Natriuretic Peptides, Kidney Function, and Clinical Outcomes in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction.

BACKGROUND: N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptides (NT-proBNPs) are guideline-recommended biomarkers for risk stratification in patients with heart failure. However, NT-proBNP levels are often elevated in chronic kidney disease, introducing uncertainty about their prognostic relevance in persons across a broad range of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the association of NT-proBNP with cardiovascular and mortality outcomes in patients with heart failure and mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction, stratified by baseline kidney function. METHODS: A pooled analysis was conducted of participants with NT-proBNP and eGFR measured at baseline in the I-PRESERVE (Irbesartan in Heart Failure and Preserved Ejection Fraction), TOPCAT (Americas region) (Aldosterone Antagonist Therapy for Adults With Heart Failure and Preserved Systolic Function), PARAGON (Prospective Comparison of ARNI with ARB Global Outcomes in HF With Preserved Ejection Fraction), and DELIVER (Dapagliflozin Evaluation to Improve the LIVEs of Patients With PReserved Ejection Fraction Heart Failure) trials. The relationship between NT-proBNP and eGFR was assessed using piecewise linear regression. Using multivariable Cox and Poisson regression models, the association of NT-proBNP with outcomes across a range of eGFR was evaluated. The primary outcome was hospitalization for heart failure or cardiovascular death. RESULTS: Among 14,831 participants (mean age: 72.1 years; 50.3% female; mean eGFR: 63.3 mL/min/1.73 m2, and median NT-proBNP: 840 pg/mL) followed up for a median 33.5 months, there were 3,092 primary outcomes. NT-proBNP levels increased by 9%, 8%, and 23% per 10 mL/min/1.73 m2 lower eGFR in patients with baseline eGFR ≥60, 45-<60, and <45 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively (P for nonlinearity < 0.001). Each doubling in NT-proBNP was associated with a 37% relative increase in the primary outcome (HR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.34-1.41), consistent across different eGFR categories (P for interaction = 0.42). For the same incidence of the primary outcome, NT-proBNP levels were approximately 2.5- to 3.5-fold lower in patients with eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m2, compared with patients with eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Similar patterns were observed across all outcomes studied, including cardiovascular and noncardiovascular death. CONCLUSIONS: The same NT-proBNP concentration predicts a substantially higher absolute risk of adverse outcomes for people with heart failure and reduced kidney function, compared with those with preserved kidney function. These data call into question proposals for higher NT-proBNP references ranges in people with CKD, and suggest that reduced kidney function per se should not be a reason to disregard higher NT-proBNP levels.

Canagliflozin and iron metabolism in the CREDENCE trial.

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS: Studies in patients with heart failure have indicated that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors increase iron use and enhance erythropoiesis. In this post-hoc analysis of the CREDENCE trial, we evaluated the effects of canagliflozin on iron metabolism in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and whether the effects of canagliflozin on hemoglobin and cardiorenal outcomes were modified by iron deficiency. METHODS: We measured serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin saturation (TSAT) and ferritin at baseline and 12 months. The effects of canagliflozin, relative to placebo, on iron markers were assessed with analysis of covariance. Interactions between baseline iron deficiency, defined as TSAT < 20%, and the effects of canagliflozin on hemoglobin and cardiorenal outcomes were evaluated with mixed effect models and Cox regression models, respectively. RESULTS: Of 4401 participants randomized in CREDENCE, 2416 (54.9%) had iron markers measured at baseline, of whom 924 (38.2%) were iron deficient. Canagliflozin, compared to placebo, increased TIBC by 2.1% (95%CI 0.4-3.8; p = 0.014) and decreased ferritin by 11.5% (95%CI 7.1-15.7; p < 0.001) with no clear effect on serum iron or TSAT. Canagliflozin increased hemoglobin over the trial duration by 7.3 g/L (95% CI 6.2-8.5; p < 0.001) and 6.7 g/L (95% CI 5.2- 8.2; p < 0.001) in patients with and without iron deficiency, respectively (p-interaction = 0.38). The relative effect of canagliflozin on the primary outcome of doubling of serum creatinine, kidney failure or death due to cardiovascular disease or kidney failure (HR 0.70, 95%CI 0.56-0.87) was consistent regardless of iron deficiency (p-interaction 0.83), as were effects on other cardiovascular and mortality outcomes (all p-interactions ≥ 0.10). CONCLUSIONS: Iron deficiency is highly prevalent in patients with type 2 diabetes and CKD. Canagliflozin increased TIBC and decreased ferritin in patients with T2D and CKD, suggesting increased iron utilization, and improved hemoglobin levels and clinical outcomes regardless of iron deficiency.

