Angiotensin Receptor–Neprilysin Inhibitor in Heart Failure Patients With Renal Dysfunction

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) and renal dysfunction often coexist and interact in many complex and bidirectional pathways, leading to detrimental effects on patient outcomes. The treatment of HF patients with renal dysfunction presents a significant clinical challenge. Interestingly, sacubitril/valsartan, an angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), may have beneficial effects on cardiac and renal outcomes in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction, particularly by slowing the rate of decrease in the estimated glomerular filtration rate compared to a single angiotensin–converting enzyme inhibitor. Recently, more reports have emphasized the renal protection of sacubitril/valsartan in patients with HF. In HF patients with renal dysfunction, however, there is no strong evidence supporting the use of sacubitril/valsartan to reduce the absolute risk of hyperkalemia and worsening renal function; therefore, the administration of ARNI requires a careful balance between the benefits and risks. Furthermore, the lack of evidence-based management highlights the importance of an individualized approach based on published experience and multidisciplinary collaborations, as well as underlines the need for in-depth studies investigating the underlying mechanisms in cardiorenal interactions with a focus on treatments.