52% vs 38% in HFmrEF, vs 27% in HFrEF), with many cardiovascular (CV) diseases, such as atrial fibrillation (57% vs 53% in HFmrEF vs 49% in HFrEF) and non CV as obesity and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. As expected, ischemic heart disease is prevalent in HFrEF in 59% vs 38% in HFpEF. In the CVOFVG, in 2022 the hospitalization rate was 1260/100000 inhabitants (262 for HF hospitalization, 188 for CV causes, 808 for non CV disease). HFrEF has a higher incidence of HF hospitalization (54.3 on 166.2/100.000 totals). Furthermore, HFpEF because of its high prevalence, has a higher rate of CV and HF hospitalization than HFrEF (77.8 vs 54.3/100.000 inhabitants for year, 929 hospitalization vs 646). The mortality in one year is higher in HFrEF and HFmrEF vs HFpEF and above all HFimpEF. Drug prescription was different from clinical trial: in 2022, 72.2% of HFrEF patients received renin angiotensin system inhibitors (RASi), 89.2% beta blockers (BB), 62.6% mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) and 44% SGLT2–inibitors (SGLT2–I). Same prescription for RASi, BB, MRA was in HFimpEF and HFmrEF, less for HFpEF. Conclusions The patients’ complexity, their increasing number, the new drugs for HFpEF lead to create multidisciplinary pathways, above all for HFpEF patients who are frequently visited by General Physicians, Internal Physicians and Geriatrics, to select the most complex case where a therapeutic intervention can be efficacy.

In patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (stage IV or V), does the continued use of renin–angiotensin system inhibitors have a worsening effect on renal function?

In patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (stage IV or V), does the continued use of renin–angiotensin system inhibitors have a worsening effect on renal function?

Finerenone cardiovascular and kidney outcomes by age and sex: FIDELITY post hoc analysis of two phase 3, multicentre, double-blind trials

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of finerenone, a selective, non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, on cardiovascular and kidney outcomes by age and/or sex.DesignFIDELITY post hoc analysis; median...

Withdrawal of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors’ effect on estimated glomerular filtration rate in adults with advanced kidney disease: the STOP-ACEi RCT

Background Renin–angiotensin system inhibitors, both angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, slow progression of mild and moderate chronic kidney disease. However, some evidence suggests that discontinuation of renin–angiotensin system inhibitors in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease might increase estimated glomerular filtration rate or slow its decline. Objective To test the hypothesis that stopping angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, or a combination of both, compared with continuing these treatments, improves or stabilises kidney function in patients with progressive stages 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease based on assessment of kidney function using the modification of diet in renal disease four-variable estimated glomerular filtration rate at 3 years, follow-up. Setting Thirty-seven UK hospitals with kidney services. Design An investigator-led multicentre open-label, randomised controlled trial of 411 participants with advanced (stage 4 or 5) progressive chronic kidney disease. Participants Adult patients with advanced (estimated glomerular filtration rate < 30 ml/minute/1.73 m2) and progressive chronic kidney disease who were receiving either angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, or a combination of both. Interventions Participants were randomised in a 1 : 1 ratio using a centralised internet-based system to either discontinue renin–angiotensin system inhibitors (n = 206) or continue renin–angiotensin system inhibitors (n = 205). Main outcome measures The primary outcome was the estimated glomerular filtration rate at 3 years; measurements of estimated glomerular filtration rate made after commencing kidney replacement therapy were excluded. Secondary outcomes included development of end-stage kidney disease or starting kidney replacement therapy, a composite of either a > 50% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate or commencement of kidney replacement therapy (including end-stage kidney disease), cystatin C, hospitalisations, blood pressure, exercise capacity and quality of life. Cardiovascular events, death and safety were recorded. Results At 3 years, the least-squares mean (± standard error) estimated glomerular filtration rate was 12.6 ± 0.7 ml/minute/1.73 m2 in the discontinuation group and 13.3 ± 0.6 ml/minute/1.73 m2 in the continuation group [difference −0.7, 95% confidence interval (−2.5 to 1.0; p = 0.42)] with a negative value favouring the continuation group. The treatment effect did not differ (heterogeneity) when data were analysed by the pre-specified subgroups. End-stage kidney disease or kidney replacement therapy occurred in 128 (62%) and 115 (56%) participants randomised to the discontinue and continue renin–angiotensin system inhibitor groups, respectively (hazard ratio 1.28, 95% confidence interval 0.99 to 1.65). The numbers of cardiovascular events and deaths observed were similar for those randomised to discontinue (108 events and 20 deaths) or continue (88 events and 22 deaths) renin–angiotensin system inhibitors. Limitations Non-white ethnic backgrounds were poorly represented, limiting the generalisability of our findings. The open-label nature of the trial may have affected clinical care and subjective end points, such as quality of life and exercise capacity. We only included patients who were receiving renin–angiotensin system inhibitors at the time of randomisation, thus excluding those who had already discontinued these agents. Conclusions Discontinuing renin–angiotensin system inhibitors in advanced and progressive chronic kidney disease does not cause a clinically relevant change in estimated glomerular filtration rate or difference in its long-term decline. Future work Future work should focus on updating clinical guidelines. Further analyses, in addition to the prespecified analyses, may be undertaken if new estimated glomerular filtration rate equations are introduced into clinical practice. Subgroup analysis by kidney disease aetiology and gender may be undertaken to look for potential differences in outcome in specific groups. Trial registration This trial is registered as STOP ACEi EudraCT Number, 2013-003798-82; ISRCTN62869767. Funding This award was funded by the Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation (EME) programme (NIHR award ref: 11/30/07), a Medical Research Council (MRC) and National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) partnership. This is published in full in Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation; Vol. 11, No. 5. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.