Use of, time to, and type of first add-on anti-hyperglycaemic therapy to metformin in Australia, 2018-2022.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to examine contemporary trends in the use of, time to, and type of first add-on anti-hyperglycaemic therapy to metformin in Australia. METHODS: We used the dispensing records of a 10% random sample of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) eligible people. We included people aged 40 years and older initiating metformin from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2020. Our primary outcome was first add-on anti-hyperglycaemic medicine within 2 years of metformin initiation. We analysed time to dispensing of first add-on therapy. All analyses were stratified by metformin initiation year. RESULTS: Overall, 38 747 people aged 40 years and older initiated metformin between 2018 and 2020. Approximately one-third (n = 12 946) of people received add-on therapy with the proportion increasing slightly by year of metformin initiation (32.3% in 2018 to 34.8% in 2020). Amongst people with add-on therapy following metformin initiation, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) use increased from 28.8% (2018) to 35.0% (2020), and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) increased from 3.0% to 9.6%, respectively. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and sulfonylureas as first add-on therapy decreased and insulin remained stable. One-third of people with add-on therapy initiated the therapy on the same day metformin was initiated, i.e. initial combination therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Amongst people initiating metformin from 2018 to 2020, there was an increasing proportion of SGLT2i and GLP-1 RA being used as first add-on therapy. However, the overall prevalence of add-on therapy was low. Advocacy to promote add-on therapy with cardiorenal beneficial medicines is critical to reduce type 2 diabetes morbidity and mortality.

Therapeutic Effects of Heart Failure Medical Therapies on Standardized Kidney Outcomes: Comprehensive Individual Participant-Level Analysis of 6 Randomized Clinical Trials.

Background: Kidney outcomes have been variably defined using non-standardized composite endpoints in key heart failure (HF) trials, thus introducing complexity in their interpretation and cross-trial comparability. We examined the effects of steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), the angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) sacubitril/valsartan, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on composite kidney endpoints using uniform definitions in 6 contemporary HF trials. Methods: Individual participant-level data from trials of steroidal MRAs (EMPHASIS-HF, TOPCAT Americas), ARNI (PARADIGM-HF, PARAGON-HF), and SGLT2 inhibitors (DAPA-HF, DELIVER) were included. The standardized composite kidney endpoint was defined as a sustained decline (a reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) confirmed by a subsequent measurement at least 30 days later) in eGFR by 40%, 50%, or 57%, end-stage kidney disease, or renal death. eGFR was recalculated in a standardized manner using the 2009 Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration creatinine equation. Results: Among 28,690 participants across the 6 trials (median age 69 years [IQR, 62-76]; 9,656 [33.7% ] women), the proportion experiencing the composite kidney endpoint with a more stringent definition of a sustained decline in kidney function (eGFR threshold of 57%) ranged from 0.3% to 3.3%. The proportion of patients experiencing this endpoint with a less stringent definition (eGFR threshold of 40%) ranged from 1.0% and 10.0%. The steroidal MRAs doubled the risk of the composite kidney endpoint when applying the least stringent definition compared with placebo, but these effects were less apparent and no longer significant with application of more stringent definitions. ARNI appeared to consistently reduce the occurrence of the composite kidney endpoints irrespective of specific eGFR threshold applied. The potential benefits of SGLT2-inhibitors on the composite kidney endpoints appeared more apparent when defined by more stringent eGFR thresholds, although none of these effects individually were statistically significant. Conclusions: When applying standardized stringent kidney endpoint definitions, steroidal MRAs, ARNI, and SGLT2-inhibitors have either neutral or beneficial effects on kidney outcomes in HF. Applying less stringent definitions increased event rates but included acute declines in eGFR that might not ultimately reflect long-term effects on kidney disease progression.

