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Aims: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and heart failure (HF) frequently coexist, but whether clinical outcomes and treatment effects of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) vary in relation to background glucose‐lowering therapy (GLT) in this population is uncertain. Methods and results: DELIVER randomized patients with HF and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >40% to dapagliflozin or placebo. The primary outcome was a composite of worsening HF (HF hospitalization or urgent HF visit) or cardiovascular death. In this pre‐specified analysis of participants with T2D, treatment effects were assessed by number and class of background GLT(s). Of 3150 participants with T2D at baseline, 22.9% were on no GLT, 36.5% were treated with 1 GLT, and 40.6% with ≥2 GLTs. During follow‐up (median: 2.3 years), treatment benefits of dapagliflozin (vs. placebo) on the primary outcome were consistent irrespective of the number of background GLTs (0 GLTs: hazard ratio [HR] 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.50–1.00; 1 GLT: HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.80–1.34; ≥2 GLTs: HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.56–0.90; pinteraction = 0.59). Similar findings were observed among participants with (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.59–0.92) and without background metformin use (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.72–1.11; pinteraction = 0.22) and in participants with (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.69–1.16) and without background insulin use (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.65–0.95; pinteraction = 0.45). Dapagliflozin was well‐tolerated irrespective of the number of background GLTs. Conclusions: Dapagliflozin safely and consistently improved clinical outcomes among individuals with T2D and HF with LVEF >40% irrespective of the number and class of background GLTs, and the benefits were not influenced by concomitant metformin or insulin use. These data bolster contemporary guidelines supporting first‐line SGLT2i among individuals with T2D and HF, irrespective of background GLT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Although much is known about the usefulness of heart failure (HF)‐specific instruments for assessing patient well‐being, less is known about the value of generic instruments for the measurement of health‐related quality of life (HRQL) in HF. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the EuroQol 5‐dimension 5‐level (EQ‐5D‐5L) visual analogue scale (VAS) and index scores, clinical characteristics, and outcomes in patients with HF and the effect of dapagliflozin on these scores. Methods and results: We performed a patient‐level pooled analysis of the DAPA‐HF and DELIVER trials, which investigated the effectiveness and safety of dapagliflozin in patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and mildly reduced/preserved ejection fraction (HFmrEF/HFpEF), respectively. Patients reporting higher (better) EQ‐5D‐5L VAS and index scores had a lower prevalence of comorbidities, including atrial fibrillation and hypertension, than patients with a worse score. They were also more likely to have better investigator‐reported (New York Heart Association class) and patient‐self‐reported (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire) health status and lower median N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide levels. Compared to patients with the lowest scores (Q1), those with higher EQ‐5D‐5L VAS scores had better outcomes: the hazard ratio for the composite of cardiovascular death or worsening HF was 0.81 (95% confidence interval 0.72–0.91) in Q2, 0.74 (0.65–0.84) in Q3, and 0.62 (0.54–0.72) in Q4. The risk of each component of the composite outcome, and all‐cause death, was also lower in patients with better scores. Similar findings were observed for the index score. Treatment with dapagliflozin improved both EQ‐5D‐5L VAS and index scores across the range of ejection fraction. Conclusions: Both higher (better) EQ‐5D‐5L VAS and index scores were associated with better outcomes. Dapagliflozin treatment improved EQ‐5D‐5L VAS and index scores, irrespective of ejection fraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Patients with heart failure (HF) and history of myocardial infarction (MI) face a higher risk of disease progression and clinical events. Whether sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors may modify clinical trajectory in such individuals remains incompletely understood. Methods and results: The DAPA‐HF and DELIVER trials compared dapagliflozin with placebo in patients with symptomatic HF with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40% and > 40%, respectively. In this pooled participant‐level analysis, we assessed efficacy and safety outcomes by history of MI. The primary outcome in both trials was the composite of cardiovascular death or worsening HF. Of the total of 11 007 patients, 3731 (34%) had a previous MI and were at higher risk of the primary outcome across the spectrum of LVEF in covariate‐adjusted models (hazard ratio [HR] 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.24). Dapagliflozin reduced the risk of the primary outcome to a similar extent in patients with (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.72–0.96) and without previous MI (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.68–0.85; pinteraction = 0.36), with consistent benefits on key secondary outcomes as well. Serious adverse events did not occur more frequently with dapagliflozin, irrespective of previous MI. Conclusion: History of MI confers increased risks of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with HF across the LVEF spectrum, even among those with preserved ejection fraction. Dapagliflozin consistently and safely reduces the risk of cardiovascular death or worsening HF, regardless of previous MI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Whether dapagliflozin is beneficial in patients with sleep apnea and heart failure, across the range of ejection fractions, is unknown. • In a pooled individual-level meta-analysis of DAPA-HF and DELIVER, investigator-reported sleep apnea was associated with a greater risk of worsening heart failure events. • Dapagliflozin, compared with placebo, reduced the risk of clinical outcomes and improved health-related quality of life in patients with and without sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is more common in patients with heart failure (HF) than in the general population, but little is known about its association with clinical outcomes in various HF phenotypes or how it might modify the effect of HF therapy. To examine the prevalence of sleep apnea, its association with outcomes and the effects of dapagliflozin in patients with HF with and without sleep apnea in a pooled analysis of 2 trials comparing dapagliflozin to placebo in HFrEF (DAPA-HF trial) and HFmrEF/HFpEF (DELIVER trial). A history of sleep apnea was investigator-reported. The primary outcome was a composite of worsening HF or cardiovascular death. The prevalence of sleep apnea was 5.7% and 7.8% in patients with HFrEF and HFmrEF/HFpEF, respectively. The primary outcome occurred at a rate of 16.0 in participants with sleep apnea compared to 10.6 per 100 person-years in those without (adjusted HR 1.29 [95%CI, 1.10–1.52]). Compared with placebo, dapagliflozin reduced the risk of the primary endpoint to the same extent in patients with (HR 0.78 [95% CI, 0.59–1.03]) and without sleep apnea (HR 0.79 [0.72–0.87]) [P interaction = 0.93]. The beneficial effects of dapagliflozin on other clinical outcomes and symptom burden, physical function, and quality of life were consistent in participants with and without sleep apnea. In DAPA-HF and DELIVER, the true prevalence of sleep apnea was likely underestimated. An investigator-reported history of sleep apnea was associated with higher rates of worsening HF events. The benefits of dapagliflozin on clinical outcomes were consistent in patients with and without sleep apnea. Unique identifiers: NCT01920711 In a pooled analysis of the DAPA-HF and DELIVER trials of more than 11,000 patients with heart failure (HF) across the range of ejection fractions, an investigator-reported history of sleep apnea was associated with higher rates of worsening HF events but not mortality. The beneficial effects of dapagliflozin on clinical outcomes were consistent in patients with and without sleep apnea. These findings provide further evidence for dapagliflozin as a new treatment option for patients with heart failure across the range of ejection fractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess the cost‐effectiveness of dapagliflozin in addition to usual care, compared with usual care alone, in a large population of patients with heart failure (HF), spanning the full range of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Methods and results: Patient‐level data were pooled from HF trials (DAPA‐HF, DELIVER) to generate a population including HF with reduced, mildly reduced and preserved LVEF, to increase statistical