Background: The aim of this study was to determine the safety and feasibility of in-hospital sacubitril/valsartan initiation after clinical stabilization in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and reduced ejection fraction (EF).
Methods: This retrospective, multicenter observational study included patients admitted for ADHF in 2 Italian centers between February 2017 and January 2022. Feasibility was evaluated by assessing the proportion of patients discharged on sacubitril/valsartan. Key safety endpoints were the incidences of adverse events during hospitalization and during follow-up planned at 1 month, 3-6 months and 12-18 months after discharge.
Results: One hundred and twenty-two patients were included. Median age was 71 (60-78) years, 78% male, 63% New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III at admission with a median left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) of 25% (20-30). During hospitalization, 94 (77%) patients were treated with intravenous diuretics, 39 (32%) with inotrope/vasopressor, 51 (42%) with continuous positive airway pressure ventilation and 7 (6%) were assisted with an intra-aortic balloon pump. Median time from hospitalization to sacubitril/valsartan initiation was 4 (2-7) days. Sacubitril/valsartan was started at a dosage of 12/13 mg in 52 (43%) patients, 24/26 mg in 61 (50%) patients and 49/51 mg in 8 (7%) patients. Overall, 111 (91%) patients were discharged on sacubitril/valsartan. At 12-18-month follow-up, the vast majority of patients were still on sacubitril/valsartan therapy.
Conclusions: In-hospital initiation of sacubitril/valsartan treatment in real-world ADHF patients may be a safe and feasible treatment option.