Cardiovascular, Kidney and Safety Outcomes with GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Alone and in Combination with SGLT2 Inhibitors in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors both improve cardiovascular and kidney outcomes in persons with type 2 diabetes. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on clinical outcomes with and without SGLT2 inhibitors. Methods: We searched MEDLINE and Embase databases from inception until July 12, 2024 for randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled outcome trials of GLP-1 receptor agonists in type 2 diabetes that reported treatment effects by baseline use of SGLT2 inhibitors, with findings supplemented by unpublished data. We estimated treatment effects by baseline SGLT2 inhibitor use using inverse variance weighted meta-analysis. The main cardiovascular outcomes were major adverse cardiovascular events ([MACE] nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke or cardiovascular death) and hospitalization for heart failure. Kidney outcomes included a composite of ≥50 % reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR ), kidney failure or death due to kidney failure, and annualized rate of decline in eGFR (eGFR slope). Serious adverse events and severe hypoglycemia were also evaluated. This meta-analysis was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024565765). Results: We identified three trials with 1,743/17,072 (10.2%) participants with type 2 diabetes receiving an SGLT2 inhibitor at baseline. GLP-1 receptor agonists reduced the risk of MACE by 21% (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.71-0.87), with consistent effects in those receiving and not receiving SGLT2 inhibitors at baseline (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.54-1.09 and HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.71-0.87, respectively; P-heterogeneity=0.78). The effect on hospitalization for heart failure was similarly consistent regardless of SGLT2 inhibitor use (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.36-0.93 and HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.63-0.85; P-heterogeneity=0.26). Effects on the composite kidney outcome (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.66-0.95 ) and eGFR slope (0.78 mL/min/1.73m2/year, 95% CI 0.57-0.98) also did not vary according to SGLT2 inhibitor use (P-heterogeneity=0.53 and 0.94, respectively). Serious adverse effects and severe hypoglycemia were also similar regardless of SGLT2 inhibitor use (P-heterogeneity=0.29 and 0.50, respectively). Conclusions: In persons with type 2 diabetes, the cardiovascular and kidney benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists are consistent regardless of SGLT2 inhibitor use.

Efficacy and safety of SGLT2 inhibitors with and without glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists: a SMART-C collaborative meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists both improve cardiovascular and kidney outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. We sought to evaluate whether the benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors are consistent in patients receiving and not receiving GLP-1 receptor agonists. METHODS: We conducted a collaborative meta-analysis of trials included in the SGLT2 Inhibitor Meta-Analysis Cardio-Renal Trialists' Consortium, restricted to participants with diabetes. Treatment effects from individual trials were obtained from Cox regression models and pooled using inverse variance weighted meta-analysis. The two main cardiovascular outcomes assessed included major adverse cardiovascular events (nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or cardiovascular death), and hospitalisation for heart failure or cardiovascular death. The main kidney outcomes assessed were chronic kidney disease progression (≥40% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR], kidney failure [eGFR <15 mL/min/1·73 m2, chronic dialysis, or kidney transplantation], or death due to kidney failure), and the rate of change in eGFR over time. Safety outcomes were also assessed. FINDINGS: Across 12 randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, 3065 (4·2%) of 73 238 participants with diabetes were using GLP-1 receptor agonists at baseline. SGLT2 inhibitors reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in participants both receiving and not receiving GLP-1 receptor agonists (hazard ratio [HR] 0·81, 95% CI 0·63-1·03 vs 0·90, 0·86-0·94; p-heterogeneity=0·31). Effects on hospitalisation for heart failure or cardiovascular death (0·76, 0·57-1·01 vs 0·78, 0·74-0·82; p-heterogeneity=0·90) and chronic kidney disease progression (0·65, 0·46-0·94 vs 0·67, 0·62-0·72; p-heterogeneity=0·81) were also consistent regardless of GLP-1 receptor agonist use, as was the effect on the chronic rate of change in eGFR over time (heterogeneity=0·92). Fewer serious adverse events occurred with SGLT2 inhibitors compared with placebo, irrespective of GLP-1 receptor agonist use (relative risk 0·87, 95% CI 0·79-0·96 vs 0·91, 0·89-0·93; p-heterogeneity=0·41). INTERPRETATION: The effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on cardiovascular and kidney outcomes are consistent regardless of the background use of GLP-1 receptor agonists. These findings suggest independent effects of these evidence-based therapies and support clinical practice guidelines recommending the use of these agents in combination to improve cardiovascular and kidney metabolic outcomes. FUNDING: National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia and the Ramaciotti Foundation.

