Eligibility and Projected Benefits of Rapid Initiation of Quadruple Therapy for Newly Diagnosed Heart Failure

Eligibility and Projected Benefits of Rapid Initiation of Quadruple Therapy for Newly Diagnosed Heart Failure JACC Heart Fail. 2024 Aug;12(8):1365-1377. doi: 10.1016/j.jchf.2024.03.001.  Abstract Background: U.S. nationwide estimates of the proportion of patients newly diagnosed with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) eligible for quadruple medical therapy, and the associated benefits of rapid implementation, are not well characterized.  Objectives: This study sought to characterize the degree to which patients newly diagnosed with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) are eligible for quadruple medical therapy, and the projected benefits of in-hospital initiation.  Methods: Among patients hospitalized for newly diagnosed heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in the Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure registry from 2016 to 2023, eligibility criteria based on regulatory labeling, guidelines, and expert consensus documents were applied for angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor, beta-blocker, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor therapies. Of those eligible, the projected effect of quadruple therapy on 12-month mortality was modeled using treatment effects from pivotal clinical trials utilized by the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology /HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure, and compared with observed outcomes among patients treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker and beta-blockers.  Results: Of 33,036 patients newly diagnosed with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), 27,158 (82%) were eligible for quadruple therapy, and 30,613 (93%) were eligible for ≥3 components. From 2021 to 2023, of patients eligible for quadruple therapy, 15.3% were prescribed quadruple therapy and 41.5% were prescribed triple therapy. Among Medicare beneficiaries eligible for quadruple therapy, 12-month incidence of mortality was 24.7% and Heart Failure hospitalization was 22.2%. Applying the relative risk reductions in clinical trials, complete implementation of quadruple therapy by time of discharge was projected to yield absolute risk reductions in 12-month mortality of 10.4% (number needed to treat = 10) compared with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker and beta-blocker, and 24.8% (number needed to treat = 4) compared with no guideline-directed medical therapy.  Conclusions: In this nationwide U.S. cohort of patients hospitalized for newly diagnosed heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), >4 of 5 patients were projected as eligible for quadruple therapy at discharge; yet, <1 in 6 were prescribed it. If clinical trial benefits can be fully realized, in-hospital initiation of quadruple medical therapy for newly diagnosed heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) would yield large absolute reductions in mortality.   Disclaimer: Lupin makes no representation or warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any scientific information shared by the HCP on the ­­­STAR UPDATE podcast. You should not allow the contents of this to substitute for your own medical judgment, which you should exercise in evaluating the information on this website.