Clinical characteristics, treatment, trajectories and outcome of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy in a national heart failure registry

BackgroundAvailable data on the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with heart failure (HF) due to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) derive mainly from tertiary care centres for cardiomyopathies or from drug trial sub-studies, which may entail a referral bias. MethodsFrom 2008 to 2021, we enrolled in a nationwide HF Registry 1886 DCM patients and 3899 with ischemic heart disease (IHD). ResultsPatients with DCM were younger, more often female, had more commonly recent onset HF, left bundle branch block, and showed higher LV end-diastolic volume and lower LVEF than IHD. With respect to IHD, DCM patients received more often mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, renin angiotensin system inhibitors and betablockers, the latter more commonly at doses ≥50% of target, and triple guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) (adjusted OR 1.411, 95% CI 1.247-1.595, p < .0001). During one-year follow-up, 819 patients (14.2%) died or were hospitalized for HF [187 (9.9%) DCM, 632 (16.2%) IHD]; DCM was associated with lower risk of the combined end-point (adjusted HR 0.745, 95% CI 0.625- 0.888, p = .0011). Among the 1954 patients with 1-year echocardiograms available, 1483 had LVEF≤40% at baseline; of these,166 (30.6%) DCM and 165 (17.5%) IHD improved their LVEF to >40% (p < .0001). DCM aetiology was associated with higher likelihood of LVEF improvement (adjusted OR 1.722, 95% CI 1.328 -2.233, p < .0001). ConclusionsDCM patients have a different clinical profile, greater uptake of GDMT and better outcomes than IHD subjects. A comprehensive management approach is needed to further address the risk of unfavorable outcomes in DCM.