An overview of the CANVAS Program and CREDENCE trial: The primary outcomes and key clinical implications for those managing patients with type 2 diabetes.

AIMS: To provide an overview of the primary outcomes and key clinical implications of the CANVAS Program and CREDENCE trial, which were event-driven, double-blind randomized controlled trials that established the efficacy and safety of canagliflozin in those with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and high cardiovascular risk (CV) or albuminuric chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS AND RESULTS: The CANVAS programme (CANVAS and CANVAS-R trials) randomized 10 142 people with T2D and high CV risk to canagliflozin or placebo and followed them for a median of 126 weeks. The primary efficacy outcome was met, with canagliflozin treatment associated with a 14% reduction in major adverse CV events (hazard ratio [HR] 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.75 to 0.97; p < 0.001) as compared to placebo. The CREDENCE trial randomized 4401 individuals with T2D and albuminuric CKD to canagliflozin or placebo and followed them for 109 weeks. The CREDENCE trial also met its primary endpoint; canagliflozin treatment was associated with a 30% reduction in the composite of kidney failure, sustained doubling of serum creatinine level, or death from kidney or CV causes (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.82; p < 0.001). Substantial reductions in hospitalization for heart failure (CANVAS: HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.87; CREDENCE: HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.80) and other key CV and kidney outcomes were also identified. Relative clinical benefits were consistent across subgroups defined by baseline age, sex, kidney function and history of CV disease but absolute benefits were greatest in those at highest baseline risk. Total serious adverse events were less common with canagliflozin treatment. Concerns about amputation and fracture risk observed in the CANVAS Program were not seen in CREDENCE and appear to have been spurious chance findings. CONCLUSION: Canagliflozin reduced important CV, kidney and mortality outcomes in those with T2D and high CV risk or CKD across diverse patient groups, with a good safety profile. Taken together with the other sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor CV and renal outcomes trials, these landmark findings have changed the treatment landscape for patients worldwide.

Effects of canagliflozin on total heart failure events across the kidney function spectrum: Participant-level pooled analysis from the CANVAS Program and CREDENCE trial.

AIMS: People with type 2 diabetes (T2D) face high risks of heart failure (HF) hospitalizations that are often recurrent, especially as kidney function declines. We examined the effects of canagliflozin on total HF events by baseline kidney function in patients with T2D at high cardiovascular risk and/or with chronic kidney disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: Leveraging pooled participant-level data from the CANVAS programme (n = 10 142) and CREDENCE trial (n = 4401), first and total HF hospitalizations were examined. Cox proportional hazards models were built for the time to first HF hospitalization, and proportional means models based on cumulative mean functions were used for recurrent HF hospitalizations. Treatment effects were evaluated overall as well as within baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) strata (<45, 45-60, and >60 ml/min/1.73 m2). HF hospitalizations were independently and blindly adjudicated. Among 14 540 participants with available baseline eGFR values, 672 HF hospitalizations occurred over a median follow-up of 2.5 years. Among participants who experienced a HF hospitalization, 357 had a single event (201 in placebo-treated patients and 156 in canagliflozin-treated patients), 77 had 2 events, and 39 had >2 events. Canagliflozin reduced risk of first HF hospitalization (hazard ratio 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.48-0.70) consistently across baseline eGFR strata (pinteraction = 0.84). Canagliflozin reduced total HF hospitalizations overall (mean event ratio 0.63, 95% CI 0.54-0.73) and across eGFR subgroups (pinteraction = 0.51). Canagliflozin also reduced cardiovascular death and total HF hospitalizations (mean event ratio 0.72, 95% CI 0.65-0.80) and across eGFR subgroups (pinteraction = 0.82). The absolute risk reductions were numerically larger, and numbers needed to treat were smaller when evaluating total events versus first events alone. These observed HF benefits were highly consistent across the range of eGFR, with larger absolute benefits in participants who had worse kidney function at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: In individuals with T2D at high cardiovascular risk and/or with chronic kidney disease, canagliflozin reduced the total burden of HF hospitalizations, with consistent benefits observed across the kidney function spectrum. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: CANVAS (NCT01032629), CANVAS-R (NCT01989754), CREDENCE (NCT02065791).

Sacubitril/Valsartan in Patients With Heart Failure and Deterioration in eGFR to <30 mL/min/1.73 m2.