power and enable exploration of interactions among LVEF, renal function and N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide levels, as they are relevant determinants of health status in this population. Survival and HF recurrent event risk equations were derived and applied to a lifetime horizon Markov model with health states defined by Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire total symptom score quartiles; costs and utilities were in the UK setting. The base case incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) was £6470 per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) gained, well below the UK willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) threshold of £20 000/QALY gained. In interaction sensitivity analyses, the highest ICER was observed for elderly patients with preserved LVEF (£16 624/QALY gained), and ranged to a region of dominance (increased QALYs, decreased costs) for patients with poorer renal function and reduced/mildly reduced LVEF. Results across the patient characteristic interaction plane were mostly between £5000 and £10 000/QALY gained. Conclusions: Dapagliflozin plus usual care, versus usual care alone, yielded results well below the WTP threshold for the UK across a heterogeneous population of patients with HF including the full spectrum of LVEF, and is likely a cost‐effective intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is common in heart failure with a mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction (HFmrEF/HFpEF) and is associated with worse outcomes. In a pre‐specified analysis of DELIVER, we investigated the relationship between COPD status and outcomes, and the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin, compared with placebo, according to COPD status. Methods and results: Patients with severe pulmonary disease (including COPD) were excluded from the trial. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death or worsening heart failure. Of the 6261 patients with data on baseline COPD status, 694 (11.1%) had a known history of this condition. The risk of the primary endpoint was higher in patients with mild‐to‐moderate COPD compared with those without COPD (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08–1.51). The benefit of dapagliflozin on the primary outcome was consistent irrespective of COPD status (no COPD: HR 0.82 [95% CI 0.72–0.93]; COPD: HR 0.82 [95% CI 0.62–1.10]; pinteraction = 0.98). Consistent effects were observed for heart failure, cardiovascular, and all‐cause hospitalization, and deaths, and composites of these. Dapagliflozin, as compared with placebo, improved the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire scores from baseline to 8 months to a similar extent in patients with and without mild‐to‐moderate COPD (pinteraction ≥ 0.63). Adverse events and treatment discontinuation were not more frequent with dapagliflozin than with placebo irrespective of COPD status. Conclusions: Mild‐to‐moderate COPD is common in patients with HFmrEF/HFpEF and is associated with worse outcomes. The beneficial effects of dapagliflozin compared with placebo on clinical events and symptoms were consistent, regardless of COPD status. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03619213. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To determine the cost‐effectiveness of dapagliflozin, added to usual care, in patients with heart failure (HF) with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction for the UK, German and Spanish payers using detailed patient‐level data from the Dapagliflozin Evaluation to Improve the LIVEs of Patients with Preserved Ejection Fraction Heart Failure (DELIVER) trial. Methods and results: A lifetime Markov state‐transition cohort model was developed. Quartiles of the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire total symptom score (KCCQ‐TSS) defined health states and monthly transition count data informed transition probabilities. Multivariable generalized estimating equations captured the incidence of HF hospitalizations and urgent HF visits, while cardiovascular deaths and all‐cause mortality were estimated using adjusted parametric survival models. Health state costs were assigned to KCCQ‐TSS quartiles (2021 British pound [GBP]/Euro) and patient‐reported outcomes were sourced from DELIVER. Future values of costs and effects were discounted according to country‐specific rates. In the UK, dapagliflozin treatment was predicted to increase quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) and life‐years by 0.231 and 0.354, respectively, and extend the time spent in the best quartile of KCCQ‐TSS by 4.2 months. Comparable outcomes were projected for Germany and Spain. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios were £7761, €9540 and €5343/QALY in the UK, Germany and Spain, respectively. According to regional willingness‐to‐pay thresholds, 91%, 89% and 92% of simulations in the UK, Germany and Spain, respectively, were cost‐effective following probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Conclusion: Dapagliflozin, added to usual care, is very likely cost‐effective for HF with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction in several European countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Dapagliflozin resulted in significant and sustained reductions in first and recurrent heart failure (HF) hospitalizations among patients with HF across the spectrum of ejection fraction. How treatment with dapagliflozin differentially impacts hospitalization for HF of varying complexity is not well studied. Methods and results: In the DELIVER and DAPA‐HF trials, we examined the effects of dapagliflozin on adjudicated HF hospitalizations of varying complexity and hospital length of stay (LOS). HF hospitalizations requiring intensive care unit stay, intravenous vasoactive therapies, invasive/non‐invasive ventilation, mechanical fluid removal or mechanical circulatory support were categorized as complicated. The balance was classified as uncomplicated. Of the total 1209 HF hospitalizations reported in DELIVER, 854 (71%) were uncomplicated and 355 (29%) were complicated. Of the total 799 HF hospitalizations reported in DAPA‐HF, 453 (57%) were uncomplicated and 346 (43%) were complicated. Relative to patients experiencing a first uncomplicated HF hospitalization, those with complicated HF hospitalizations had a significantly higher in‐hospital mortality both in DELIVER (16.7% vs. 2.3%, p < 0.001) and DAPA‐HF (15.1% vs. 3.8%, p < 0.001). Dapagliflozin similarly reduced total 'uncomplicated' (DELIVER: rate ratio [RR] 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.55–0.82 and DAPA‐HF: RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.54–0.87) and 'complicated' HF hospitalizations (DELIVER: RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.63–1.06 and DAPA‐HF: RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.58–0.97). Dapagliflozin consistently reduced hospitalizations irrespective of their LOS: <5 days (DELIVER: RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.58–0.99 and DAPA‐HF: RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.42–0.80) or ≥5 days (DELIVER: RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.58–0.86 and DAPA‐HF: RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.62–0.94). Conclusion: A substantial proportion of hospitalizations (∼30–40%) among patients with HF irrespective of ejection fraction required intensification of treatment beyond standard intravenous diuretics. Such patients experienced significantly higher in‐hospital mortality. Treatment with dapagliflozin consistently reduced HF hospitalizations regardless of severity of inpatient course or LOS. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, DELIVER (NCT03619213) and DAPA‐HF (NCT03036124). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Patients with heart failure experience a high burden of symptoms and physical limitations, and poor quality of life. Dapagliflozin reduces heart failure hospitalization and cardiovascular death in patients with reduced, mildly reduced, and preserved ejection fractions. We examined the effects of dapagliflozin on health status, measured by the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ), across the full spectrum of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Methods and results: Participant‐level data were pooled from the DAPA‐HF and DELIVER trials. Both trials were randomized, global, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials of patients with symptomatic heart failure and elevated natriuretic peptides. DAPA‐HF and DELIVER included patients with LVEF ≤40% and LVEF >40%, respectively. KCCQ was evaluated at randomization and at 4 and 8 months post‐randomization; the effect of dapagliflozin versus placebo on KCCQ total symptom score (TSS) was a pre‐specified secondary outcome in both trials. Interaction testing was performed to assess potential heterogeneity in the effects of dapagliflozin versus placebo on KCCQ‐TSS, clinical summary score (CSS), overall summary score (OSS), and physical limitation score (PLS), by continuous LVEF using restricted cubic splines. Responder analyses examining the