Heart Failure Drug Research Articles

Effets du programme d'aide au retour à domicile (PRADO-IC) sur le parcours de soins à un an d'une population de patients insuffisants cardiaques

IntroductionCongestive heart failure (HF) is associated with prolonged and recurrent hospitalizations; the prognosis remains poor a better follow up might be beneficial. PRADO-IC program is provided in order to improve the transition of care. Aim of the studyTo evaluate PRADO-IC program in term of healthcare consumption and prognosis in a cohort of patients hospitalized for decompensated HF, using the insight of the national data base SNDS (Système National de Données de Santé). MethodsFrom September 2016 to September 2018, all patients hospitalized for heart failure at Saint-Joseph Hospital were included in an observational study. The inclusion in the PRADO-IC program was at physician's discretion. Two groups were compared according to the inclusion in PRADO-IC (P group) or not (control group (C)). The primary endpoints were the comparison of one-year mortality and heart failure readmission rate between the two groups. The secondary end points were time to the first contact with a general practitioner (GP), a cardiologist, CHF drugs prescription, and others follow up data. ResultsSix hundred and fifteen patients were included, 254 in the P group and 361 in the C group. Patients in the P cohort presented more frequently severity criteria (age, weight, BNP level, arrhythmia, anemia, renal failure). Mortality at one year (n = 47; 18.5% P group vs. n = 65; 16.2% C group, p = 0.87) did not differ in both groups. There was no significant difference in one-year re-hospitalization rate for HF (n = 93, 36.6% in P group vs. n = 133, 26.8% in C group, p = 0.95). Time to the first contact with the GP was shorter in P group (8.00 vs. 18.50 days, p < 0.0001). Time to first hospitalization (69.0 vs. 37.0 days, p = 0.028) and the length of hospitalization (6.0 vs. 4.0 days, p = 0.045) were longer in P group. There was no difference for HF drugs prescription rate between the two groups. ConclusionOur study shows that the PRADO-IC program concerned more severe patients. Despite this, the one-year mortality and the HF readmission rates are similar between the two groups. The follow up is improved in P group.

Treatment with flozins across the whole spectrum of heart failure in Poland between February 2022 and June 2023 based on Heart Failure Observational Study by Polish Cardiac Society.

Abstract Since the introduction of the ESC guidelines in 2021 and the increased level of recommendations in 2023, SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have been widely used in all patients with heart failure (HF), improving their prognosis. Current guidelines recommend the use of SGLT2i across the entire spectrum of HF regardless of ejection fraction. The aim of the study was to summarize the usage of SGLT2i in patients with HF in Poland, based on data gathered in the Heart Failure Observational Study (HEROES) conducted by the Polish Cardiac Society. Overall, 1176 patients (enrolled between Feb 2022 and Jun 2023) were included in the analysis (hospitalizations: N=918, outpatient visits: N=258). Most of them were men (71.7%) with a median age of 69 years (IQR: 60-75). Patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) were the most numerous group (48%, N=565) followed by preserved (HFpEF, 22%, N=259) and mildly reduced (HFmrEF, 14%, N=166) ejection fraction. In 16% of cases, ejection fraction was not reported. Only fewer than 60% of subjects were reported to be treated with SGLT2i (overall: 59.5%; HFrEF: 82.3%; HFmrEF: 48.8%, HFpEF: 32.4%). We divided the whole study group into 4 even quartiles based on the number of consecutive patients enrolled (Q1: Feb 2022-Dec 2022; Q2: Sep 2022; Q3: Mar 2023; Q4: Jun 2023). Results showed an overall increasing number of patients treated with SGLT2i in consecutive quartiles, especially in HFmrEF group (Fig. 1). However, in the last quartile (Q4), less than 40% usage of SGLT2i in HFpEF patients was observed (38.2%). The analyzed period ended before the release of the 2023 focused update of HF guidelines that strengthened recommendations for SGLT2i use to the first class of recommendations regardless of ejection fraction. This document will probably further increase the usage of SGLT2i in the Polish HF population. Nevertheless, our data are worrying, as overall more than 1/3 of HF patients in the last quartile were not treated with one of the basic and effective drugs in HF. It is worth mentioning that the 2021 HF guidelines recommended SGLT2i in the first class of recommendations only in HFrEF, but by that time, current clinical trial results had already shown great benefit in HFmrEF and HFpEF patients.SGLT2i treatment in PL (Feb2022-Jun2023)