BACKGROUND: Sacubitril/valsartan is a foundational therapy for patients with heart failure. Although current U.S. Food and Drug Administration labeling does not provide guidance regarding initiation or continuation of sacubitril/valsartan in patients with worsening kidney function, guidelines identify estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 as a contraindication to therapy. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of continuing sacubitril/valsartan in patients with deterioration of kidney function below an eGFR of 30 mL/min/1.73 m2. METHODS: The association between a deterioration in eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2, efficacy and safety outcomes, and treatment with sacubitril/valsartan vs renin-angiotensin system inhibitor were evaluated using time updated Cox models in a post hoc parallel trial analyses of PARADIGM-HF and PARAGON-HF. RESULTS: Among 8,346 randomized patients in PARADIGM-HF and 4,746 in PARAGON-HF, 691 (8.3%) and 613 (12.9%), respectively, had an eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 at least once in follow-up. Patients experiencing such deterioration were at higher risk of the primary outcome in both PARADIGM-HF and PARAGON-HF. However, the incidence of the primary outcome remained lower with sacubitril/valsartan vs renin-angiotensin system inhibitor, regardless of deterioration in kidney function in both PARADIGM-HF (Pinteraction = 0.50) and PARAGON-HF (Pinteraction = 0.64). Rates of key safety outcomes were higher among patients experiencing eGFR deterioration; however, rates were similar between treatment groups including among those who remained on treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Patients experiencing deterioration of kidney function to a value below eGFR 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 faced high risk of cardiovascular and kidney disease outcomes. Continuation of sacubitril/valsartan was associated with persistent clinical benefit and no incremental safety risk. These data support continuation of sacubitril/valsartan for heart failure treatment even when eGFR declines below this threshold (PARADIGM-HF [Prospective Comparison of ARNI with ACEI to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and Morbidity in Heart Failure], NCT01035255; and PARAGON-HF [Prospective Comparison of ARNI with ARB Global Outcomes in HF with Preserved Ejection Fraction], NCT01920711).

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials for implications of acute treatment effects on glomerular filtration rate for long-term kidney protection.

Pharmacologic interventions to slow chronic kidney disease progression, such as ACE-inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, or sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, often produce acute treatment effects on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) that differ from their long-term chronic treatment effects. Observational studies assessing the implications of acute effects cannot distinguish acute effects from GFR changes unrelated to the treatment. Here, we performed meta-regression analysis of multiple trials to isolate acute effects to determine their long-term implications. In 64 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), enrolling 154,045 participants, we estimated acute effects as the mean between-group difference in GFR slope from baseline to three months, effects on chronic GFR slope (starting at three months after randomization), and effects on three composite kidney endpoints defined by kidney failure (GFR 15 ml/min/1.73m2 or less, chronic dialysis, or kidney transplantation) or sustained GFR declines of 30%, 40% or 57% decline, respectively. We used Bayesian meta-regression to relate acute effects with treatment effects on chronic slope and the composite kidney endpoints. Overall, acute effects were not associated with treatment effects on chronic slope. Acute effects were associated with the treatment effects on composite kidney outcomes such that larger negative acute effects were associated with lesser beneficial effects on the composite kidney endpoints. Associations were stronger when the kidney composite endpoints were defined by smaller thresholds of GFR decline (30% or 40%). Results were similar in a subgroup of interventions with supposedly hemodynamic effects that acutely reduce GFR. For studies with GFR 60 mL/min/1.73m2 or under, negative acute effects were associated with larger beneficial effects on chronic GFR slope. Thus, our data from a large and diverse set of RCTs suggests that acute effects of interventions may influence the treatment effect on clinical kidney outcomes.

Design and baseline characteristics of the Finerenone, in addition to standard of care, on the progression of kidney disease in patients with Non-Diabetic Chronic Kidney Disease (FIND-CKD) randomized trial.

