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Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor use in patients with a Fontan circulation
Stephanie S Gaydos1, Kimberly E McHugh1, Frances K Woodard1
1Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
Insights
Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors appear safe for treating congestive heart failure in Fontan circulation patients. This study found good tolerability, with few discontinuations, suggesting potential benefits for this unique population.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Congestive heart failure (CHF) in Fontan circulation presents unique challenges compared to biventricular circulation.
- Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have shown efficacy in reducing cardiovascular outcomes in CHF patients with biventricular circulation.
- Limited data exists on the use and outcomes of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with Fontan circulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and tolerability of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients diagnosed with Fontan circulation and CHF.
- To assess the impact of SGLT2 inhibitors on clinical outcomes in this specific patient group.
Main Methods:
- A single-center review was conducted on patients with Fontan circulation who were prescribed SGLT2 inhibitors for CHF.
- The primary outcome measured was the tolerability of the medication and the need for discontinuation.
- Secondary outcomes included changes in New York Heart Association class, CHF hospitalizations, ventricular function, exercise capacity, and laboratory markers.
Main Results:
- Twenty-five patients with Fontan circulation (most with a systemic right ventricle) were identified.
- Over one-third had baseline moderate-to-severe ventricular dysfunction; 59% exhibited occult diastolic dysfunction.
- SGLT2 inhibitors were generally well-tolerated, with only two discontinuations due to perceived side effects; no significant changes were observed in secondary outcomes, though trends suggested potential benefits.
Conclusions:
- SGLT2 inhibitors demonstrate safety and tolerability as a CHF therapy in patients with Fontan circulation.
- This study represents the largest published series on SGLT2 inhibitor use in this population.
- Further research is recommended to fully understand the therapeutic potential of SGLT2 inhibitors in the unique context of Fontan circulation.
Background:
Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce cardiovascular outcomes in patients with congestive heart failure and a biventricular circulation. Congestive heart failure in Fontan univentricular circulation is distinctly different. Experience with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors in this group has not yet been well described.
Objectives:
This work describes safety and tolerability of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors in patients with Fontan circulation.
Methods:
Single-centre review of patients with Fontan circulation prescribed a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors for congestive heart failure. Primary outcome was tolerability or need for discontinuation. Secondary outcomes were changes in New York Heart Association class, congestive heart failure hospitalisation, ventricular function, exercise performance, and laboratory values.
Results:
We identified 25 patients with Fontan circulation prescribed an sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, most with a systemic right ventricle. Over a third of subjects had at least moderately reduced baseline ventricular function. Baseline catheterisation showed a mean Fontan pressure of 17.1 ± 3.7 mmHg and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure 11.7 ± 3.2 mmHg at rest; 59% had occult diastolic dysfunction with abnormal pulmonary capillary wedge pressure elevation following volume expansion. Most were on congestive heart failure medications and/or a pulmonary vasodilator prior to sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors addition, and three had a congestive heart failure hospitalisation within the previous year. All reported good medication tolerance except one patient was nonadherent to medications and two discontinued sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors for perceived side effects. There were no significant differences in secondary outcomes. There was, however, a downward trend of serum brain natriuretic peptide (n = 13) and improved peak VO2 (n = 6), though neither statistically significant (p > 0.05).
Conclusion:
This series, the largest published to date, suggests that sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors are safe and tolerable congestive heart failure therapy in Fontan circulation. Further research is warranted to explore therapy in this unique population.
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