TNMU Associate Professor Participated in Clinical Trials in Heart Failure Course

On October 7-9, 2022, Associate Professor of the Department of Emergency Medical Care Sofiia Lypovetska took part in the HFA Clinical Trials in Heart Failure course of the European Society of Cardiology in Sorrento (Italy).

Every year, the European Society of Cardiology organizes a series of scientific courses for cardiologists who are interested in conducting clinical trials, particularly in heart failure (HF). Due to the interaction of experienced experts and young clinical researchers, an updated concept of HF treatment is being created.

Randomized clinical trials are the main source of evidence for the treatment of such patients. In 2019, a large observational study – HFA Atlas survey, which was conducted in 42 European countries, was completed. It demonstrated significant heterogeneity of HF, different availability of resources for its treatment in ESC member countries. In particular, the average number of hospitals with specialized HF centres was 1.16 (IQR 0.51-2.97) per million people, ranging from <0.10 in Ukraine to >7 in Norway and Italy. Therefore, during this course, great emphasis was placed on the unification of registers for HF patients, the implementation of this subspecialty in practice, and the opening of specialized departments for these patients.

Course participants had the opportunity to learn in detail the procedures of clinical trails, techniques of randomization, blinding, ethical interactions, as well as features of selection and determination of endpoints.

The correct choice of inclusion and exclusion criteria determines the research strategy. In particular, the previous HF trails, which formed the basis of official recommendations, were analyzed, their strengths and weaknesses were analyzed, and the gaps that required new evidence and repeated analyzes were emphasized.
Quality of life assessment is a basic procedure in most modern trails. During the course, various options of questionnaires that can be used in patients with HF were presented.

Young clinicians and researchers who participated in the course received new ideas and increased their motivation thanks to experienced mentors. During informal meetings, participants expressed their admiration for Ukraine and told how they personally contribute to our victory.