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS: Finerenone, a non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, improved kidney, and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with CKD and T2D in two Phase 3 outcome trials. The FIND-CKD study investigates the effect of finerenone in adults with CKD without diabetes. METHODS: FIND-CKD (NCT05047263 and EU CT 2023-506897-11-00) is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial in patients with CKD of non-diabetic aetiology. Adults with a urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) of ≥ 200 to ≤3500 mg/g and eGFR ≥ 25 to <90 mL/min/1.73 m2 receiving a maximum tolerated dose of a renin-angiotensin-system (RAS) inhibitor were randomized 1:1 to once daily placebo or finerenone 10 or 20 mg depending on eGFR above or below 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. The primary efficacy outcome is total eGFR slope, defined as the mean annual rate of change in eGFR from baseline to Month 32. Secondary efficacy outcomes include a combined cardiorenal composite outcome comprising time to kidney failure, sustained ≥57% decrease in eGFR, hospitalization for heart failure, or cardiovascular death, as well as separate kidney and cardiovascular composite outcomes. Adverse events are recorded to assess tolerability and safety. RESULTS: Across 24 countries, 3231 patients were screened and 1584 were randomized to study treatment. The most common causes of CKD were chronic glomerulonephritis (57.0%) and hypertensive/ischaemic nephropathy (29.0%). Immunoglobulin A nephropathy was the most common glomerulonephritis (26.3% of the total population). At baseline, mean eGFR and median UACR were 46.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 818.9 mg/g, respectively. Diuretics were used by 282 participants (17.8%), statins by 851 (53.7%), and calcium channel blockers by 794 (50.1%). SGLT2 inhibitors were used in 16.9% of patients; these individuals had a similar mean eGFR (45.6 vs 46.8 mL/min/1.73 m2) and slightly higher median UACR (871.9 vs 808.3 mg/g) compared to those not using SGLT2 inhibitors at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: FIND-CKD is the first Phase 3 trial of finerenone in patients with CKD of non-diabetic aetiology.

Machine learning for prediction of chronic kidney disease progression: Validation of the Klinrisk model in the CANVAS Program and CREDENCE trial.

AIM: To validate the Klinrisk machine learning model for prediction of chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression in patients with type 2 diabetes in the pooled CANVAS/CREDENCE trials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We externally validated the Klinrisk model for prediction of CKD progression, defined as 40% or higher decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or kidney failure. Model performance was assessed for prediction up to 3 years with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), Brier scores and calibration plots of observed and predicted risks. We compared performance of the model with standard of care using eGFR (G1-G4) and urine albumin-creatinine ratio (A1-A3) Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) heatmap categories. RESULTS: The Klinrisk model achieved an AUC of 0.81 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.78-0.83) at 1 year, and 0.88 (95% CI 0.86-0.89) at 3 years. The Brier scores were 0.020 (0.018-0.022) and 0.056 (0.052-0.059) at 1 and 3 years, respectively. Compared with the KDIGO heatmap, the Klinrisk model had improved performance at every interval (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: The Klinrisk machine learning model, using routinely collected laboratory data, was highly accurate in its prediction of CKD progression in the CANVAS/CREDENCE trials. Integration of the model in electronic medical records or laboratory information systems can facilitate risk-based care.

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes: A SMART-C Collaborative Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) consistently improve heart failure and kidney-related outcomes; however, effects on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) across different patient populations are less clear. METHODS: This was a collaborative trial-level meta-analysis from the SGLT2i Meta-analysis Cardio-Renal Trialists Consortium, which includes all phase 3, placebo-controlled, outcomes trials of SGLT2i across 3 patient populations (patients with diabetes at high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, heart failure [HF], or chronic kidney disease). The outcomes of interest were MACE (composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction , or stroke), individual components of MACE (inclusive of fatal and nonfatal events), all-cause mortality, and death subtypes. Effect estimates for SGLT2i versus placebo were meta-analyzed across trials and examined across key subgroups (established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, previous myocardial infarction, diabetes, previous HF, albuminuria, chronic kidney disease stages, and risk groups). RESULTS: A total of 78 607 patients across 11 trials were included: 42 568 (54.2%), 20 725 (26.4%), and 15 314 (19.5%) were included from trials of patients with diabetes at high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, HF, or chronic kidney disease, respectively. SGLT2i reduced the rate of MACE by 9% (hazard ration [HR], 0.91 [95% CI, 0.87-0.96], P<0.0001) with a consistent effect across all 3 patient populations (I2=0%) and across all key subgroups. This effect was primarily driven by a reduction in cardiovascular death (HR, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.81-0.92], P<0.0001), with no significant effect for myocardial infarction in the overall population (HR, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.87-1.04], P=0.29), and no effect on stroke (HR, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.91-1.07], P=0.77). The benefit for cardiovascular death was driven primarily by reductions in HF death and sudden cardiac death (HR, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.46-1.02] and HR, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.78-0.95], respectively) and was generally consistent across subgroups, with the possible exception of being more apparent in those with albuminuria (Pinteraction=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: SGLT2i reduce the risk of MACE across a broad range of patients irrespective of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney function, or other major clinical characteristics at baseline. This effect is driven primarily by a reduction of cardiovascular death, particularly HF death and sudden cardiac death, without a significant effect on myocardial infarction in the overall population, and no effect on stroke. These data may help inform selection for SGLT2i therapies across the spectrum of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic disease.