proportion of patients with meaningful deterioration (≥5 point decline) and meaningful improvements (≥5 point increase) in KCCQ‐TSS was assessed across LVEF categories. Of 11 007 randomized participants, 10 238 (93%) had full data on KCCQ‐TSS at randomization. Benefits of dapagliflozin versus placebo on KCCQ‐TSS, ‐CSS, ‐OSS, ‐PLS, at 8 months were consistent across the full range of LVEF (pinteraction = 0.19, 0.10, 0.12, 0.10, respectively). In responder analyses, fewer dapagliflozin‐ versus placebo‐treated patients had clinically meaningful deteriorations in KCCQ‐TSS (overall: 21% vs. 23%; LVEF ≤40%: 21% vs. 29%; LVEF 41–60%: 21% vs. 26%; LVEF >60%: 22% vs. 27%). A greater proportion of patients randomized to dapagliflozin experienced at least small improvements in KCCQ‐TSS (overall: 50% vs. 45%; LVEF ≤40%: 48% vs. 41%; LVEF 41–60%: 51% vs. 49%; LVEF >60%: 53% vs. 45%). The effects of dapagliflozin versus placebo on clinically meaningful deteriorations and improvements in health status by KCCQ‐TSS were consistent across the full spectrum of LVEF assessed continuously (pinteraction = 0.20 and 0.64, respectively). Across the LVEF spectrum, the number needed to treat to affect ≥5 point improvement in health status assessed by KCCQ‐TSS was 20. Health status declines preceding a HF hospitalization by ∼10 points were observed in both trials, evident up to 3 months prior to hospitalization. Conclusions: In participant‐level pooled analyses of DAPA‐HF and DELIVER, dapagliflozin improved all key domains of health status across the full range of LVEF. Clinically meaningful improvements in health status were also observed consistently across LVEF, including in those with LVEF >60%. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT03036124 and NCT03619213. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 (pinteraction = 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 (pinteraction = 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This pre‐specified analysis of the DELIVER trial examined whether clinical benefits of dapagliflozin in heart failure (HF) with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >40% varied by baseline New York Heart Association (NYHA) class and examined the treatment effects on NYHA class over time. Methods and results: Treatment effects of dapagliflozin by baseline NYHA class II (n = 4713) versus III/IV (n = 1549) were examined on the primary endpoint (cardiovascular death or worsening HF event) and key secondary endpoints. Effects of dapagliflozin on change in NYHA class at 4, 16, and 32 weeks were also evaluated. Higher baseline NYHA class was associated with older age, female sex, greater comorbidity burden, lower LVEF, and higher natriuretic peptide levels. Participants with baseline NYHA class III/IV, as compared with II, were independently more likely to experience the primary endpoint (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.16 [95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.33]) and all‐cause death (adjusted HR 1.22 [1.06–1.40]). Dapagliflozin consistently reduced the risk of the primary endpoint compared with placebo, irrespective of baseline NYHA class (HR 0.81 [0.70–0.94] for NYHA class II vs. HR 0.80 [0.65–0.98] for NYHA class III/IV; pinteraction = 0.921). Participants with NYHA class III/IV had greater improvement in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire total symptom scores between baseline and 32 weeks (+4.8 [2.5–7.1]) versus NYHA class II (+1.8 [0.7–2.9]; pinteraction = 0.011). Dapagliflozin was associated with higher odds of any improvement in NYHA class (odds ratio [OR] 1.32 [1.16–1.51]), as well as improvement to NYHA class I (OR 1.43 [1.17–1.75]), versus placebo at 32 weeks, with benefits seen as early as 4 weeks. Conclusions: Among symptomatic patients with HF and LVEF >40%, treatment with dapagliflozin provided clinical benefit irrespective of baseline NYHA class and was associated with early and sustained improvements in NYHA class over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Reflecting both increased venous pressure and reduced cardiac output, abnormal liver tests are common in patients with severe heart failure and are associated with adverse clinical outcomes. We aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of abnormal liver tests in ambulatory patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), explore any treatment interaction between bilirubin and sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and examine change in liver tests with SGLT2 inhibitor treatment. Methods and results: We explored these objectives in the Dapagliflozin And Prevention of Adverse outcomes in Heart Failure (DAPA‐HF) trial, with focus on bilirubin. We calculated the incidence of cardiovascular death or worsening heart failure by bilirubin tertile. Secondary cardiovascular outcomes were examined, along with the change in liver tests at the end‐of‐study visit. Baseline bilirubin was available in 4720 patients (99.5%). Participants in the highest bilirubin tertile (T3) have more severe HFrEF (lower left ventricular ejection fraction, higher N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide [NT‐proBNP] and worse New York Heart Association class), had a greater burden of atrial fibrillation but less diabetes. Higher bilirubin (T3 vs. T1) was associated with worse outcomes even after adjustment for other predictive variables, including NT‐proBNP and troponin T (adjusted hazard ratio for the primary outcome 1.73 [95% confidence interval 1.37–2.17], p < 0.001; and 1.52 [1.12–2.07], p = 0.01 for cardiovascular death). Baseline bilirubin did not modify the benefits of dapagliflozin. During follow‐up, dapagliflozin had no effect on liver tests. Conclusion: Bilirubin concentration was an independent predictor of worse outcomes but did not modify the benefits of dapagliflozin in HFrEF. Dapagliflozin was not associated with change in liver tests. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03036124. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Among patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), those with atrial fibrillation (AF) may respond differently to certain treatments than patients without AF. We investigated the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin in patients with HFrEF with and without AF in the Dapagliflozin And Prevention of Adverse-outcomes in Heart Failure trial (DAPA-HF). We also examined the effect of dapagliflozin on new-onset AF. Methods and results The primary outcome was the composite of an episode of worsening HF (HF hospitalization or urgent HF visit requiring intravenous therapy) or cardiovascular death. Of the 4744 patients randomized, 1910 (40.3%) had 'any AF' (history of AF or AF on enrolment electrocardiogram). Compared with placebo, dapagliflozin reduced the risk of worsening HF or cardiovascular death to a similar extent in patients with and without any AF [hazard ratio (HR) 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62-0.92 and 0.74, 95% CI 0.62-0.88, respectively; p for interaction = 0.88]. Consistent benefits were observed for the components of the primary outcome, all-cause mortality, and improvement of Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire total symptom score. Among patients without AF at baseline, dapagliflozin did not significantly reduce the risk of new-onset AF compared with placebo (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.60-1.22). However, patients with new-onset AF had a 5 to 6-fold higher risk of adverse outcomes when compared to those without incident AF. Conclusions Dapagliflozin, compared with placebo, reduced the risk of worsening HF events, cardiovascular death, and all-cause death, and improved symptoms, in patients with and without AF. Dapagliflozin did not reduce the risk of new-onset AF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor dapagliflozin reduced the risk of cardiovascular mortality and worsening heart failure in the Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse Outcomes in Heart Failure (DAPA-HF) trial. This report explores the effect of dapagliflozin on incident type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the cohort without diabetes enrolled in the trial.Research Design and Methods: The subgroup of 2,605 patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), no prior history of diabetes, and an HbA1c of <6.5% at baseline was randomized to dapagliflozin 10 mg daily or placebo. In this exploratory analysis, surveillance for new-onset diabetes was accomplished through periodic HbA1c testing as part of the study protocol and comparison between the treatment groups assessed through a Cox proportional hazards model.Results: At baseline, the mean HbA1c was 5.8%. At 8 months, there were minimal changes, with a placebo-adjusted change in the dapagliflozin group of -0.04%. Over a median follow-up of 18 months, diabetes developed in 93 of 1,307 patients (7.1%) in the placebo group and 64 of 1,298 (4.9%) in the dapagliflozin group. Dapagliflozin led to a 32% reduction in diabetes incidence (hazard ratio 0.68, 95% CI 0.50-0.94; P = 0.019). More than 95% of the participants who developed T2D had prediabetes at baseline (HbA1c 