Heart failure and advanced chronic kidney disease: differences in characteristics, treatment and outcomes in patients with glomerular filtration rate greater or less than 30 ml/minute/m2

Abstract Introduction Heart failure (HF) is a serious health problem and continues to have a high mortality and incidence of decompensation, despite advances in its management. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is very prevalent in patients with HF, hinders their treatment and worsens their prognosis, especially when it is advanced CKD (glomerular filtration rate-GFR &amp;lt;30 ml(min/m2). It is important to know the differential characteristics of these patients to improve their management. Purpose To analyze in a contemporary registry of HF patients followed in specialized HF units in Spain the differences in clinical characteristics and treatment between patients with HF and advanced CKD. Methods We analyzed data from the registry of the SEC-Excelente-IC quality accreditation program of the Spanish Society of Cardiology, with 1716 patients with HF included between 2019 and 2021 by 45 specialized HF units accredited by the SEC. Patients were included consecutively in two 1-month cutoffs (March and October) in that period. The clinical and demographic characteristics and comorbidities of the patients were compared according to GFR &amp;lt; or &amp;gt; 30ml/min/m2. Results Of the 1,716 patients, 11.1% had a GFR&amp;lt;30 and 88.9% &amp;gt;30 mL/min/m2. Figure 1 shows the main clinical characteristics and comorbidities of the 2 groups. Median LVEF was similar in both groups: 42 (30-58) vs 38% (29-54). The group with advanced CKD was older (77±9.6 vs 70.5±12.6 years; p&amp;lt;0.001), had greater HF severity (more admissions for HF in the last year, worse NYHA functional class and longer evolution time), and a higher prevalence of coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cognitive impairment, anemia, iron deficiency and hyponatremia. There were no differences in sex, BMI, serum potassium or other comorbidities (Figure 1). Figure 2 shows the treatment received in each group. Patients with GFR &amp;lt;30 received in a significantly lower proportion all drugs for HF (p&amp;lt;0.001), except diuretics and potassium binders (ACEI/ARA, sacubitril-valsartan, MRA, beta-blockers, digoxin and SLGT2 inhibitors), and less cardiac rehabilitation (5.2 vs 10.4%; p=0.029). Incidence of one-year mortality was significantly higher in patients with GFR&amp;lt;30 ml/min/m2 (37.2 vs 14.4 per 100 persons-year, p&amp;lt;0.001), as were HF hospitalizations (61.3 vs 33.0; p&amp;lt;0.001) and HF decompensations without hospitalization (24.1 vs 11; p&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusions In our contemporary cohort of real-life HF patients, the prevalence of advanced CKD was 11.1%. These patients had a higher severity of HF, despite which, the utilization of HF drugs, including SGLT2 inhibitors was much lower than in those with GFR &amp;gt;30 ml/min/m2. One-year mortality, HF hospitalization and HF decompensations were almost 3-times higher. This treatment trend needs to be modified to improve the prognosis of these patients.

CDKN1A as a target of senescence in heart failure: insights from a multiomics study

BackgroundCardiomyocyte senescence plays a crucial role as a pathological mechanism in heart failure (HF). However, the exact triggering factors and underlying causes of HF onset and progression are still not fully understood.ObjectivesBy integrating multi-omics data, this study aimed to determine the genetic associations between cardiomyocyte and HF using cell senescence-related genes (SRGs).MethodsThe study utilized the CellAge database and the SenMayo dataset, combined with high-resolution single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data, to identify SRG and examine differences in cardiac cell expression. To explore the causal relationship with HF using Mendelian Randomization (MR). Genetic variations influencing gene expression, DNA methylation, and protein expression (cis-eQTL, cis-mQTL, and cis-pQTL) were analyzed using the two-sample MR (TSMR) and summary-data-based MR (SMR). Additionally, Bayesian colocalization analysis, germline genetic variation, and bulk RNA data were employed to strengthen the reliability of the results. The application potential of therapeutic targets is ultimately assessed by evaluating their druggability.ResultsThe expression of 39 SRGs in cardiomyocytes was identified. In the discovery set revealed that CDKN1A (OR = 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–1.15, FDR = 0.048) could be causally related to HF, and the results are also replicated in the validation set (OR = 1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10–1.30, FDR &amp;lt;0.0001). Based on the SMR method, CDKN1A was confirmed as a candidate pathogenic gene for HF, and its methylation (cg03714916, cg08179530) was associated with HF risk loci. The result is validated by Bayesian colocalization analysis, genetic variations, and bulk RNA data. The druggability analysis identified two potential therapeutic drugs.ConclusionBased on multi-omics data, this study uncovered the reciprocal regulation of cardiomyocyte senescence through CDKN1A, providing potential targets for HF drug development.