Geographic variation in sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist use in people with type 2 diabetes in New South Wales, Australia.

AIM: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) improve glycaemic control and cardio-renal outcomes for people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, geographic and socio-economic variation in use is not well understood. METHODS: We identified 367 829 New South Wales residents aged ≥40 years who dispensed metformin in 2020 as a proxy for T2D. We estimated the prevalence of use of other glucose-lowering medicines among people with T2D and the prevalence of SGLT2i and GLP-1RA use among people using concomitant T2D therapy (i.e. metformin + another glucose-lowering medicine). We measured the prevalence by small-level geography, stratified by age group, and characterized by remoteness and socio-economic status. RESULTS: The prevalence of SGLT2i (29.7%) and GLP-1RA (8.3%) use in people with T2D aged 40-64 increased with geographic remoteness and in areas of greater socio-economic disadvantage, similar to other glucose-lowering medicines. The prevalence of SGLT2i (55.4%) and GLP-1RA (15.4%) among people using concomitant T2D therapy varied across geographic areas, with lower SGLT2i use in more disadvantaged areas and localized areas of high GLP-1RA use (2.5 times the median). Compared with people aged 40-64 years, the prevalence of SGLT2i and GLP-1RA use was lower in older age groups, but with similar patterns of variation across geographic areas. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of SGLT2i and GLP-1RA use varied by geography, probably reflecting a combination of system- and prescriber-level factors. Socio-economic variation in GLP-1RA use was overshadowed by localized patterns of prescribing. Continued monitoring of variation can help shape interventions to optimize use among people who would benefit the most.

Effects of Sacubitril/Valsartan Across the Spectrum of Renal Impairment in Patients With Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: The Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) classification integrates both estimated glomerular filtration rate and urine-albumin-creatinine ratio to stratify risk more comprehensively in patients with chronic kidney disease. There are limited data assessing whether this classification system is associated with prognosis and treatment response in heart failure populations. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relative treatment effects of sacubitril/valsartan across the KDIGO risk categories in patients with HFrEF. METHODS: PARADIGM-HF (Prospective Comparison of ARNI with ACEI to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and Morbidity in Heart Failure) was a global randomized controlled trial evaluating sacubitril/valsartan vs enalapril in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Patients were classified according to low, moderate, and high/very high KDIGO risk. Treatment responses were assessed according to baseline KDIGO risk. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular (CV) death or heart failure hospitalization. A renal composite outcome was defined as sustained decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate by ≥40% or end-stage kidney disease. RESULTS: Among 1,910 (23% of total) participants with available data, 42%, 32%, and 26% were classified as low, moderate, and high/very high KDIGO risk, respectively. Patients in the highest KDIGO risk categories experienced the highest rates of the primary composite outcome (7.6 per 100 person-years [95% CI: 6.5-9.0 per 100 person-years], 9.4 per 100 person-years [95% CI: 7.9-11.2 per 100 person-years], and 14.9 per 100 person-years [95% CI: 12.7-17.6 per 100 person-years]; P < 0.001). Sacubitril/valsartan had a similar safety profile and demonstrated consistent effects on the risk of both the primary outcome (PInteraction = 0.31) and the renal composite outcome (PInteraction = 0.50) across the spectrum of KDIGO risk. CONCLUSIONS: One in 4 patients with HFrEF were classified as at least high KDIGO kidney risk; these individuals faced concordantly the highest risks of CV events. Sacubitril/valsartan exhibited consistent CV and kidney protective benefits as well as safety across the spectrum of baseline kidney risk. These data further support initiation of sacubitril/valsartan in HFrEF across a broad range of kidney risk. (This Study Will Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of LCZ696 Compared to Enalapril on Morbidity and Mortality of Patients With Chronic Heart Failure [PARADIGM-HF]; NCT01035255).