The ASCEND-HF trial: an acute study of clinical effectiveness of nesiritide and decompensated heart failure

Abstract

Nesiritide has been approved by the US FDA for the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure since 2001. Subsequently, two meta-analyses questioned its impact on mortality and association with worsening renal function. Therefore, the Acute Study of Clinical Effectiveness of Nesiritide in Decompensated Heart Failure trial was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of nesiritide in acute decompensated heart failure based on clinically relevant outcomes. In this article, the important findings and lessons learned from this landmark study are reviewed and potential evolving roles for nesiritide and natriuretic peptides in the future of heart failure therapy are proposed.

Keywords::

• ASCEND-HF
• heart failure
• heart failure therapy
• natriuretic peptides
• nesiritide

Financial & competing interests disclosure

Mayo Clinic and HH Chen have patented and licensed designer natriuretic peptides other than B-type natriuretic peptide. HH Chen has received a research grant from Scios Inc. HH Chen has a consulting agreement with Anexon Inc. and has received royalties form Niles Therapeutics, Inc. and UpToDate, Inc. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.