The effect of angiotensin receptor blocker on neurohumoral axis and ventricular remodeling in patients with severe aortic regurgitation undergoing valve surgery: a randomized pilot clinical trial- ARBNP Trial (Aortic Regurgitation NT-pro-BNP Trial).

• Grant number: 23/15710-5
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: February 01, 2025
• End date: January 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Vitor Emer Egypto Rosa
• Grantee: Vitor Emer Egypto Rosa
• Host Institution: Instituto do Coração Professor Euryclides de Jesus Zerbini (INCOR). Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da USP (HCFMUSP). Secretaria da Saúde (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Flávio Tarasoutchi ; Mariana Pezzute Lopes

Abstract

Pharmacological therapy targeting the neurohumoral axis have emerged as the cornerstone of Heart Failure (HF) treatment. The angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), spironolactone, beta-blockers and neprilysin inhibitors act on the neurohumoral axis, having prognostic impact with proven benefits in terms of ventricular remodeling, morbidity and mortality. However, these drugs have not been tested in the context of valvular cardiomyopathy, as pivotal studies excluded patients with valve disease.There are robust evidences that medical treatment does not reduce mortality in the preoperative phase of valve disease, acting only on symptom management. However, in the period after valve surgery, there is absence of data regarding benefit of medical therapy focused on the neurohumoral axis.Aortic regurgitation represents a condition characterized by pronounced ventricular remodeling during the asymptomatic phase, often developing significant reverse remodeling after surgery. Consequently, it presents as a very interesting model for studying the impact of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibition after valve intervention.Currently, clinicians frequently precribe drugs targeting the neurohumoral axis in the postoperative phase for these patients, extrapolating from findings in classical HF studies.. However, there is no evidence in the literature for this approach, which is common in clinical practice.Therefore, this study aims to assess the impact of the use of the ARB losartan on neurohumoral remodeling in the postoperative period of patients with aortic regurgitation undergoing valve surgery, measuring NT-proBNP, a natriuretic peptide strongly associated with ventricular remodeling.The primary objective of the study is to compare NT-proBNP values in patients taking losartan 50 mg/day versus placebo in the first 3 months after aortic valve replacement for severe aortic regurgitation. This is a pilot, randomized, double-blind clinical study with a sample of 40 patients, who will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio. Patients in both arms will be assessed at 4 time points: randomization, 1, 3 and 12 months after surgery, undergoing a 6-minute walk test and Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36v2) quality of life questionnaire, laboratory tests including NT-proBNP, electrolytes and renal function, as well as a complete echocardiographic evaluation. (AU)