Annual evolution of the prescription of drugs with prognostic implications in acute decompensated heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

BackgroundQuadruple therapy (renin angiotensin system inhibitors, beta-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and sodium/glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors [SGLT2i]) has become the current prognostic modifying treatment for heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). This study aimed to analyse the prescription´s evolution of this combination therapy, the analysis of each pharmacological group and the differences according to HF subgroups.MethodsRetrospective analysis of consecutive patients admitted for cardiac decompensation. Inclusion period: from 1-1-2020 to 12-31-2022. Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction > 40% and deceased during admission were excluded. Finally, 602 patients were included. These were divided into: (a) de novo HF without previous heart disease (n:108), (b) de novo with previous heart disease (n:107), and (c) non-de novo (n:387).ResultsOver the study time, all pharmacological groups experienced an increase in drugs prescription (p < 0.001). The group with the largest prescription rate increase was SGLT2i (2020:20%, 2021:42.9%, 2022:70.4%; mean increase 47.2%). The discharge rate prescription of quadruple therapy increased progressively (2020:7.4%, 2021:21.1%, 2022:32.5%; mean increase 21.9%). The subgroup with the highest combined prescription in 2022 was de novo with previous heart disease (43.9%).ConclusionThe pharmacological group with the largest prescription´s rate increase was SGLT2i. The percentage of patients discharged on quadruple therapy has progressed significantly in recent years, although it remains low. The most optimised subgroup at discharge was that of de novo HF with previous heart disease.

Preoperative N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and myocardial injury after stopping or continuing renin–angiotensin system inhibitors in noncardiac surgery: a prespecified analysis of a phase 2 randomised controlled multicentre trial

BackgroundPatients with elevated preoperative plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP >100 pg ml−1) experience more complications after noncardiac surgery. Individuals prescribed renin–angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors for cardiometabolic disease are at particular risk of perioperative myocardial injury and complications. We hypothesised that stopping RAS inhibitors before surgery increases the risk of perioperative myocardial injury, depending on preoperative risk stratified by plasma NT-proBNP concentrations. MethodsIn a preplanned analysis of a phase 2a trial in six UK centres, patients ≥60 yr old undergoing elective noncardiac surgery were randomly assigned either to stop or continue RAS inhibitors before surgery. The pharmacokinetic profile of individual RAS inhibitors determined for how long they were stopped before surgery. The primary outcome, masked to investigators, clinicians, and patients, was myocardial injury (plasma high-sensitivity troponin-T ≥15 ng L−1 or a ≥5 ng L−1 increase, when preoperative high-sensitivity troponin-T ≥15 ng L−1) within 48 h after surgery. The co-exposures of interest were preoperative plasma NT-proBNP (< or >100 pg ml −1) and stopping or continuing RAS inhibitors. ResultsOf 241 participants, 101 (41.9%; mean age 71 [7] yr; 48% females) had preoperative NT-proBNP >100 pg ml −1 (median 339 [160–833] pg ml−1), of whom 9/101 (8.9%) had a formal diagnosis of cardiac failure. Myocardial injury occurred in 63/101 (62.4%) subjects with NT-proBNP >100 pg ml−1, compared with 45/140 (32.1%) subjects with NT-proBNP <100 pg ml −1 {odds ratio (OR) 3.50 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.05–5.99); P<0.0001}. For subjects with preoperative NT-proBNP <100 pg ml−1, 30/75 (40%) who stopped RAS inhibitors had myocardial injury, compared with 15/65 (23.1%) who continued RAS inhibitors (OR for stopping 2.22 [95% CI 1.06–4.65]; P=0.03). For preoperative NT-proBNP >100 pg ml−1, myocardial injury rates were similar regardless of stopping (62.2%) or continuing (62.5%) RAS inhibitors (OR for stopping 0.98 [95% CI 0.44–2.22]). ConclusionsStopping renin-angiotensin system inhibitors in lower-risk patients (preoperative NT-proBNP <100 pg ml −1) increased the likelihood of myocardial injury before noncardiac surgery.

