Early effects of empagliflozin on exercise tolerance in patients with heart failure: A pilot study. Issue 4 (17th April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Núñez, Julio; Palau, Patricia; Domínguez, Eloy; Mollar, Anna; Núñez, Eduardo; Ramón, Jose María; Miñana, Gema; Santas, Enrique; Fácila, Lorenzo; Górriz, Jose Luis; Sanchis, Juan; Bayés‐Genís, Antoni
• Is Part Of: Clinical cardiology. Volume 41:Issue 4(2018)
• Page Start: 476
• Page End: 480
• Publication Date: 2018-04-17
• Subjects: Empagliflozin -- Exercise Capacity -- Heart Failure; Cardiology -- Periodicals; 616.12005
• DOI: 10.1002/clc.22899
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0160-9289

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Sodium‐glucose linked transporter 2 inhibition recently emerged as a promising therapy for reducing the risk of heart failure (HF) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, there is a lack of data endorsing its role in symptomatic HF patients. We sought to evaluate the short‐term effects of empagliflozin on maximal exercise capacity in these patients. Hypothesis: We postulate tretament with empagliflozin may improve functional capacity in patients with T2DM and established HF. Methods: Nineteen T2DM patients with symptomatic HF were prospectively included and underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing before and 30 days after initiation of empagliflozin therapy. A mixed‐effects model for repeated measures was used. Results: Median patient age was 72 years (interquartile range, 60–79 years); 42.1% were in New York Heart Association class III. Baseline mean (± SD) peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2 ) was 10.9 ± 4.0 mL/min/kg. Peak VO2 increased significantly at 30 days (∆: +1.21 [0.66 to 1.76] mL/min/kg; P < 0.001). A significant improvement in ventilatory efficiency during exercise, 6‐minute walking distance, and quality of life, and a reduction in antigen carbohydrate 125, were also found. Estimated glomerular filtration rate and natriuretic peptides did not significantly change. Conclusions: In this pilot study, empagliflozin was associated with 1‐month improvement in exercise capacity in T2DM patients with symptomatic HF. This beneficial effect was also found for other surrogates of severity.