Evaluation of Drug Accuracy and Cardiac Drug Dose Accuracy in Heart Failure Patients Hospitalized in Samarinda Medika Citra Hospital

Background: Heart failure is a condition where the heart is unable to pump blood to the tissues to meet the body's metabolic needs. Heart failure has a variety of therapies and drug options available, so careful consideration is needed in selecting drugs for heart failure patients. Evaluation is carried out to identify problems with the accuracy of drug use and dosage accuracy. The many types of drugs available present its their problems in the use of drugs, especially in the selection and use of drugs that are effective, correct, and safe. Inappropriate and rational use of drugs can increase morbidity and mortality. Objectives: To determine the accuracy of drugs and heart drug dosages in patients with heart failure at the inpatient installation of Samarinda Medika Citra Hospital. Material and Methods: This research is a descriptive observational study with retrospective data collection in 2022. The sample consisted of all adult heart failure inpatients who met the inclusion criteria of 60 patients. Results: The results of the study showed that out of 60 patients, the accuracy of therapy included 93% of the correct drug and 88% of the correct dose. The heart failure drugs used were furosemide (39%), spironolactone (19%), digoxin (18%), candesartan (15%), captopril (4%), bisoprolol (3%), and lisinopril (2%). Conclusions: From the research results, it was found that 93% of the drug accuracy and 88% of the drug dose accuracy in heart failure patients.

EMMY trial: What we know and what we need to know

ABSTRACT SGLT-2 inhibitors are a class of antidiabetic drugs with additional cardiovascular benefits. Though initially developed for glycemic control, subsequent studies in the heart failure (HF) population also demonstrated positive outcomes. Currently, they are approved for use in HF with both reduced and preserved ejection fraction. More recently, encouraging data have emerged on acute HF. Following an episode of acute myocardial infarction, patients are also at high risk for developing HF and experiencing recurrent events despite optimal therapy. The PARADISE MI study failed to demonstrate any benefits of ARNI in this scenario. The EMMY trial explored the role of SGLT-2i in &gt;450 odds patients with acute MI. At 26 weeks SGLT-2i (empagliflozin) use led to a higher fall in NT-pro-BNP levels compared to standard treatment. There was additional improvement in left ventricular echocardiographic parameters with empagliflozin too. However, it was a small trial, had a short follow-up and there were no clinical endpoints. But none the least, it attested to the safety of SGLT-2i in the post-MI scenario. Because the primary care physician frequently encounters patients in the post-MI scenario, the manuscript provides insights into their practice. Based on contemporary evidence, the universal use of SGLT-2 inhibitors in patients following acute MI is not warranted. A further role of these drugs in post-MI HF will be clarified in ongoing trials.

Consequences of Discontinuing Long-Term Drug Treatment in Patients With HeartFailureandReduced EjectionFraction.

There is uncertainty regarding the clinical effects of discontinuation of drugs for heart failure after long-term use. The withdrawal of long-term treatment can follow 1 of 4 distinct patterns: 1) loss of on-treatment effect with no observed changes following discontinuation (eg, prazosin); 2) attenuation or loss of on-treatment effect with rebound clinical worsening following discontinuation (eg, nitroprusside); 3) persistence of deleterious on-treatment effect followed by clinical worsening after discontinuation (eg, milrinone and flosequinan); and 4) persistence of favorable on-treatment effect followed by clinical worsening after discontinuation (eg, digoxin and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors). Persuasive evidence for persistence of efficacy has been demonstrated for the use of digoxin, diuretic agents, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, and (to a limited extent) for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Available evidence for worsening of clinical status following the withdrawal of neurohormonal antagonists largely consists of observational studies. However, their findings are difficult to interpret because of considerable confounding related to the fact that drugs were withdrawn for clinical reasons, which represented a more important contributor to the poor outcome of these patients than the withdrawal of an effective drug. Nevertheless, the totality of available evidence points to a meaningful clinical deterioration within a few weeks following the withdrawal for most drugs that have been evaluated for the treatment of heart failure. These findings suggests that that our current emphasis on the implementation of foundational drugs needs to include an equally important emphasis to avoid even short-term gaps in treatment.

