Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitors' Use in Muscular Dystrophy-Related Cardiomyopathy: Data from a...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cardiac involvement is a primary cause of mortality in muscular dystrophies (MDs).
• Limited evidence exists for guideline-directed heart failure (HF) therapies in MD patients.
• This study investigates sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) for HF in MD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness and tolerability of SGLT2i in patients with MD and heart failure.
• To evaluate changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and functional capacity.
• To examine the impact on guideline-directed HF therapy prescription.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, single-center study of MD patients treated with SGLT2i (empagliflozin or dapagliflozin).
• Data collected at baseline and follow-up included clinical, laboratory, echocardiographic, and functional parameters.
• Analysis focused on longitudinal changes in LVEF, fatigue scores, and HF medication use.

Main Results:

• SGLT2i therapy was well-tolerated in 24 MD patients with a median follow-up of 418 days.
• LVEF significantly improved from 41% to 44% (p=0.005).
• Functional capacity improved (FSS decreased, p<0.001), and use of MRAs and beta-blockers increased.

Conclusions:

• SGLT2i therapy is safe and offers modest LVEF improvement and reduced fatigue in MD patients with HF.
• The findings support SGLT2i as a potential treatment for this high-risk population.
• Larger prospective studies are warranted to confirm these results.