This retrospective cohort study investigates the effects of SGLT2 inhibitor therapy on erythropoiesis and its association with cardiac and renal outcomes in patients with chronic heart failure. The study will compare hematological parameters, echocardiographic measures, and clinical outcomes between patients who initiated SGLT2 inhibitor therapy and a matched control group receiving guideline-directed medical therapy alone over a 12-month follow-up period.
The study is designed as a retrospective cohort analysis of patients with chronic heart failure who attended the outpatient heart failure clinics at University Medical Centre Ljubljana between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2023. Patients will be divided into two groups: those who initiated SGLT2 inhibitor therapy (empagliflozin or dapagliflozin 10 mg daily) and a control group of comparable patients receiving guideline-directed medical therapy without SGLT2 inhibitors. Data will be extracted from electronic medical records at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. The primary focus is on changes in erythropoietic parameters (hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell count, red cell distribution width) and their association with changes in cardiac function (LVEF, NTproBNP, NYHA class) and renal function (eGFR, serum creatinine).
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
85
University Medical Centre Ljubljana
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Change in hemoglobin levels
Change in hemoglobin (g/L)
Time frame: Baseline to 12 months
Change in left ventricular ejection fraction
Change in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, %)
Time frame: Baseline to 12 months
Change in left ventricular end-diastolic volume
Change in left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV, mL)
Time frame: Baseline to 12 months
Change in left ventricular end-systolic volume
Change in left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV, mL)
Time frame: Baseline to 12 months
Change in N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels
Change in N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP, pg/mL)
Time frame: Baseline to 12 months
Change in renal function
Changes in serum creatinine (µmol/L)
Time frame: Baseline to 12 months
Change in parameters of iron metabolism
Changes in serum iron (µmol/L).
Time frame: Baseline to 12 months
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.