Digoxin Discontinuation in Patients with HFrEF on Beta-Blockers: Implication for Future “Knock-Out Trials” in Heart Failure

Background: National heart failure guidelines recommend quadruple therapy with renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, beta-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), most of whom also receive loop diuretics. However, the guidelines are less clear about the safe approaches to discontinuing older drugs whose decreasing or residual benefit is less well understood. The objective of this study was to examine whether digoxin can be safely discontinued in patients with HFrEF receiving beta-blockers. Methods: In OPTIMIZE-HF, of 2,477 patients with HFrEF (EF ≤45%) receiving beta-blockers and digoxin, digoxin was discontinued in 450 patients. We assembled a propensity score-matched cohort of 433 pairs of patients in which digoxin continuation vs. discontinuation groups were balanced on 51 baseline characteristics. Using the same approach, from 992 patients not on beta-blockers, we assembled a matched cohort of 198 pairs of patients also balanced on 51 baseline characteristics. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for one-year outcomes were estimated. Results: Among patients receiving beta-blockers, digoxin discontinuation had no association with the combined endpoint of heart failure readmission or death (HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.85–1.19), heart failure readmission (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.85–1.25) or death (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.72–1.14). Respective HRs (95% CIs) among patients not receiving beta-blockers were 1.60 (1.25–2.04), 1.62 (1.18–2.22) and 1.43 (1.08–1.89). Conclusions: Digoxin can be discontinued without increasing the risk of adverse outcomes in patients with HFrEF receiving beta-blockers. Future studies need to examine the residual benefit of older heart failure drugs to ensure their safe discontinuation in patients with HFrEF receiving newer guideline-directed medical therapy.

Changes in urinary output due to concomitant administration of sacubitril/valsartan and atrial natriuretic peptide in patients with heart failure: a multicenter retrospective cohort study

BackgroundSacubitril/valsartan is an angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) that inhibits the degradation of endogenous natriuretic peptides. Therefore, ARNIs may increase the efficacy of human atrial natriuretic peptide (hANP), a drug for acute heart failure, by mediating its pharmacological mechanism. This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of ARNIs on the pharmacological effects of hANP by using surrogate marker, such as urinary output, in patients with heart failure.MethodsIn this multicenter retrospective cohort study, adult patients with heart failure who were taking angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) or ARNIs combined with hANP were enrolled. Information on basic characteristics, clinical laboratory data, medical history, and severity of cardiac insufficiency were collected from electronic medical records. The primary outcome was the change in adjusted fluid balance, calculated by IN-volume (mL/day) – OUT-volume (mL/day) / daily hANP dosage (μg).ResultsNinety-two and 62 patients in the ARB + hANP and ARNI + hANP groups, respectively, were eligible for analysis. The adjusted fluid balance in the ARNI + hANP group was significantly lower than that in the ARB + hANP group (p = 0.001). After propensity score matching, 27 patients from each group were included. Similarly, there was a significant reduction in adjusted fluid balance in the ARNI + hANP group after propensity score matching (p = 0.026).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that ARNIs may enhance the efficacy of hANP and the combination of the two may be effective in the treatment of heart failure.

Examination of the Suitability of Vericiguat in Non-Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Patients with Improved Ejection Fraction.