5.7-6.4%). Participants who developed diabetes in DAPA-HF had a higher subsequent mortality than those who did not.Conclusions: In this exploratory analysis among patients with HFrEF, treatment with dapagliflozin reduced the incidence of new diabetes. This potential benefit needs confirmation in trials of longer duration and in people without heart failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The primary end point in most heart failure (HF) trials is a composite of time to a first worsening HF event or cardiovascular death. Prevention of recurrent events and improvements in symptoms/quality of life are also important for patients but are usually analyzed separately. Win statistics can integrate all these outcomes into a single composite end point, which is analyzed in hierarchical order, reflecting the clinical importance of each component. Methods The Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse Outcomes in Heart Failure (DAPA-HF, n=4744) and Dapagliflozin Evaluation to Improve the Lives of Patients with Preserved Ejection Fraction Heart Failure (DELIVER, n=6263) trials enrolled patients with New York Heart Association class II, III, or IV HF, elevated natriuretic peptides, and either an ejection fraction of 40% or less (DAPA-HF) or greater than 40% and left atrial enlargement/left ventricular hypertrophy (DELIVER). We examined the effects of dapagliflozin compared with placebo on a hierarchical composite outcome, including cardiovascular death, total (first and recurrent) HF hospitalizations, total urgent HF visits, and improvement/deterioration in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire total symptom score (KCCQ-TSS; range from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating fewer symptoms and physical limitations) at 8 months.Results For this composite outcome, the win ratio was 1.30 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23 to 1.36) in the pooled cohort, 1.33 (95% CI, 1.23 to 1.43) in the DAPA-HF trial, and 1.27 (95% CI, 1.18 to 1.36) in the DELIVER trial. Win odds and net benefit in overall patients were 1.19 (95% CI, 1.14 to 1.24) and 8.7% (95% CI, 6.6 to 10.9%), respectively. In the overall pooled cohort, the majority of wins and losses were accounted for by KCCQ-TSS; 52.4% were settled by the KCCQ-TSS tier in the pooled cohort. Conclusions In both the DAPA-HF and DELIVER trials, dapagliflozin led to a significant improvement in composite outcomes that incorporated patient-reported outcomes along with total HF events, as well as cardiovascular deaths. These analyses provided a comprehensive presentation of win statistics and illustrated the utility and flexibility of win statistics in describing the effects of dapagliflozin in two recent clinical trials in patients with HF. (Funded by British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence and others; clinical trial registration numbers, NCT03036124 and NCT03619213.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors reduce the risk of worsening heart failure (HF) and cardiovascular death in patients with HF irrespective of left ventricular ejection fraction. It is important to determine whether therapies for HF improve symptoms and functional capacity. METHODS: The DETERMINE (Dapagliflozin Effect on Exercise Capacity Using a 6-Minute Walk Test in Patients With Heart Failure) double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trials assessed the efficacy of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor dapagliflozin on the Total Symptom Score (TSS) and Physical Limitation Scale (PLS) of the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) and 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) in 313 patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (DETERMINE-Reduced) and in 504 patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (DETERMINE-Preserved) with New York Heart Association class II or III symptoms and elevated natriuretic peptide levels. The primary outcomes were changes in the KCCQ-TSS, KCCQ-PLS, and 6MWD after 16 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: Among the 313 randomized patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction, the median placebo-corrected difference in KCCQ-TSS from baseline at 16 weeks was 4.2 (95% CI, 1.0, 8.2; P =0.022) in favor of dapagliflozin. The median placebo-corrected difference in KCCQ-PLS was 4.2 (95% CI, 0.0, 8.3; P =0.058). The median placebo-corrected difference in 6MWD from baseline at 16 weeks was 3.2 meters (95% CI, −6.5, 13.0; P =0.69). In the 504 patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction, the median placebo-corrected 16-week difference in KCCQ-TSS and KCCQ-PLS was 3.2 (95% CI, 0.4, 6.0; P =0.079) and 3.1 (−0.1, 5.4; P =0.23), respectively. The median 16-week difference in 6MWD was 1.6 meters (95% CI, −5.9, 9.0; P =0.67). In an exploratory post hoc analysis of both trials combined (DETERMINE-Pooled), the median placebo-corrected difference from baseline at 16 weeks was 3.7 (1.5, 5.9; P =0.005) for KCCQ-TSS, 4.0 (0.3, 4.9; P =0.036) for KCCQ-PLS, and 2.5 meters (−3.5, 8.4; P =0.50) for 6MWD. CONCLUSIONS: Dapagliflozin improved the KCCQ-TSS in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction but did not improve KCCQ-PLS or 6MWD. Dapagliflozin did not improve these outcomes in patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction. In a post hoc analysis including all patients across the full spectrum of ejection fraction, there was a beneficial effect of dapagliflozin on KCCQ-TSS and KCCQ-PLS but not 6MWD. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifiers: NCT03877237 and NCT03877224. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of heart failure with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction markedly increases with age, with older individuals disproportionately facing excess risk for mortality and hospitalization. Methods: The DELIVER trial (Dapagliflozin Evaluation to Improve the Lives of Patients With Preserved Ejection Fraction Heart Failure) randomized patients with New York Heart Association functional class II–IV and left ventricular ejection fraction >40% to either dapagliflozin or placebo for a median follow-up period of 2.3 years. We examined efficacy and safety outcomes by age categories (<55, 55–64, 65–74, and ≥75 years) and across age as a continuous measure. Results: Among 6263 randomized patients (aged 40–99 years, mean age 71.7±9.6 years), 338 (5.4%) were <55 years, 1007 (16.1%) were 55–64 years, 2326 (37.1%) were 65 to 74 years, and 2592 (41.4%) were ≥75 years. Dapagliflozin reduced the risk of the primary composite outcome compared with placebo in all age categories (P interaction=0.95) and across the age spectrum as a continuous function (P interaction=0.76). Similar benefits were observed for the components of the primary outcome, with no significant interaction between randomized treatment and age category. Adverse events occurred more frequently with increasing age, but there were no significant differences in predefined safety outcomes between patients randomized to dapagliflozin and placebo across all age categories. Conclusions: In patients with heart failure and mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction enrolled in DELIVER, dapagliflozin reduced the combined risk of cardiovascular death or worsening heart failure events across the spectrum of age, with a consistent safety profile, including among the traditionally under-treated older segment of patients ≥75 years. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03619213. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional time-to-first-event analyses cannot incorporate recurrent hospitalizations and patient well-being in a single outcome. To overcome this limitation, we tested an integrated measure that includes days lost from death and hospitalization, and additional days of full health lost through diminished well-being. The effect of dapagliflozin on this integrated measure was assessed in the DAPA-HF (Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse Outcomes in Heart Failure) trial, which examined the efficacy of dapagliflozin, compared with placebo, in patients with NYHA functional class II to IV heart failure and a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40%. Over 360 days, patients in the dapagliflozin group (n = 2,127) lost 10.6 ± 1.0 (2.9%) of potential follow-up days through cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization, compared with 14.4 ± 1.0 days (4.0%) in the placebo group (n = 2,108), and this component of all measures of days lost accounted for the greatest between-treatment difference (−3.8 days [95% CI: −6.6 to −1.0 days]). Patients receiving dapagliflozin also had fewer days lost to death and hospitalization from all causes vs placebo (15.5 ± 1.1 days [4.3%] vs 20.3 ± 1.1 days [5.6%]). When additional days of full health lost (ie, adjusted for Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire–overall summary score) were added, total days lost were 110.6 ± 1.6 days (30.7%) with dapagliflozin vs 116.9 ± 1.6 days (32.5%) with placebo. The difference in all measures between the 2 groups increased over time (ie, days lost by death and