Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Beta-blOckers discoNtinuation in Patients Presenting Heart FaIlure With REcovered Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Sponsor: Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris
Summary
A significant proportion of patients initially diagnosed with heart failure and a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF\<40%, HFrEF) presents a substantial improvement in response to evidence-based medical and device therapies. Some of these patients (estimated from 20 to 30%) even display a complete normalization of LVEF (i.e., \>50%) and are now recognized as a specific sub-group of patients named Heart Failure with recovered Ejection Fraction (HFrecovEF). Different studies have shown that reverse remodeling with recovery of cardiac function and stabilization of HF symptoms are associated with improved clinical outcomes over the long-term. Whether these patients present a stable remission of HF and could benefit a therapeutic de-escalation is however unclear. Until novel data are provided, medical therapies are thus continued indefinitely in these stable patients with HFrecovEF. Current guidelines for the management of patients with heart failure and a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction recommends a comprehensive therapy, including 5 different therapeutic classes (RAAS blockers (with a preference for ARNi) + Beta-Blockers + SGLT2i + Mineraloreceptors Antagonists + or - Diuretics ). None of these therapies (with the recent exception of one SGLT2i, i.e. Dapagliflozin) have been tested in patients with HFrecovEF. In addition, it is unclear whether the benefit of older therapies (notably beta-blockers) remains in patients receiving modern comprehensive therapy as newer drugs were tested as add-on therapies. This polypharmacy is lowering adherence and is creating a challenge for physicians and patients. Betablockers are notably associated with frequent side effects, a limited tolerance and a significant reduction of quality of life. Their efficacy on outcomes is not established in patients with normal LVEF. Pilot studies have suggested that Beta-blockers interruption in patients with HF and normal EF was associated with functional improvement.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
1300
Start Date
2025-02-11
Completion Date
2027-10
Last Updated
2026-01-16
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Βeta-Blockers discontinued (with tapering)
The experimental group will undergo discontinuation of their beta-blockers treatment during the study period. The tapering of beta-blocker will start on the day after randomisation and is based on a reduction by half-dose every 48 hours (1/2 maximally recommended dose for 48 hours, then ¼ maximally recommended dose for 48 hours) until reaching the minimal recommended dosage (1/8 maximally recommended dose) for 48 hours before complete interruption of treatment. Consequently, the tapering will not be needed in patients already receiving the minimal recommended dosage (i.e., 1/8 dose) at inclusion, and these patients will be instructed to stop taking beta-blockers the day after randomisation.
Locations (1)
Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou
Paris, IDF, France