Background/Objectives: Vericiguat has been shown to reduce cardiovascular mortality and hospitalisation for heart failure in patients with reduced ejection fraction. While Vericiguat is considered one of the standard treatments for heart failure, it is unclear under which conditions Vericiguat would be most effective. With a focus on the prognosis and improved EF of heart failure, we aimed to investigate in which cases Vericiguat is suitable for use in addition to standard cardioprotective drugs. Methods: We prospectively compared echocardiograms taken before and after the administration of Vericiguat in 46 patients with non-dialysis and without heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (non-HFpEF) (left ventricle ejection fraction [LVEF] < 50%) who were able to continue Vericiguat in addition to other standard heart failure drugs (the "Fantastic Four") for more than 6 months at our hospital. Patients who showed an improvement of 10 points or more in LVEF were defined as improved EF+. Results: LVEF improved significantly from 38 [33-45]% at the time of administration to 46 [35-54.5]% at 6 months (p < 0.001). When comparing patients with and without improved EF, a significant difference was observed in the Hb (OR = 1.66, 95%CI = 1.12-2.83, p = 0.028), early introduction (OR = 12.5, 95%CI = 1.58-149, p = 0.025), and initiation of Vericiguat after the administration of the Fantastic Four (OR = 9.79, 95%CI = 1.71-100.2, p = 0.022). Conclusions: In this study, the early administration of Vericiguat, haemoglobin value, and initiation of Vericiguat after the introduction of the Fantastic Four were identified as independent factors for eligibility in non-dialysis, non-HFpEF patients who were able to continue GDMT treatment for more than 6 months after adding Vericiguat.

Medicines for reduced ejection fraction heart failure in Central region of Portugal’s primary care: a 2022 observational study

Objective: To evaluate the accordance of prognostic medicines prescription (PMP), for persons with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (P-CHFrEF), attended in primary health care units in Central Portugal, with the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 2021 August, guidelines. To know about mean age, median time since the diagnosis and last echocardiogram performance in P-CHFrEF. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional study of a random size representative sample, 95% confidence interval, and 8% error margin of the P-CHFrEF of a population on 31st December 2021. Age, gender, year of International Classification for Primary Care-2 (ICPC-2, K-77) problem classification input data, years since the last echocardiogram, ongoing PMP and the use of other chronic heart failure (CHF) drugs were gathered. Data were obtained from 11 Portugal Primary Health Care Units, invited by convenience, after an Ethics Committee approval. Results: From a universe of n=2,381 persons with CHF, n=453 (19.0%) P-CHFrEF was found. A size representative sample of P-CHFrEF of n=133 (5.6%), n=95 males (71.4%) was studied. Prescription of a renin-angiotensin system inhibitor (RAAS-I) was ongoing in 91.0%, beta-blocker (BB) in 75.2%, mineralocorticoid antagonists (MRA) in 40.6%, inhibitors of the sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2i) in 44.4%, neprilisine inhibitors 38.3% and loop diuretics in 72.2%. The optimized medical quadruple therapy was established in 28 patients (21.1%) and the triple one in 38 (28.6 %). Mean age was of 74.3±11.6 years, males 73.4±11.0 and females 76.6±12.9, p=0.088. The median time since the diagnosis was 6.0 for men and 4.0 for women, p=0.031. The median time since the last echocardiogram was 3.0, p=0.750 between genders. Conclusion: According to the 2021 ESC guidelines, prognostic modifying medicines were underused for 50.4% of P-CHFrEF. Even with these results, a reflection must be made, on the barriers physicians encounter, to comply with the ESC guidelines in such patients.

Recent Progress and Perspectives in Sodium-Glucose Co-transporter 1/2 Inhibitors.

Sodium-Glucose Co-transporter-1/2 (SGLT1/2) inhibitors (also called glifozins) are a class of glucose-decreasing drugs in adults with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). SGLT2 inhibitors diminish sodium and glucose reabsorption in the renal proximal convoluted tubule. Recent clinical trials have revealed that SGLT2 inhibitors might be beneficial for treating diseases other than diabetes, including chronic renal disease and Heart Failure (HF). Currently, SGLT2 inhibitors are recommended not only for the glycemic management of T2D but also for cardiovascular protection. SGLT2 inhibitors have become one of the foundational drugs for HF with reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF) treatment and the first medications with proven prognostic benefit in HF with preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF). At present, 11 SGLT1/2 inhibitors have been approved for clinical use in different countries. Beyond their anti-hyperglycemic effect, these inhibitors have shown clear cardio- and nephroprotective properties. A growing body of research studies suggests that SGLT1/2 inhibitors may provide potential clinical benefits in metabolic as well as oncological, hematological, and neurological disorders.