hospitalization −0.9 days [−0.7%] at 120 days, −2.3 days [−1.0%] at 240 days, and −4.8 days [−1.3%] at 360 days). Dapagliflozin reduced the total days of potential full health lost due to death, hospitalizations, and impaired well-being, and this benefit increased over time during the first year. (Study to Evaluate the Effect of Dapagliflozin on the Incidence of Worsening Heart Failure or Cardiovascular Death in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure; NCT03036124) [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (aTRH) is prevalent and associated with adverse outcomes in heart failure with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction. Less is known about the potential role of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibition in this high-risk population. In this post hoc analysis of the DELIVER trial (Dapagliflozin Evaluation to Improve the Lives of Patients with Preserved Ejection Fraction Heart Failure), we evaluated clinical profiles and treatment effects of dapagliflozin among participants with aTRH. METHODS: DELIVER participants were categorized on the basis of baseline blood pressure (BP), with aTRH defined as BP ≥140/90 mm Hg (≥130/80 mm Hg if diabetes) despite treatment with 3 antihypertensive drugs including a diuretic. Nonresistant hypertension was defined as BP above threshold but not meeting aTRH criteria. Controlled BP was defined as BP under threshold. Incidence of the primary outcome (cardiovascular death or worsening heart failure event), key secondary outcomes, and safety events was assessed by baseline BP category. RESULTS: Among 6263 DELIVER participants, 3766 (60.1%) had controlled BP, 1779 (28.4%) had nonresistant hypertension, and 718 (11.5%) had aTRH at baseline. Participants with aTRH had more cardiometabolic comorbidities and tended to have higher left ventricular ejection fraction and worse kidney function. Rates of the primary outcome were 8.7 per 100 patient-years in those with controlled BP, 8.5 per 100 patient-years in the nonresistant hypertension group, and 9.5 per 100 patient-years in the aTRH group. Relative treatment benefits of dapagliflozin versus placebo on the primary outcome were consistent across BP categories (P interaction=0.114). Participants with aTRH exhibited the greatest absolute reduction in the rate of primary events with dapagliflozin (4.1 per 100 patient-years) compared with nonresistant hypertension (2.7 per 100 patient-years) and controlled BP (0.8 per 100 patient-years). Irrespective of assigned treatment, participants with aTRH experienced a higher rate of reported vascular events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, over study follow-up. Dapagliflozin modestly reduced systolic BP (by ≈1 to 3 mm Hg) without increasing risk of hypotension, hypovolemia, or other serious adverse events, irrespective of BP category, but did not improve the proportion of participants with aTRH attaining goal BP over time. CONCLUSIONS: aTRH was identified in >1 in 10 patients with heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction >40% in DELIVER. Dapagliflozin consistently improved clinical outcomes and was well-tolerated, including among those with aTRH. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03619213. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are guideline recommended in the management of heart failure (HF). Although these therapies can be initiated even in patients with comorbid chronic kidney disease, some patients may face deterioration of kidney function over time. In this study, the authors sought to examine the safety and efficacy of continuing SGLT2 inhibitors in HF when the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) falls below thresholds for initiation. Associations between a deterioration of eGFR to <25 mL/min/1.73 m2, efficacy, and safety outcomes and treatment with dapagliflozin were evaluated in time-updated Cox proportional hazard models in a participant-level pooled analysis of the DAPA-HF (Study to Evaluate the Effect of Dapagliflozin on the Incidence of Worsening Heart Failure or Cardiovascular Death in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure) and DELIVER (Dapagliflozin Evaluation to Improve the Lives of Patients With Preserved Ejection Fraction Heart Failure) trials. Among 11,007 patients, 347 (3.2%) experienced a deterioration of eGFR to <25 mL/min/1.73 m2 at least once in follow-up. These patients had a higher risk of the primary composite outcome (HR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.48-2.35; P < 0.001). The risk of the primary outcome was lower with dapagliflozin compared with placebo among patients who did (HR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.33-0.83) as well as did not (HR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.72-0.86) experience deterioration of eGFR to <25 mL/min/1.73 m2 (P interaction = 0.17). The risk of safety outcomes, including drug discontinuation, was higher among patients with deterioration of eGFR to <25 mL/min/1.73 m2; however, rates remained similar between treatment groups including among those who remained on study drug. Patients with deterioration of eGFR to <25 mL/min/1.73 m2 had elevated risks of cardiovascular outcomes yet appeared to benefit from continuation of dapagliflozin with no excess in safety outcomes between treatment groups. The benefit-to-risk ratio may favor continuation of dapagliflozin treatment in patients with HF experiencing deterioration of kidney function. Study to Evaluate the Effect of Dapagliflozin on the Incidence of Worsening Heart Failure or Cardiovascular Death in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure [DAPA-HF]; NCT03036124 ; and Dapagliflozin Evaluation to Improve the Lives of Patients With Preserved Ejection Fraction Heart Failure [DELIVER]; NCT03619213) [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because clinical characteristics and prognosis vary by geographic region in patients with heart failure (HF), the response to treatment may also vary. A previous report suggested that the efficacy of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor efficacy in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) may be modified by region. The goal of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin in patients with HF according to geographic region. We conducted a patient-level pooled analysis of the DAPA-HF (Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse Outcomes in Heart Failure) and DELIVER (Dapagliflozin Evaluation to Improve the Lives of Patients with Preserved Ejection Fraction Heart Failure) trials, which evaluated the effects of dapagliflozin in HFrEF and heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF)/heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), respectively. The primary outcome was the composite of worsening HF or cardiovascular death. Among 11,007 patients, 5,159 (46.9%) were enrolled in Europe, 1,528 (13.9%) in North America, 1,998 (18.2%) in South America, and 2,322 (21.1%) in Asia. The rate of the primary outcome (per 100 person-years) was higher in North America (13.9 [95% CI: 12.5-15.4]) than in other regions: Europe 10.8 (95% CI: 10.1-11.5), South America 10.0 (95% CI: 9.0-11.1), and Asia 10.5 (95% CI: 9.5-11.5). The benefit of dapagliflozin on the primary outcome was not modified by region: dapagliflozin vs placebo HR: Europe, 0.85 (95% CI: 0.75-0.96); North America, 0.75 (95% CI: 0.61-0.93); South America, 0.72 (95% CI: 0.58-0.89); and Asia, 0.74 (95% CI: 0.61-0.91) (P interaction = 0.40). This was the same when evaluated separately for HFrEF (P interaction = 0.39) and HFmrEF/HFpEF (P interaction = 0.84). Patients in North America discontinued randomized treatment more frequently than did those elsewhere (placebo discontinuation: 21.8% in North America vs 6.4% in South America), but discontinuation rates did not differ between placebo and dapagliflozin by region. The efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin were consistent across global regions despite geographic differences in patient characteristics, background treatment, and event rates. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elevated circulating carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) is a marker of congestion and a predictor of outcomes in acute heart failure (HF). Less is known about CA125 in chronic ambulatory HF with reduced ejection fraction. This study examined the association between baseline CA125 (and changes in CA125) and outcomes in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction in the DAPA-HF (Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse Outcomes in Heart Failure; NCT03036124) trial and its relationship with the effect of dapagliflozin. The primary outcome was a composite of a first episode of worsening HF or cardiovascular death. CA125 was measured at baseline and 12 months following randomization. Median baseline CA125 was 13.04 U/mL (IQR: 8.78-21.13 U/mL) in 3,123 of 4,774 patients with available data. Compared with CA125 ≤35 U/mL (upper limit of normal), patients with CA125 >35 U/mL were at a higher risk of the primary outcome (adjusted HR: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.29-1.96). The adjusted risks of the primary outcome relative to quartile 1 (Q1) (≤8.78 U/mL) were as follow: Q2, 8.79-13.04 U/mL (HR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.71-1.24); Q3, 13.05-21.13 U/mL (HR: 1.22; 95% CI: 0.94-1.59); Q4, ≥21.14 U/mL (HR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.28-2.09). The beneficial effect of dapagliflozin compared with placebo on the primary outcome was consistent whether CA125 was analyzed in quartiles (interaction P = 0.13) or as a continuous variable (interaction P = 0.75). The placebo-corrected relative change in CA125 at 12 months was −5.2% (95% CI: −10.6% to 0.5%; P = 0.07). In DAPA-HF, elevated CA125 levels were an independent predictor of the risk of worsening HF or cardiovascular death. Dapagliflozin reduced the risk of worsening HF or cardiovascular death regardless of baseline CA125. