Clinical Research Directory

N-of-1 Trial to Promote Beta-Blocker Titration in Heart Failure

In this study we seek to understand whether N-of-1 trials using a crossover withdrawal/reversal design with as many 2-week periods can be used to identify the highest tolerated beta-blocker dose for patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF). To achieve this objective we will conduct a 2-arm randomized controlled trial of 50 participants, comparing intervention(N-of-1 trials) to enhanced usual care. For participants randomized to the intervention, we will use collect data via validated patient-reported outcomes and then display this data on a visualization tool. This tool was iteratively developed for N-of-1 trials with patient input - a comparison of how the patient felt on different beta-blockers. If well-tolerated and the participant agrees to continue with dose escalation based on review of their data, the participant will take a higher dose for the next 2-week period; and the study team will again collect data on how they feel during this time. This approach of sharing end-of-period data with participants and subsequently escalating the dose (based on the participant's decision) for another 2-week period will continue until the guideline-directed target dose is reached or until the participant feels that their symptoms are limiting dose escalation. The N-of-1 intervention is purposefully structured to allow the participant to participate in as many periods (and as many dose combinations) as they wish until they are confident that they have reached their highest tolerated dose. This adaptive design for N-of-1 trials is intended to be patient-centered and patient-driven. We will also conduct brief semi-structured interviews with intervention participants. Participants randomized to enhanced usual care will not have access to patient-reported outcomes or the data visualization tool. Since attention can affect outcomes, we will "enhance usual care" by conducting phone calls at the same frequency as the intervention group.

Comparison of Landiolol Versus Standard of Care for Prevention of Mortality in Patients Hospitalized for a Septic Shock With Hypercontractility

Several data emphasize the relation between tachycardia (\>90/min) and high mortality during septic shock. The investigators previously demonstrated the high mortality associated with hypercontractility, tachycardia and the presence of a left ventricular obstruction. A severe hypovolemia, a hyper adrenergic stimulation or a severe vasoplegia can all explain this relation between tachycardia, hypercontractility and the mortality during septic shock. Landiolol is another short-term acting beta-blocker with a half-life of 4 minutes without any beta 2 activity or membrane stabilizing effect. The landiolol has been used in critically ill patients to control supraventricular tachycardia but not in this context of tachycardia and septic shock. The investigators hypothesize that landiolol by reducing the heart rate may improve the survival of patients treated for a septic shock and presenting with an hypercontractility state.