Objective: Discuss the literature and describe strategies to overcome barriers of inpatient initiation of sacubitril/valsartan in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).
Data sources: A PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar literature search (January 2014 to June 2020) limited to English language articles was conducted with the following terms: sacubitril/valsartan, initiation, inpatient, hospitalized, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), diuretic, cost, and cost-effectiveness.
Study selection and data extraction: Included articles described inpatient initiation of sacubitril/valsartan or described its impact on BNP, NT-proBNP, diuretic dosing, or cost of care.
Data synthesis: A total of 20 studies were identified based on included search terms.
Conclusions: Sacubitril/valsartan should be considered for hemodynamically stable patients with HFrEF (New York Heart Association class II or III), potassium <5.2 mmol/L, without a history of angioedema, and after a 36-hour washout from angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or aliskiren, if applicable. An appropriate dose can be determined based on the patient's previous ACE inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker dose and/or blood pressure along with patient-specific factors. To overcome barriers of use, the following are recommended: NT-proBNP or BNP with establishment of a new baseline 1 month after initiation may be used for prognosis or diagnosis; careful monitoring of diuretic requirements; utilization of multiple strategies to overcome cost barriers; and use of interdisciplinary care.
Keywords: biochemical markers; cardiology; clinical decision making; clinical pharmacy; congestive heart failure; cost; diuretics; drug monitoring; literature evaluation.