VERICIDuAT: Real-life study of vericiguat in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

Abstract

Introduction and objectives

The aim of this study is to assess the safety in a real-world cohort of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Methods

Observational, retrospective and single-center study with patients on vericiguat treatment from the Cardiology and Internal Medicine outpatient clinic of the Valencia General University Hospital Consortium during 2023 year and with minimum follow-up of 6 months. Patients with HFpEF diagnosis and optimized treatment according to the ESC 2021 clinical practice guidelines were included, to whom treatment with vericiguat was started.

Results

We included 123 patients with a mean age of 78 years, mostly men (62%) and with NYHA II functional status (52%). 98 patients completed follow-up after a median follow-up of 162 days (IQR 13–343). The average dose of vericiguat used was 8,3 ± 2,7 mg and 75 patients achieved the target dose of 10 mg (71%). At the end of follow-up, no significant changes were observed in the values of proBNP (pg/mL), CA125, hemoglobin (mg/dl), electrolytes, glomerular filtration rate (mL/min/m²) and systolic blood pressure (mmHg). Of all the patients who completed follow-up, 11 (11%) discontinued treatment due to adverse effects, mostly symptomatic hypotension, digestive symptoms and pruritus; 25 died (20%).

Conclusions

The use of vericiguat is safe, if used according to the technical data sheet, in terms of the established parameters. Further long-term studies are needed to evaluate the impact of vericiguat as a potential disease-modifying treatment.