A Review of Contemporary and Future Pharmacotherapy for Chronic Heart Failure in Children.

This review delves into the most recent therapeutic approaches for pediatric chronic heart failure (HF) as proposed by the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT), which are not yet publicly available. The guideline proposes an exhaustive overview of the evolving pharmacological strategies that are transforming the management of HF in the pediatric population. The ISHLT guidelines recognize the scarcity of randomized clinical trials in children, leading to a predominance of consensus-based recommendations, designated as Level C evidence. This review article aims to shed light on the significant paradigm shifts in the proposed 2024 ISHLT guidelines for pediatric HF and their clinical ramifications for pediatric cardiology practitioners. Noteworthy advancements in the updated proposed guidelines include the endorsement of angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs), sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is), and soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulators for treating chronic HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in children. These cutting-edge treatments show potential for enhancing outcomes in pediatric HFrEF. Nonetheless, the challenge persists in validating the efficacy of therapies proven in adult HFrEF for the pediatric cohort. Furthermore, the proposed ISHLT guidelines address the pharmacological management of chronic HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in children, marking a significant step forward in pediatric HF care. This review also discusses the future HF drugs in the pipeline, their mechanism of actions, potential uses, and side effects.

Screening of Secretory Proteins Linking Major Depressive Disorder with Heart Failure Based on Comprehensive Bioinformatics Analysis and Machine Learning.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) plays a crucial role in the occurrence of heart failure (HF). This investigation was undertaken to explore the possible mechanism of MDD's involvement in HF pathogenesis and identify candidate biomarkers for the diagnosis of MDD with HF. GWAS data for MDD and HF were collected, and Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed to investigate the causal relationship between MDD and HF. Differential expression analysis (DEA) and WGCNA were used to detect HF key genes and MDD-associated secretory proteins. Protein-protein interaction (PPI), functional enrichment, and cMAP analysis were used to reveal potential mechanisms and drugs for MDD-related HF. Then, four machine learning (ML) algorithms (including GLM, RF, SVM, and XGB) were used to screen candidate biomarkers, construct diagnostic nomograms, and predict MDD-related HF. Furthermore, the MCPcounter algorithm was used to explore immune cell infiltration in HF, and MR analysis was performed to explore the causal effect of immunophenotypes on HF. Finally, the validation of the association of MDD with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and the performance assessment of diagnostic biomarkers was accomplished based on animal models mimicking MDD. The MR analysis showed that the MDD was linked to an increased risk of HF (OR = 1.129, p < 0.001). DEA combined with WGCNA and secretory protein gene set identified 315 HF key genes and 332 MDD-associated secretory proteins, respectively. Through PPI and MCODE analysis, 78 genes were pinpointed as MDD-related pathogenic genes for HF. The enrichment analysis revealed that these genes were predominantly enriched in immune and inflammatory regulation. Through four ML algorithms, two hub genes (ISLR/SFRP4) were identified as candidate HF biomarkers, and a nomogram was developed. ROC analysis showed that the AUC of the nomogram was higher than 0.90 in both the HF combined dataset and two external cohorts. In addition, an immune cell infiltration analysis revealed the immune dysregulation in HF, with ISLR/SFRP4 displaying notable associations with the infiltration of B cells, CD8 T cells, and fibroblasts. More importantly, animal experiments showed that the expression levels of ISLR (r = -0.653, p < 0.001) and SFRP4 (r = -0.476, p = 0.008) were significantly negatively correlated with LVEF. The MR analysis indicated that MDD is a risk factor for HF at the genetic level. Bioinformatics analysis and the ML results suggest that ISLR and SFRP4 have the potential to serve as diagnostic biomarkers for HF. Animal experiments showed a negative correlation between the serum levels of ISLR/SFRP4 and LVEF, emphasizing the need for additional clinical studies to elucidate their diagnostic value.

