Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) is one of cornerstones in the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, MRA has been extremely under-used globally. The main reason for this seems to be increased risk of hyperkalemia in individuals on MRA. Theoretically, by limiting the risk of hyperkalemia it could thus be possible to optimize MRA therapy. This is studied in this randomized controlled trial in which it is investigated whethere adding a potassium-binder in combination with MRA treatment prevent hyperkalemia to a greater extent than only using MRA. The specific aim of this study is to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate (SZC) in optimizing MRA in symptomatic patients with HFrEF. A multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study in Sweden (n=110) The study consists of 2 phases: 1) open-label run-in within maximum 2 months, where all are treated with SZC to test tolarability, and 2) a 1:1 randomized, double-blinded and placebo-controlled treatment during 6 months. The open-label phase, in turn, consists of three periods: run-in (1 - 2 weeks), correc-tion (maximum 72 hours) and maintenance (4-7 weeks). In addition, post-randomization phase, all patients will be followed by 3 visits (Follow-Up 1, 2 and 3) at 1, 2 and 4 weeks after End of Study (EOS) / End of Treatment (EOT) (which comes first) for further control of kalium and creatinine levels and documentation of current MRA use incl dose. Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate (SZC) (Lokelma)®, 5 g, 10 g, orally, is an approved drug in Sweden. For correction of hyperkalemia, the recommended starting dose is 10 g, three times daily. Once normokalemia has been achieved, the maintenance reg-imen should be started with 5 g once daily. The dose can be titrated up to 10 g once daily or lowered to 5 g once every other day as needed, to maintain a normal level of potassium. Primary Objective: To demonstrate the efficacy of Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate (SZC) on optimiz-ing MRA in HFrEF, SZC vs Placebo. Outcome measure: Whether a patient maintains MRA either at a dose ≥ 25 mg daily (for those without MRA at base-line) or a dose increase by 25 mg daily (for those with MRA ≤ 25 mg daily at baseline) and K level in the normal range (3.5-5.0 mmol/L) at the end of study, without rescue therapy due to hy-perkalemia at any point during the randomization phase.
Target subject population Stable and symptomatic patients with chronic heart failure and LVEF ≤ 40% despite Guideline-Directed Medical Treatment (ACE/ARB/ARNI, beta blockers, SGLT2 inhibitor, MRA) at the discretion of physician´s judgement AND remaining suboptimal treatment of MRA Duration of treatment This study consists of 2 treatment phases: 1) Open-label Run-in, and 2) Randomized, pla-cebo-controlled, double-blinded treatment during 6 months. The Open-label phase, in turn, consists of three periods: up-titration (normally 1 - 2 weeks, or longer in some cases), Cor-rection (maximum up to 72 hours) and Maintenance (4-7 weeks) Investigational product, dosage and mode of administration Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate (SZC) (Lokelma)®, 5 g, 10 g, orally, is an approved drug in Sweden. For correction of hyperkalemia, the recommended starting dose is 10 g, three times daily. Once normokalemia has been achieved, the maintenance regimen should be started with 5 g once daily. The dose can be adjusted up to 10 g once daily or lowered to 5 g once every other day as needed, to maintain a normal level of potassium.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
110
SZC is an approved drug in Sweden and subsidized for patients with chronic kidney disease in stages 3 to 5, with or without chronic heart failure, for whom treatment with Resonium is not suitable and for patients with chronic heart failure without con-comitant chronic kidney disease
Treatment with the same dose of placebo medicine as they would have received had they been treated with the interventional drug (SZC).
Section of Cardiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital-Östra Hospital
Gothenburg, Västra Götalanddsregion, Sweden
Sahlgrenska University Hospital-Ostra Hospital
Gothenburg, Sweden
Optimization of MRA usage by Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate in HFrEF
Outcome Measure: Whether a patient maintains MRA either at a dose ≥ 25 mg daily (for those without MRA at base-line) or a dose increase by 25 mg daily (for those with MRA ≤ 25 mg daily at baseline) and K level in the normal range (3.5-5.0 mmol/L) at the end of study, without rescue therapy due to hy-perkalemia at any point during the randomization phase.
Time frame: 180 days during randomization phase
Maintainance of MRA-dose by Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate
Measuring whether a patient is able to maintain at least the same MRA dose at the end of study as at the point of randomization without receiving rescue therapy. SZC vs Placebo
Time frame: 180 days during randomization phase
The impact of MRA-optimization on quality of life by Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate
Quality of life is measured by KCCQ (the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire): a change in the clinical summary score ( from 0 to 100) with higher scores indicating fewer symptoms and physical limitations, end of study vs at the point of randomizaiton.
Time frame: 180 days during randomization phase
The impact of MRA-optimization on symptomatic relief by Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate
Symptomatic relief is evaluated by a composite of change either in NYHA or Lickert Scale as prespecified below: 1. change in the NYHA functional classifi-cation (I-IV) with higher class indicating more symptomatic and physical limita-tions, or 2. change in the 5-point Likert scale (5PLS) with higher score indicating the worst possible shortness of breath
Time frame: 180 days during randomization
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