BRIDGE-DS study: evaluating the effectiveness and safety of dapagliflozin/sitagliptin combination in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with heart failure

Background Co-occurrence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and heart failure (HF) elevates the risk of morbidity and mortality. Recent research emphasizes treatment strategies that go beyond glycemic control to enhance heart function. Aim To assess the effectiveness and safety of the fixed-drug combination of dapagliflozin and sitagliptin (FDC D/S) in T2DM patients with HF. Methods This was a retrospective, multicenter, observational study that included data from 168 T2DM patients with HF receiving treatment with FDC D/S. Outcome parameters included glycated hemoglobin (HbA 1c ), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial plasma glucose (PPG), hypertension, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and adverse events. Results The mean age of the patients was 55.5 ± 10.5 years. Most patients had comorbidities such as hypertension (86.3%) and dyslipidemia (75%), with more than 53% being obese. A significant ( P < 0.0001) reduction was observed in HbA 1c , FPG, PPG, and NT-proBNP levels, and in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) after 3 months of treatment with FDC D/S, while a significant ( P < 0.0001) increase was observed in ejection fraction and eGFR, indicating improved glycemic control and heart function. Urinary tract infections (29.8%), dehydration (17.9%), hypoglycemia (14.9%), and genital mycotic infection (6.6%) were the common adverse events encountered with FDC D/S. Conclusion FDC D/S enhances glycemic control in T2DM patients with HF, leading to reductions in HbA 1c , FPG, PPG, and cardiovascular risk factors such as NT-proBNP, SBP, and DBP, while also improving eGFR. The FDC D/S was generally well-tolerated, making it an effective and convenient treatment option.