Sotagliflozin and decompensated heart failure: results of the SOLOIST-WHF trial

Sotagliflozin vs Dapagliflozin: A Systematic Review Comparing Cardiovascular Mortality

After the debut of the results of the effect of Sotagliflozin on Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Post Worsening Heart Failure (SOLOIST-WHF) and Sotagliflozin in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease and Type 2 Diabetes (SCORED) trials at the American Heart Association's 2020 Scientific session, sotagliflozin became the first drug and the third sodium glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor to be approved for heart failure (HF) across the spectrum of ejection fraction (EF). In light of this recent major U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of sotagliflozin, we conducted a systematic review to compare the cardiovascular mortality rates between sotagliflozin and dapagliflozin in patients with HF. To find relevant articles, we extensively searched major research literature databases and search engines such as PubMed, MEDLINE, PubMed Central, Google Scholar, Embase, and Cochrane Library. We compared the results of significant trials involving sotagliflozin with the trials studying dapagliflozin to provide comprehensive mortality results of both drugs. The results showed that the timely initiation of sotagliflozin in HF cases significantly reduces cardiovascular mortality, hospitalizations, and urgent HF visits. Comparative trials with dapagliflozin indicate enhanced mortality reduction associated with greater initial symptom burden. The results of these major trials cannot be overlooked due to the large size of the combined trials, the randomized design, and the high standards with which they were conducted. The pathophysiology behind the cardioprotection offered by these agents is complex and multifactorial, but it is believed that due to the diuretic-like function, SGLT-2 inhibitors reduce glycemic-related toxicity, promote ketogenesis, and exert antihypertrophic, antifibrotic, and anti-remodeling properties. The benefits of dapagliflozin on cardiovascular death and worsening HF in patients with mildly reduced or preserved EF appeared especially pronounced in those with a greater degree of symptomatic impairment at baseline. Sotagliflozin led to a rise in the count of days patients were alive and not hospitalized (DAOH), which offers an extra patient-centered measure to assess the impact of the disease burden. The data in our article will help future researchers conduct large-scale trials with sotagliflozin to identify and implement it in the treatment of patients with HF as a mortality-reducing drug and to improve the quality of life for patients with HF.

Early Identification and Management of Heart Failure in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus in the United Arab Emirates: A Call to Action

Heart failure (HF) is a common and serious complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) that remains widely under-recognized. Multidisciplinary management protocols for patients with concurrent DM and HF are not widely utilized in the Middle East/Gulf region, particularly in the United Arab Emirates. Since early identification of patients with DM and HF will likely lead to initiation of therapies known to prevent adverse cardiovascular events and subsequently improve patient prognosis, we aim to highlight the importance of early recognition of HF in diabetic patients. We will also describe existing management challenges in the region, especially the lack of multidisciplinary care and emphasize the role of newer anti-diabetic therapies in preventing and treating HF. Most importantly, this call-to-action proposes a collaborative approach to the care of diabetic patients with HF involving primary care physicians, endocrinologists, and cardiologists.

Cardiovascular complications of diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the ninth leading cause of mortality globally, and the prevalence continues to rise. Among individuals with T2DM, over two-thirds of deaths are caused by the cardiovascular complications of diabetes. These complications include atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, nephropathy, stroke, thromboembolism, peripheral vascular disease. They have been long studied, and there are several theories as to the pathophysiology of how diabetes leads to these complications. The least understood mechanism is the pathophysiology linking diabetes to heart failure.

AREAS COVERED

This review focuses on the mechanisms of how T2DM leads to the aforementioned complications, particularly highlighting the development of heart failure. An extensive literature review of novel therapeutic options targeting the cardiovascular effects of T2DM was completed and summarized in this review.

EXPERT OPINION

This review finds that most studies to date have focused on the atherosclerotic vascular complications of diabetes. The pathophysiology between T2DM and heart failure is even less understood. Currently therapies that aim to decrease the risk of heart failure in diabetes are sparse. More research is required in order to better understand the changes at a cellular level and subsequently help providers to choose therapeutics that better target cardiovascular complications.

Clinical Evidence and Proposed Mechanisms of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Class Effect?

Effective treatment for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is an unmet need in cardiovascular medicine. The pathophysiological drivers of HFpEF are complex, differing depending on phenotype, making a one-size-fits-all treatment approach unlikely. Remarkably, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) may be the first drug class to improve cardiovascular outcomes in HFpEF. Randomised controlled trials suggest a benefit in mortality, and demonstrate decreased hospitalisations and improvement in functional status. Limitations in trials exist, either due to small sample sizes, differing results between trials or decreased efficacy at higher ejection fractions. SGLT2is may provide a class effect by targeting various pathophysiological HFpEF mechanisms. Inhibition of SGLT2 and Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger 3 in the kidney promotes glycosuria, osmotic diuresis and natriuresis. The glucose deprivation activates sirtuins - protecting against oxidation and beneficially regulating metabolism. SGLT2is reduce excess epicardial adipose tissue and its deleterious adipokines. Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger 1 inhibition in the heart and lungs reduces sodium-induced calcium overload and pulmonary hypertension, respectively.