Discussion to: An angiotensin system inhibitor (losartan) potentiates antitumor efficacy of cisplatin in a murine model of non–small cell lung cancer

Discussion to: An angiotensin system inhibitor (losartan) potentiates antitumor efficacy of cisplatin in a murine model of non–small cell lung cancer

An angiotensin system inhibitor (losartan) potentiates antitumor efficacy of cisplatin in a murine model of non–small cell lung cancer

ObjectivePrevious studies have demonstrated synergistic antitumor effects of angiotensin system inhibition (ASI) combined with cisplatin therapy in pancreatic cancer. This study examines whether or not synergistic antitumor effects occur with combination ASI and cisplatin treatment in lung cancer, and whether or not ASI-induced changes in epithelial-mesenchymal transition play a role in the mechanism of this antitumor phenomenon. MethodsA set of lung cancer cell lines representing a spectrum of epithelial to mesenchymal phenotypes were identified and characterized. Response of epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers to losartan was characterized. Cell culture models of lung cancer were next treated with losartan, cisplatin, or combination of both. Markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition or surrogates of other signaling pathways (AKT, Stat3, and programmed death-ligand), and cell viability were quantified. Findings were confirmed in both allogenic and syngeneic in vivo murine flank tumor models. ResultsLosartan treatment significantly increased E-cadherin and reduced vimentin in human lung cancer cell lines. Combination treatment with losartan and cisplatin enhanced epithelial markers, reduced mesenchymal markers, inhibited promesenchymal signaling mediators, and reduced cell viability. Findings were confirmed in vivo in a murine flank tumor model with transition from mesenchymal to epithelial phenotype and reduced tumor size following combination losartan and cisplatin treatment. ConclusionsCombination losartan and cisplatin treatment attenuates the epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathway and enhances the cytotoxic effect of chemotherapy with in vitro and in vivo models of non–small cell lung cancer. This study suggests an important role for ASI therapy in the treatment of lung cancer.

The Effect of Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors in Patients Undergoing Pancreatic Cancer Resection.

The local renin-angiotensin system promotes angiogenesis and proliferation via vascular endothelial growth factor or epidermal growth factor receptor expression. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of angiotensin system inhibitors (ASIs) on long-term outcomes in patients undergoing surgical resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). A single institutional retrospective analysis was performed using the medical records of patients who underwent pancreatic resection with curative intent for PDAC between January 2005 and December 2018. Patient characteristics and surgical outcomes were compared between patients taking ASIs and those who are not. A total of 272 patients were included in the study and classified into the ASI group (n = 121) and the non-ASI group (n = 151). The median overall survival times in the ASI group and non-ASI group were 38.0 and 34.0 months ( P = 0.250), and the median recurrence-free survival times were 24.0 and 15.0 months ( P = 0.025), respectively. Multivariate analysis for recurrence-free survival identified the use of ASIs ( P = 0.020), CA19-9 level >500 IU/L ( P = 0.010), positive lymph node metastasis ( P < 0.001), and no adjuvant chemotherapy ( P < 0.001) as independent prognostic factors. The use of ASI may improve long-term outcomes after surgery for PDAC.

Additive renal protective effects between arctigenin and puerarin in diabetic kidney disease

Recent studies have shown that the combined use of renin angiotensin system inhibitor, SGLT2 inhibitors and/or mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist provides additional renal protection for patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Similarly, in traditional Chinese medicine, the synergistic application of multiple herbs often brings more significant therapeutic effects. However, the synergistic or additive mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in combination therapy are not fully understood. In our previous studies, we show that arctigenin (ATG), a major component of Fructus Arctii, attenuates proteinuria and renal injury in diabetic mice by activating PP2A, and puerarin (a class of known isoflavones) can also reduce proteinuria and renal injury in diabetic mice via activation of Sirt1. Here, we further explored the potential additive renal protection of these two compounds in diabetic mice. Research has found that ATG and puerarin have a synergistic effect in reducing albuminuria in db/db mice. Mechanistically, we found that ATG reduced NF-κB p65 phosphorylation likely through activation of PP2A while puerarin reduced p65 acetylation via Sirt1 activation. Therefore, ATG and puerarin have additive inhibitory effects on the NF-κB activation, which is a key inflammatory pathway in DKD. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed distinct pathways activated by ATG and puerarin in the diabetic kidney, which may provide an additional mechanism for their additive effects in DKD. Our study suggests that ATG and puerarin could be a new combination therapy for DKD and reveals its underlined mechanisms.