Effects of sacubitril-valsartan on aging-related cardiac dysfunction

Heart failure (HF) remains a huge medical burden worldwide, with aging representing a major risk factor. Here, we report the effects of sacubitril/valsartan, an approved drug for HF with reduced EF, in an experimental model of aging-related HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).Eighteen-month-old female Fisher 344 rats were treated for 12 weeks with sacubitril/valsartan (60 mg/kg/day) or with valsartan (30 mg/kg/day). Three-month-old rats were used as control.No differential action of sacubitril/valsartan versus valsartan alone, either positive or negative, was observed. The positive effects of both sacubitril/valsartan and valsartan on cardiac hypertrophy was evidenced by a significant reduction of wall thickness and myocyte cross-sectional area. Contrarily, myocardial fibrosis in aging heart was not reduced by any treatment. Doppler echocardiography and left ventricular catheterization evidenced diastolic dysfunction in untreated and treated old rats. In aging rats, both classical and non-classical renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) were modulated. In particular, with respect to untreated animals, both sacubitril/valsartan and valsartan showed a partial restoration of cardioprotective non-classical RAAS.In conclusion, this study evidenced the favorable effects, by both treatments, on age-related cardiac hypertrophy. The attenuation of cardiomyocyte size and hypertrophic response may be linked to a shift towards cardioprotective RAAS signaling. However, diastolic dysfunction and cardiac fibrosis persisted despite of treatment and were accompanied by myocardial inflammation, endothelial activation, and oxidative stress.

Impact of new drug releases on heart failure management and hospitalizations in France: A repeated cross-sectional study between 2014 and 2023

Real-life data on the impact of sacubitril-valsartan and sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors on heart failure (HF) in France is lacking. Using French health insurance databases, we examined the ten-year evolution in HF medication use, focusing on SGLT-2 inhibitors and sacubitril/valsartan, and incidence of HF hospitalizations during the same period. We conducted a repeated cross-sectional study using medical-administrative data from French health insurance databases between 2014 and 2023. These included "OpenMedic" for outpatient medication reimbursements and "ScanSanté" for annual hospitalization data. Medications were classified using ATC codes, and hospitalizations were identified using ICD-10 codes. Statistical analyses encompassed annual rates of users and boxes dispensed for HF medications, along with HF, ischemic heart disease and ischemic stroke hospitalization rates. Prevalence of SGLT-2 inhibitors and sacubitril-valsartan use was also studied regionally, with direct standardization by age and sex, with the French population as the standard population. Between 2014 and 2023, HF drug use increased significantly, with beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors/ARBs leading in prevalence of use. ARNi and SGLT-2 inhibitors, introduced later, showed remarkable rises: +506% and +3766% in users since their market introduction, respectively. Meanwhile, HF hospitalizations slightly increased by +3.6% between 2016 and 2019, followed by a notable decline of -12.5% during 2019-2023, coinciding with the introduction of SGLT-2 inhibitors. In contrast, hospitalizations for ischemic heart disease rose by 11.6% over the period 2016-2019 and by +5.2% over the period 2019-2023, and hospitalizations for ischemic stroke rose by 8.2% over the period 2016-2019 and declined by -0.6% over the period 2019-2023. We observed regional disparities in SGLT-2 inhibitors use, with prevalence ranging from 0.9% in Bretagne to 1.5% in Hauts-de-France. The data suggests a temporal correlation between the increase in SGLT-2 inhibitors use and the decline in HF hospitalizations since 2019. More studies are needed to measure real life effectiveness of SGLT-2 inhibitors in heart failure.

Use of drugs for hypertension or heart failure and the risk of death in COVID-19: association with loop-diuretics

PurposeTo study the association between the use of drugs for hypertension or heart failure, particularly diuretics, and risk of death in COVID-19.MethodsWe conducted a cohort study, based on record linked individual-based data from national registers, of all Swedish inhabitants 50 years and older (n = 3,909,321) at the start of the first SARS-CoV-2 wave in Sweden. The association between use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB), thiazides, loop diuretics, aldosterone antagonists, beta blocking agents and calcium channel blockers at the index date 6 March 2020, and death in COVID-19 during 7 March to 31 July 2020, was analysed using Cox-proportional hazards regression, adjusted for a wide range of possible confounders.ResultsUse of loop diuretics was associated with higher risk [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.26; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.17–1.35] and thiazides with reduced risk (0.78; 0.69–0.88) of death in COVID-19. In addition, lower risk was observed for ACEI and higher risk for beta-blocking agents, although both associations were weak. For ARB, aldosterone antagonists and calcium channel blockers no significant associations were found.ConclusionIn this nationwide cohort of nearly 4 million persons 50 years and older, the use of loop diuretics was associated with increased risk of death in COVID-19 during the first SARS-CoV-2 wave in Sweden. This contrasted to the decreased risk observed for thiazides. As treatment with loop diuretics is common, particularly in the elderly, the group most affected by severe COVID-19, this finding merit further investigation.

