Reduction of Pulmonary Hypertension After Transition to Sacubitril/Valsartan in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Abstract

Objectives: Although the PARAGON-HF trial failed to reach its primary endpoint, subgroups of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) still appear to benefit from Sacubitril/Valsartan therapy. As HFpEF patients with pulmonary hypertension display a specifically high mortality and morbidity, we evaluated the effect of Sacubitril/Valsartan in this subgroup of HFpEF patients. Methods: In this retrospective case-series of 18 patients with HFpEF and pulmonary hypertension, right heart catheterisation (RHC) for determination of invasive pulmonary pressure were performed at baseline (pre-Sacubitril/Valsartan) and 99 (71-156) days after transition from angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers to Sacubitril/Valsartan (post-Sacubitril/Valsartan). Results are given as median and interquartile range. Results: After conversion to Sacubitril/Valsartan, RHC showed significantly reduced pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) compared to pre-Sacubitril/Valsartan [PAP systolic/diastolic/mean 44 (38-55)/15 (11-20)/27 (23-33) mm Hg vs. 51 (41-82)/22 (13-29)/33 (28-52) mm Hg, p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively; PCWP 16 (12-20) mm Hg vs. 22 (15-27) mm Hg, p < 0.05]. Median Sacubitril/Valsartan dosage was 24/26 mg BID (24/26 BID-49/51 mg BID). Clinically, New York Heart Association functional class improved in 12 of the 18 patients (p < 0.01) after conversion to Sacubitril/Valsartan. Echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular function and cardiovascular co-medication did not differ markedly between pre- and post-Sacubitril/Valsartan. Conclusion: Sacubitril/Valsartan therapy is associated with an improvement of pulmonary hypertension in HFpEF patients.

Keywords: HFpEF; Sacubitril/Valsartan; case series; pulmonary hypertension; right heart catheterisation.