Real-World Evaluation of Guideline-Directed Treatments in Patients With Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Germany.

Abstract

Background: Obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is defined by left ventricular hypertrophy with outflow tract obstruction. Despite clear guideline-directed medical therapy recommendations from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), it remains unclear whether real-world treatment aligns with these guidelines. This study evaluates adherence to ESC guidance in Germany, focusing on pharmacological and invasive therapies and identifying gaps in real-world care for patients with obstructive HCM.

Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using the WIG2 Benchmark database, containing administrative claims data from German statutory health insurers. Patients aged ≥18 years who received an International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-coded diagnosis of HCM between 2012 and 2018 were included. Treatment alignment was assessed against ESC guidelines on HCM.

Results: Of 6793 patients with an HCM diagnosis, 1141 had obstructive HCM. Mean age was 59.7 years and 62% were male. Following initial HCM consultation, 18% received beta-blocker (BB) monotherapy and 12% received calcium channel blocker (CCB) monotherapy, in accordance with ESC guidelines. However, 43% of treatment combinations were not aligned with the ESC guidelines, including use of contraindicated dihydropyridine CCBs and vasodilating BBs, and 22% of patients did not receive any HCM-related pharmacological treatment. Overall, only 57% of the prescribed treatments were consistent with ESC guidelines for obstructive HCM management.

Conclusions: This study reveals substantial gaps in alignment with the ESC guidelines for obstructive HCM management in Germany, underscoring the need for enhanced clinician education on existing therapies. Greater uptake of guideline-directed medical therapy is critical to improving patient well-being, functional status and outcomes.