Strategy for an early simultaneous introduction of four-pillars of heart failure therapy: results from a single center experience.

The 2021 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines recommend the use of four different classes of drugs for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF): beta blockers (BB), sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), angiotensin receptor/neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs). Moreover, the 2023 ESC updated Guidelines suggest an intensive strategy of initiation and rapid up-titration of evidence-based treatment before discharge, based on trials not using the four-pillars. We hypothesized that an early concomitantly administration and up-titration of four-pillars, compared with a conventional stepwise approach, may impact the vulnerable phase after hospitalization owing to HF. This prospective, single center, observational study included consecutive in-hospital patients with HFrEF. After performing propensity score matching, they were divided according to treatment strategy into group 1 (G1), with predischarge start of all four-pillars, with their up-titration within 1 month, and group 2 (G2) with the pre Guidelines update stepwise four-pillars introduction. HF hospitalization, cardiovascular (CV) death, and the composite of both were evaluated between the two groups at 6-month follow-up. The study included a total of 278 patients who completed 6-month follow-up (139 for both groups). There were no differences in terms of baseline features between the two groups. At survival analysis, HF hospitalization risk was significantly lower in G1 compared with G2 (p < 0.001), while no significant differences were observed regarding CV death (p = 0.642) or the composite of CV death and HF hospitalization (p = 0.135). In our real-world population, patients with HF treated with a predischarge and simultaneous use of four-pillars showed a reduced risk of HF hospitalizationduring the vulnerable phase after discharge, compared with a conventional stepwise approach.

Characterizing Utilization and Outcomes of Digoxin Immune Fab for Digoxin Toxicity.

Digoxin is a widely prescribed drug for congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic index and toxicity can develop quite easily. Digoxin immune fab (DIF) is an effective treatment for toxicity, however there are limited studies characterizing its impact on clinical outcomes in real-world clinical practice. The aim of this study was to identify factors and healthcare outcomes associated with digoxin immune fab (DIF) treatment in patients with confirmed/suspected digoxin toxicity. An IRB-approved retrospective chart review of digoxin toxic patients (2011-2020) presenting at an academic healthcare system was conducted. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Patients were stratified by DIF treatment versus non-DIF treatment. DIF utilization patterns (appropriate, use when not indicated, or underutilized) were determined using pre-defined criteria. Severe digoxin toxicity was defined as having one or more of the following: mental status disturbances, antiarrhythmic therapy, acute renal impairment or dehydration, serum digoxin concentration (SDC) > 4ng/mL, or serum K+ > 5mEq/mL. Logistic multivariable regression analysis evaluated factors associated with DIF use. All statistical analyses were performed in R version 4.1. Data from 96 patients (non-DIF treated group = 49; DIF treated group = 47) were analyzed. DIF was used appropriately in 70 patients (73%), underutilized in 19 (20%), and administered to 7 (7%) patients when it was not indicated. Several clinical parameters differentiated the DIF from the non-DIF group (p<0.05) including higher mean SDC (3.41±1.63 vs 2.87±1.17), higher mean potassium (5.33±1.48 vs 4.55±0.87), more toxicity severity (85% vs 49%), and more likely to require cardiac pacing (26% vs 4%). Digoxin toxicity resolved sooner in the DIF group (coefficient - 0.702, 95% CI - 1.137 to - 0.267) (p<0.01) and they had shorter intensive care unit lengths of stay (12.4±20.3 vs 24.4±28.7 days; p=0.018). The all-cause mortality rate in patients appropriately managed with DIF therapy versus those patients where DIF was underutilized was 11% and 21%, respectively. Based on our study population, DIF therapy appears to be beneficial in limiting duration of toxicity and intensive care unit lengths of stay in digoxin toxic patients. Although DIF was appropriately utilized in most cases, there was a relatively high proportion of cases in which DIF treatment was either underutilized or not indicated.

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.