Int J Clin Pharm. 2025 Apr 15. doi: 10.1007/s11096-025-01908-0. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce major cardiovascular events among individuals with heart failure regardless the ejection fraction. The effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and physical capacity are still unclear.
AIM: To investigate the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on HRQoL and physical capacity in patients with heart failure.
METHOD: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing SGLT2 inhibitors to placebo in this population. The outcomes analyzed were mean changes in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) score and its domains: total symptoms score (TSS), physical limitations score (PLS), clinical summary score (CSS) and overall summary score (OSS), as well as the six-minute walk test (6MWT) and peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2).
RESULTS: Eighteen RCTs with 23,848 participants were included. There was a statistical significant improvement in KCCQ TSS (MD: 3.33; 95% CI 1.84 to 4.81; p < 0.001) in HFrEF, HFpEF and non-diabetic subgroups. Consistent findings were found in KCCQ PLS, KCCQ CSS, and KCCQ OSS. The distance covered in the 6MWT was significant higher (MD: 12.8; 95% CI 1.06 to 24.54; p = 0.03) and peak VO2 was increased (MD: 1.06; 95% CI 0.57 to 1.55; p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION: SGLT2 inhibitors improve HRQoL and functional capacity in patients with HF regardless the ejection fraction and co-diagnosis of diabetes.
PMID:40232664 | DOI:10.1007/s11096-025-01908-0
