Impact of dapagliflozin treatment on renal function and diuretics use in acute heart failure: a pilot study

Open Heart. 2022 May;9(1):e001936. doi: 10.1136/openhrt-2021-001936.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the impact of sodium-dependent glucose type 2 cotransporter inhibitors on the renal function in acute heart failure.

Methods: In a single-centre, controlled, randomised study, patients were prescribed dapagliflozin in addition to standard therapy, or were in receipt of standard therapy. The prespecified outcome was renal function deterioration; the secondary outcomes were the development of resistance to diuretics, weight loss, death during hospitalisation and the rehospitalisation or death for any reason within 30 days following discharge.

Results: 102 patients were included (73.4±11.7 years, 57.8% men). The average left ventricular ejection fraction was 44.9%±14.7%, the average N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was 4706 (1757; 11 244) pg/mL, the average estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 51.6±19.5 mL/min. eGFR decreased 48 hours after randomisation in the dapagliflozin group (-4.2 (-11.03; 2.28) mL/min vs 0.3 (-6; 6) mL/min; p=0.04) but did not differ between the groups on discharge (54.71±19.18 mL/min and 58.92±24.65 mL/min; p=0.36). The incidence of worsening renal function did not differ (34.4% vs 15.2%; p=0.07). In the dapagliflozin group, there was less tendency to increase the dose of loop diuretics (14% vs 30%; p=0.048), lower average doses of loop diuretics (78.46±38.95 mg/day vs 102.82±31.26 mg/day; p=0.001) and more significant weight loss (4100 (2950; 5750) g vs 3000 (1380; 4650) g; p=0.02). In-hospital mortality was 7.8% (4(8%) in the dapagliflozin and 4 (7.7%) in the control group (p=0.95). The number of deaths within 30 days following discharge in the dapagliflozin group and in the control group was 9 (19%) and 12 (25%), p=0.55; the number of rehospitalisations was 14 (29%) and 17 (35%), respectively (p=0.51).

Conclusion: The use of dapagliflozin was associated with a more pronounced weight loss and less need to increase diuretic therapy without significant deterioration of the renal function. Dapagliflozin did not improve the in-hospital and 30-day prognosis after discharge.

Trial registration number: N04778787.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Benzhydryl Compounds
  • Diuretics / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Glucosides
  • Heart Failure* / diagnosis
  • Heart Failure* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Kidney / physiology
  • Male
  • Pilot Projects
  • Sodium Potassium Chloride Symporter Inhibitors* / adverse effects
  • Stroke Volume
  • Ventricular Function, Left
  • Weight Loss

Substances

  • Benzhydryl Compounds
  • Diuretics
  • Glucosides
  • Sodium Potassium Chloride Symporter Inhibitors
  • dapagliflozin