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: How patient characteristics and outcomes vary according to the duration of heart failure (HF) is unknown in individuals with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction. We compared these, and the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin, according to the time from diagnosis of HF in a prespecified analysis of the DELIVER trial (Dapagliflozin Evaluation to Improve the Lives of Patients With Preserved Ejection Fraction Heart Failure). Methods: HF duration was categorized as ≤6 months, >6 to 12 months, >1 to 2 years, >2 to 5 years, or >5 years. The primary outcome was the composite of worsening HF or cardiovascular death. The effect of treatment was examined by HF duration category. Results: The number of patients in each category was as follows: 1160 (≤6 months), 842 (>6 to 12 months), 995 (>1 to 2 years), 1569 (>2 to 5 years), and 1692 (>5 years). Patients with longer-duration HF were older and had more comorbidities with worse symptoms. The rate of the primary outcome (per 100 person-years) increased with HF duration: ≤6 months, 7.3 (95% CI, 6.3 to 8.4); >6 to 12 months, 7.1 (6.0 to 8.5); >1 to 2 years, 8.4 (7.2 to 9.7); >2 to 5 years, 8.9 (7.9 to 9.9); and >5 years, 10.6 (9.5 to 11.7). Similar trends were seen for other outcomes. The benefit of dapagliflozin was consistent across HF duration category: the hazard ratio for the primary outcome in the ≤6-month group was 0.67 (95% CI, 0.50 to 0.91); >6 to 12 months, 0.78 (0.55 to 1.12); >1 to 2 years, 0.81 (0.60 to 1.09); >2 to 5 years, 0.97 (0.77 to 1.22); and >5 years, 0.78 (0.64 to 0.96; P interaction=0.41). The absolute benefit was greatest in longest-duration HF; the number needed to treat for HF >5 years was 24 versus 32 for ≤6 months. Conclusions: Patients with longer-duration HF were older, had more comorbidities and symptoms, and had higher rates of worsening HF and death. The benefits of dapagliflozin were consistent across HF duration. Even patients with long-standing HF and generally mild symptoms are not stable, and it is not too late for such patients to benefit from a sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03619213. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have emerged as a key pharmacotherapy in heart failure (HF) with both reduced and preserved ejection fraction. The benefit of other HF therapies may be modified by sex, but whether sex modifies the treatment effect and safety profile of SGLT2 inhibitors remains unclear. Our analyses aim to assess the impact of sex on the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin.Methods: In a pre-specified patient-level pooled analysis of DAPA-HF and DELIVER, clinical outcomes were compared by sex (including the composite of cardiovascular [CV] death or worsening HF events; CV death; all-cause death, total events (first and recurrent HF hospitalization and CV death), and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire [KCCQ] scores) across the spectrum of left ventricular ejection fraction (EF).Results: Of a total of 11,007 randomized patients, 3856 (35%) were women. Women with HF were older, had higher body mass index, but were less likely to have a history of diabetes and myocardial infarction/stroke; and more likely to have hypertension and atrial fibrillation, compared to men. At baseline, women had higher EF but worse KCCQ scores than men. After adjusting for baseline differences, women were less likely than men to experience CV death (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.69, 95% CI 0.60-0.79), all-cause death (aHR 0.69, 95% 0.62-0.78), HF hospitalizations (aHR 0.82, 95% CI 0.72-0.94), and total events (adjusted rate ratio 0.77, 95% CI 0.71-0.84). Dapagliflozin reduced the primary endpoint in both men and women similarly (p-interaction=0.77) with no sex-related differences in secondary outcomes (all p-interactions > 0.35) or safety events. The benefit of dapagliflozin was observed across the entire EF spectrum and was not modified by sex (p-interaction > 0.40). There were no sex-related differences in serious adverse events, adverse events, or drug discontinuation due to adverse events.Conclusions: In DAPA-HF and DELIVER, the response to dapagliflozin was similar between men and women. Sex did not modify the treatment effect of dapagliflozin across the range of ejection fraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) experience a high burden of symptoms, physical limitations, and poor quality of life; improving health status is a key goal of management. In a prespecified analysis of the DELIVER (Dapagliflozin Evaluation to Improve the Lives of Patients With Preserved Ejection Fraction Heart Failure) trial, we examine effects of dapagliflozin on health status using the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ). The DELIVER trial randomized patients with symptomatic HFmrEF/HFpEF to dapagliflozin 10 mg or placebo. KCCQ was evaluated at randomization, 1, 4, and 8 months; KCCQ Total Symptom Score (TSS) was a key secondary endpoint. Patients were stratified by KCCQ-TSS tertiles; Cox models examined effects of dapagliflozin on clinical outcomes. We evaluated the effects of dapagliflozin on KCCQ-TSS, Physical Limitations (PLS), Clinical Summary (CSS), and Overall Summary (OSS) domains. Responder analyses compared proportions of dapagliflozin vs placebo-treated patients with clinically meaningful changes in KCCQ. A total of 5,795 patients had baseline KCCQ (median KCCQ-TSS 72.9). The effects of dapagliflozin on reducing cardiovascular death/worsening HF appeared more pronounced in patients with greater baseline symptom burden (lowest-to-highest KCCQ-TSS tertile: HR: 0.70 [95% CI: 0.58-0.84]; 0.81 [95% CI: 0.65-1.01]; 1.07 [95% CI: 0.83-1.37]; P interaction = 0.026). Dapagliflozin improved KCCQ-TSS, -PLS, -CSS, and -OSS at 8 months (2.4, 1.9, 2.3, and 2.1 points higher vs placebo; P < 0.001 for all). Dapagliflozin-treated patients experienced improvements in KCCQ-TSS regardless of EF (P interaction = 0.85). Fewer dapagliflozin-treated patients had deterioration, and more had improvements in all KCCQ domains at 8 months. The clinical benefits of dapagliflozin in HFmrEF/HFpEF appear especially pronounced in those with greater baseline symptom impairment. Dapagliflozin improved all KCCQ domains and the proportion of patients experiencing clinically meaningful changes in health status. (Dapagliflozin Evaluation to Improve the LIVEs of Patients With PReserved Ejection Fraction Heart Failure [DELIVER]; NCT03619213) [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent guidelines support consideration of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors in the long-term management of heart failure (HF) with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction. Patients and clinicians may be interested in the expected lifetime benefits of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors in this population.Objectives: This study aimed to estimate event-free survival gains from long-term use of dapagliflozin in patients with HF with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction overall and in clinically relevant subgroups.Methods: In this prespecified analysis of DELIVER (Dapagliflozin Evaluation to Improve the Lives of Patients With Preserved Ejection Fraction Heart Failure), we applied validated nonparametric age-based methods to extrapolate potential gains in survival free from the primary endpoint (cardiovascular death or worsening HF event) from long-term use of dapagliflozin. Eligible participants had symptomatic HF, left ventricular ejection fraction >40%, elevated natriuretic peptide levels, and structural heart disease. For every year between the ages of 55 and 85 years, we estimated event-free survival using age at randomization rather than time from randomization as the time horizon. Residual lifespan free from a primary endpoint was estimated based on area under the survival curve in each arm.Results: Among 6,263 participants, mean survival free from the primary endpoint for a 65-year-old participant was 12.1 years (95% CI: 11.0-13.2 years) with dapagliflozin and 9.7 years (95% CI: 8.8-10.7 years) with placebo, representing a 2.3-year (95% CI: 0.9-3.8 years) event-free survival gain (P = 0.002). Treatment gains in survival free from the primary endpoint ranged from 2.0 years (95% CI: -0.6 to 4.6 years) in a 55-year-old to 1.2 years (95% CI: -0.1 to 2.4 years) in a 75-year-old patient. Mean event-free survival was greater with dapagliflozin than with placebo across all 14 subgroups.Conclusions: Treatment with dapagliflozin is projected to extend event-free survival by up to 2.0 to 2.5 years among middle-aged and older individuals with HF with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction. (DELIVER [Dapagliflozin Evaluation to Improve the Lives of Patients With Preserved Ejection Fraction Heart Failure]; NCT03619213). