Changes in Cardiac Functional Parameters After Discontinuation of Sacubitril/Valsartan in Hemodialysis Patients: Insights From Left Ventricular End-Diastolic Diameter in Real-World Observational Data.

BACKGROUND

Data on the efficacy and safety of sacubitril/valsartan in hemodialysis patients with heart failure and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (≥ 50%, HFpEF) or mildly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (41%-49%, HFmrEF) were analyzed, as well as cardiac functional parameters and safety after withdrawal of sacubitril/valsartan.

METHODS

Ninety-eight maintenance hemodialysis patients with heart failure with preserved or mildly reduced ejection fraction were included in the present study. Patients were divided into sacubitril/valsartan and control groups according to whether they had been, or were being, treated with sacubitril/valsartan. Patients were further divided into continuation and discontinuation groups based on whether sacubitril/valsartan was discontinued at the end of follow-up. Laboratory examination results, echocardiographic parameters, and the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

There were 50 patients in the control group and 48 in the sacubitril/valsartan group. The median follow-up time was 14.5 months. Compared with the control group, the serum B-type natriuretic peptide levels and echocardiographic parameters in the sacubitril/valsartan group significantly decreased from baseline at 6-month follow-up (p < 0.05). In the sacubitril/valsartan group, there were 28 patients in the continuation group and 20 in the discontinuation group. The reduction in left ventricular end-diastolic diameter in the sacubitril/valsartan group reversed in the discontinuation group (by 10%) after drug withdrawal, whereas it was stable in the continuation group (change 0.66%, p = 0.030). Patients with lower left ventricular end-diastolic diameters at the end follow-up (≤ 50 mm) exhibited a lower incidence of major adverse cardiac events compared to those with higher diameters (>50 mm; p = 0.012).

CONCLUSION

Sacubitril/valsartan improved cardiac function in patients on hemodialysis with heart failure and preserved or mildly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Long-term continuous use of sacubitril/valsartan may reduce left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and positively impact prognosis.