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in heart failure (HF), is associated with worse outcomes compared with sinus rhythm, and may modify the effects of therapy.Objectives: This study examined the effects of dapagliflozin according to the presence or not of AF in the DELIVER (Dapagliflozin Evaluation to Improve the LIVEs of Patients With PReserved Ejection Fraction Heart Failure) trial.Methods: A total of 6,263 patients with HF with New York Heart Association functional class II-IV, left ventricular ejection fraction >40%, evidence of structural heart disease, and elevated N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels were randomized to dapagliflozin or placebo. Clinical outcomes and the effect of dapagliflozin, according to AF status, were examined. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death or worsening HF.Results: Of the 6,261 patients with data on baseline AF, 43.3% had no AF, 18.0% had paroxysmal AF, and 38.7% had persistent/permanent AF. The risk of the primary endpoint was higher in patients with AF, especially paroxysmal AF, driven by a higher rate of HF hospitalization: no AF, HF hospitalization rate per 100 person-years (4.5 [95% CI: 4.0-5.1]), paroxysmal AF (7.5 [95% CI: 6.4-8.7]), and persistent/permanent AF (6.4 [95% CI: 5.7-7.1]) (P < 0.001). The benefit of dapagliflozin on the primary outcome was consistent across AF types: no AF, HR: 0.89 (95% CI: 0.74-1.08); paroxysmal AF, HR: 0.75 (95% CI: 0.58-0.97); persistent/permanent AF, HR: 0.79 (95% CI: 0.66-0.95) (Pinteraction = 0.49). Consistent effects were observed for HF hospitalization, cardiovascular death, all-cause mortality, and improvement in the KCCQ-TSS.Conclusions: In DELIVER, the beneficial effects of dapagliflozin compared with placebo on clinical events and symptoms were consistent, irrespective of type of AF at baseline. (Dapagliflozin Evaluation to Improve the LIVEs of Patients With PReserved Ejection Fraction Heart Failure. [DELIVER]; NCT03619213). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Frailty is increasing in prevalence. Because patients with frailty are often perceived to have a less favorable risk/benefit profile, they may be less likely to receive new pharmacologic treatments. We investigated the efficacy and tolerability of dapagliflozin according to frailty status in patients with heart failure with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction randomized in DELIVER (Dapagliflozin Evaluation to Improve the Lives of Patients With Preserved Ejection Fraction Heart Failure).Methods: Frailty was measured using the Rockwood cumulative deficit approach. The primary end point was time to a first worsening heart failure event or cardiovascular death.Results: Of the 6263 patients randomized, a frailty index (FI) was calculable in 6258. In total, 2354 (37.6%) patients had class 1 frailty (FI ≤0.210; ie, not frail), 2413 (38.6%) had class 2 frailty (FI 0.211-0.310; ie, more frail), and 1491 (23.8%) had class 3 frailty (FI ≥0.311; ie, most frail). Greater frailty was associated with a higher rate of the primary end point (per 100 person-years): FI class 1, 6.3 (95% CI 5.7-7.1); class 2, 8.3 (7.5-9.1); and class 3, 13.4 (12.1-14.7; P<0.001). The effect of dapagliflozin (as a hazard ratio) on the primary end point from FI class 1 to 3 was 0.85 (95% CI, 0.68-1.06), 0.89 (0.74-1.08), and 0.74 (0.61-0.91), respectively (Pinteraction=0.40). Although patients with a greater degree of frailty had worse Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire scores at baseline, their improvement with dapagliflozin was greater than it was in patients with less frailty: placebo-corrected improvement in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Overall Summary Score at 4 months in FI class 1 was 0.3 (95% CI, -0.9 to 1.4); in class 2, 1.5 (0.3-2.7); and in class 3, 3.4 (1.7-5.1; Pinteraction=0.021). Adverse reactions and treatment discontinuation, although more frequent in patients with a greater degree of frailty, were not more common with dapagliflozin than with placebo irrespective of frailty class.Conclusions: In DELIVER, frailty was common and associated with worse outcomes. The benefit of dapagliflozin was consistent across the range of frailty studied. The improvement in health-related quality of life with dapagliflozin occurred early and was greater in patients with a higher level of frailty.Registration: URL: https://www.Clinicaltrials: gov; Unique identifier: NCT03619213. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients recently hospitalized for heart failure (HF) are at high risk for rehospitalization and death.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate clinical outcomes and response to dapagliflozin in patients with HF with mildly reduced or preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) who were enrolled during or following hospitalization.Methods: The DELIVER (Dapagliflozin Evaluation to Improve the LIVES of Patients With PReserved Ejection Fraction Heart Failure) trial randomized patients with HF and LVEF >40% to dapagliflozin or placebo. DELIVER permitted randomization during or shortly after hospitalization for HF in clinically stable patients off intravenous HF therapies. This prespecified analysis investigated whether recent HF hospitalization modified risk of clinical events or response to dapagliflozin. The primary outcome was worsening HF event or cardiovascular death.Results: Of 6,263 patients in DELIVER, 654 (10.4%) were randomized during HF hospitalization or within 30 days of discharge. Recent HF hospitalization was associated with greater risk of the primary outcome after multivariable adjustment (HR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.60-2.21; P < 0.001). Dapagliflozin reduced the primary outcome by 22% in recently hospitalized patients (HR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.60-1.03) and 18% in patients without recent hospitalization (HR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.72-0.94; Pinteraction = 0.71). Rates of adverse events, including volume depletion, diabetic ketoacidosis, or renal events, were similar with dapagliflozin and placebo in recently hospitalized patients.Conclusions: Dapagliflozin safely reduced risk of worsening HF or cardiovascular death similarly in patients with and without history of recent HF hospitalization. Starting dapagliflozin during or shortly after HF hospitalization in patients with mildly reduced or preserved LVEF appears safe and effective. (Dapagliflozin Evaluation to Improve the LIVEs of Patients With PReserved Ejection Fraction Heart Failure [DELIVER]; NCT03619213). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Iron deficiency is common in heart failure and associated with worse outcomes. We examined the prevalence and consequences of iron deficiency in the DAPA-HF trial (Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse-Outcomes in Heart Failure) and the effect of dapagliflozin on markers of iron metabolism. We also analyzed the effect of dapagliflozin on outcomes, according to iron status at baseline.Methods: Iron deficiency was defined as a ferritin level <100 ng/mL or a transferrin saturation <20% and a ferritin level 100 to 299 ng/mL. Additional biomarkers of iron metabolism, including soluble transferrin receptor, erythropoietin, and hepcidin were measured at baseline and 12 months after randomization. The primary outcome was a composite of worsening heart failure (hospitalization or urgent visit requiring intravenous therapy) or cardiovascular death.Results: Of the 4744 patients randomized in DAPA-HF, 3009 had ferritin and transferrin saturation measurements available at baseline, and 1314 of these participants (43.7%) were iron deficient. The rate of the primary outcome was higher in patients with iron deficiency (16.6 per 100 person-years) compared with those without (10.4 per 100 person-years; P<0.0001). The effect of dapagliflozin on the primary outcome was consistent in iron-deficient compared with iron-replete patients (hazard ratio, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.58-0.92] versus 0.81 [95% CI, 0.63-1.03]; P-interaction=0.59). Similar findings were observed for cardiovascular death, heart failure hospitalization, and all-cause mortality. Transferrin saturation, ferritin, and hepcidin were reduced and total iron-binding capacity and soluble transferrin receptor increased with dapagliflozin compared with placebo.Conclusions: Iron deficiency was common in DAPA-HF and associated with worse outcomes. Dapagliflozin appeared to increase iron use but improved outcomes, irrespective of iron status at baseline.Registration: URL: https://www.Clinicaltrials: gov; Unique identifier: NCT03036124. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Circulating high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hsTnT) predominantly reflects myocardial injury, and higher levels are associated with a higher risk of worsening heart failure and death in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Less is known about the prognostic significance of changes in hsTnT over time, the effects of dapagliflozin on clinical outcomes in relation to baseline hsTnT levels, and the effect of dapagliflozin on hsTnT levels.Methods: DAPA-HF (Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse Outcomes in Heart Failure) was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of dapagliflozin (10 mg daily) in patients with New York Heart Association class II to IV symptoms and left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% (median follow-up, 18.2 months). hsTnT (Roche Diagnostics) was measured at baseline in 3112 patients and at 1 year in 2506 patients. The primary end point was adjudicated worsening heart failure or cardiovascular death. Clinical end points were analyzed according to baseline hsTnT and change in hsTnT from baseline to 1 year. Comparative treatment effects on clinical end points with dapagliflozin versus placebo were assessed by baseline hsTnT. The effect of dapagliflozin on hsTnT was explored.Results: Median baseline hsTnT concentration was 20.0 (25th-75th percentile, 13.7-30.2) ng/L. Over 1 year, 67.9% of patients had a ≥10% relative increase or decrease in hsTnT concentrations, and 43.5% had a ≥20% relative change. A stepwise gradient of higher risk for the primary end point was observed across increasing quartiles of baseline hsTnT concentration (adjusted hazard ratio Q4 versus Q1, 3.44 [95% CI, 2.46-4.82]). Relative and absolute increases in hsTnT over 1 year were associated with higher subsequent risk of the primary end point. The relative reduction in the primary end point with dapagliflozin was consistent across quartiles of baseline hsTnT (P-interaction=0.55), but patients in the top quartile tended to have the greatest absolute risk reduction (absolute risk difference, 7.5% [95% CI, 1.0%-14.0%]). Dapagliflozin tended to attenuate the increase in hsTnT over time compared with placebo (relative least squares mean reduction, -3% [-6% to 0%]; P=0.076).Conclusions: Higher baseline hsTnT and greater increase in hsTnT over 1 year are associated with worse clinical outcomes. Dapagliflozin consistently reduced the risk of the primary end point, irrespective of baseline hsTnT levels. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03036124. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) have chronic kidney disease that complicates pharmacological management and is associated with worse outcomes. We assessed the safety and efficacy of dapagliflozin in patients with HFrEF, according to baseline kidney function, in the DAPA-HF trial (Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse-outcomes in Heart Failure). We also examined the effect of dapagliflozin on kidney function after randomization.Methods: Patients who have HFrEF with or without type 2 diabetes and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥30 mL·min-1·1.73 m-2 were enrolled in DAPA-HF. We calculated the incidence of the primary outcome (cardiovascular death or worsening heart failure) according to eGFR category at baseline (<60 and ≥60 mL·min-1·1.73 m-2) and used eGFR at baseline as a continuous measure, as well. Secondary cardiovascular outcomes and a prespecified composite renal outcome (≥50% sustained decline eGFR, end-stage renal disease, or renal death) were also examined, along with a decline in eGFR over time.Results: Of 4742 patients with a baseline eGFR, 1926 (41%) had eGFR <60 mL·min-1·1.73 m-2. The effect of dapagliflozin on the primary and secondary outcomes did not differ by eGFR category or examining eGFR as a continuous measurement. The hazard ratio (95% CI) for the primary end point in patients with chronic kidney disease was 0.71 (0.59-0.86) versus 0.77 (0.64-0.93) in those with an eGFR ≥60 mL·min-1·1.73 m-2 (interaction P=0.54). The composite renal outcome was not reduced by dapagliflozin (hazard ratio=0.71 [95% CI, 0.44-1.16]; P=0.17) but the rate of decline in eGFR between day 14 and 720 was less with dapagliflozin, -1.09 (-1.40 to -0.77) versus placebo -2.85 (-3.17 to -2.53) mL·min-1·1.73 m-2 per year (P<0.001). This was observed in those with and without type 2 diabetes (P for interaction=0.92).Conclusions: Baseline kidney function did not modify the benefits of dapagliflozin on morbidity and mortality in HFrEF, and dapagliflozin slowed the rate of decline in eGFR, including in patients without diabetes. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03036124. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the DAPA-HF trial (Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse Outcomes in Heart Failure), dapagliflozin, added to guideline-recommended therapies, reduced the risk of mortality and heart failure (HF) hospitalization. We examined the frequency and significance of episodes of outpatient HF worsening, requiring the augmentation of oral therapy, and the effects of dapagliflozin on these additional events.Methods: Patients in New York Heart Association functional class II to IV, with a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% and elevation of NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide), were eligible. The primary outcome was the composite of an episode of worsening HF (HF hospitalization or an urgent HF visit requiring intravenous therapy) or cardiovascular death, whichever occurred first. An additional prespecified exploratory outcome was the primary outcome plus worsening HF symptoms/signs leading to the initiation of new, or the augmentation of existing, oral treatment.Results: Overall, 36% more patients experienced the expanded, in comparison with the primary, composite outcome. In the placebo group, 684 of 2371 (28.8%) patients and, in the dapagliflozin group, 527 of 2373 (22.2%) participants experienced the expanded outcome (hazard ratio, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.65-0.82]; P<0.0001). Each component of the composite was reduced significantly by dapagliflozin. Over the median follow-up of 18.2 months, the number of patients needed to treat with dapagliflozin to prevent 1 experiencing an episode of fatal or nonfatal worsening was 16. Among the 4744 randomly assigned patients, the first episode of worsening was outpatient augmentation of treatment in 407 participants (8.6%), an urgent HF visit with intravenous therapy in 20 (0.4%), HF hospitalization in 489 (10.3%), and cardiovascular death in 295 (6.2%). The adjusted risk of death from any cause (in comparison with no event) after an outpatient worsening was hazard ratio, 2.67 (95% CI, 2.03-3.52); after an urgent HF visit, the adjusted risk of death was hazard ratio, 3.00 (95% CI, 1.39-6.48); and after a HF hospitalization, the adjusted risk of death was hazard ratio, 6.21 (95% CI, 5.07-7.62).Conclusion: In DAPA-HF, outpatient episodes of HF worsening were common, were of prognostic importance, and were reduced by dapagliflozin. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique Identifier: NCT03036124. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the DAPA-HF trial (Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse-Outcomes in Heart Failure), the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor dapagliflozin reduced the risk of worsening heart failure and death in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. We examined the efficacy and tolerability of dapagliflozin in relation to background diuretic treatment and change in diuretic therapy after randomization to dapagliflozin or placebo.Methods: We examined the effects of study treatment in the following subgroups: no diuretic and diuretic dose equivalent to furosemide <40, 40, and >40 mg daily at baseline. We examined the primary composite end point of cardiovascular death or a worsening heart failure event and its components, all-cause death and symptoms.Results: Of 4616 analyzable patients, 736 (15.9%) were on no diuretic, 1311 (28.4%) were on <40 mg, 1365 (29.6%) were on 40 mg, and 1204 (26.1%) were taking >40 mg. Compared with placebo, dapagliflozin reduced the risk of the primary end point across each of these subgroups: hazard ratios were 0.57 (95% CI, 0.36-0.92), 0.83 (95% CI, 0.63-1.10), 0.77 (95% CI, 0.60-0.99), and 0.78 (95% CI, 0.63-0.97), respectively (P for interaction=0.61). The hazard ratio in patients taking any diuretic was 0.78 (95% CI, 0.68-0.90). Improvements in symptoms and treatment toleration were consistent across the diuretic subgroups. Diuretic dose did not change in most patients during follow-up, and mean diuretic dose did not differ between the dapagliflozin and placebo groups after randomization.Conclusions: The efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin were consistent across the diuretic subgroups examined in DAPA-HF. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03036124. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]