AzTrials
AzTrials

Heart DiseasePHRASE-HFNCT06675552

Non-interventional Study on Guideline Directed Medical Therapy for Patients With Heart Failure (HF) in Germany

An observational study of Heart Disease and Heart Failure, run by AstraZeneca at 6 sites in Germany.

Active, not recruiting

Under way, not looking for participants. Everyone needed has enrolled. The study is still running.

Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

Heart failure (HF) is a global public health issue that affects more than 63 million people worldwide. The clinical and economic burden of HF on health care systems is substantial. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 130 years
How many people
338 participants
Where
6 sitesGermany
Study dates
15 Nov 2024to 30 Jun 2027
Phase
Observational
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 130 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Study population: Approximately 438 patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) admitted for in-hospital treatment with a maximum of 2 of the indicated guideline recommended drug classes (ACE-I/ARNI/ARB, BB, MRA, SGLT2i) in the current medication plan are planned to be enrolled consecutively. Recruitment will take place at 5-7 inpatient cardiology departments at Helios hospitals trained by Helios-GDMT-Program throughout Germany.

Who may be able to join

  • Age ≥18 years at the time of signing the informed consent
  • Hospitalised in a participating site and receiving full inpatient treatment (at least 24h hospital stay)
  • Diagnosis of HFrEF according to the current guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) with a left ventricular EF of ≤40% (as measured per echocardiography during the index hospital stay or within 3 months prior to index hospitalisation with available reports from imaging (ejection fraction) at the time of study inclusion)
  • Treated with a maximum of 2 of the indicated drug classes (ACE-I/ARNI/ARB, BB, MRA, SGLT2i) according to guideline recommendation (GDMT) at admission.
  • Signed and dated written informed consent prior to enrolment in the study
  • Willing and capable to fulfil requirements listed in the ICF

Who cannot join

  • Initial presentation (index hospitalisation) in cardiogenic shock or other kinds of shock
  • Status post heart transplantation
  • History of intolerance to one or more GDMT drug classes (ACE-I/ARNI/ARB, BB, MRA, SGLT2i) or significant side effects that led to the discontinuation of two or more substances within one drug class (except from ACE-I/ARB, e.g., if 2 different ACE inhibitors triggered cough, but sartans are tolerated, then the patient is not excluded)
  • Current or planned participation in a clinical trial
  • Decision by the investigator that the participant should not participate in the study if the participant is unlikely to comply with study procedures
  • Pregnancy or breast-feeding

Trial locations and contacts

6 sites in 1 country.

6 sites in 1 country

Germany6 sites
  • Research Site

    Berlin, 13125

  • Research Site

    Erfurt, 99089

  • Research Site

    Gifhorn, 38518

  • Research Site

    Leipzig, 04289

  • Research Site

    Schwerin, 19049

  • Research Site

    Wuppertal, 42117

Other trials in Germany

About this study

Official title: PHenotype-based RApid SEquencing of Guideline-directed Medical Therapy for Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction (PHRASE-HF): A Multicentre, Prospective, Non-interventional Study to Examine Outcomes of Rapid In-hospital Implementation of GDMT and Its Translation From Discharge Into Routine Care

Heart failure (HF) is a global public health issue that affects more than 63 million people worldwide. The clinical and economic burden of HF on health care systems is substantial. Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) represents approximately 50% of the HF patient population.The burden of HF is expected to increase substantially as the population ages, and despite improvements in treatment, hospitalisation and mortality rates remain especially high in HFrEF patients. The current guideline recommendation of directed medical therapy for HFrEF combines four drug classes with proven prognostic benefit: Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI)/angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE I)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), betablockers (BB), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA), and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i). The 2023 ESC (European Society of Cardiology) HF guideline update additionally recommends a rapid in-hospital sequencing approach of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) with frequent physician visits during the first 6 weeks post discharge. Studies investigating the implementation of GDMT in a real-world setting have shown that a significant proportion of patients did not receive the recommended drug combination therapy. Delayed initiation of GDMT contributes to the low number of patients receiving guideline concordant HFrEF therapy, which ultimately may affect patient outcomes. One approach to implement the 2023 ESC guideline updates for heart failure treatment regarding early in-hospital initiation and rapid up-titration of GDMT could be to provide specific training on GDMT recommendations. Such a standardised training is offered to the physicians treating HF patients within selected hospitals of the German Helios hospital network (Helios-GDMT-program). Evidence is needed in order to assess whether in-hospital initiation and up-titration of all phenotype concordant classes of GDMT at hospital discharge can be observed after standardised physician training and whether the GDMT-program implementation also translates into real-world routine outpatient care with respect to use of GDMT and clinical outcomes.

Read the detailed description

The overall aim of PHRASE-HF is to evaluate the use of GDMT at hospital discharge, the translation of in-hospital implementation and possible maximisation of phenotype-based GDMT into real-world routine outpatient care, HF symptoms, patient reported outcomes (PROs), clinically relevant outcomes (e.g. rehospitalisation, mortality), use of diuretics and concomitant drug classes in patients admitted for in-hospital treatment of HFrEF to sites trained within the Helios-GDMT-program. The analyses will primarily be done in a total study population, and as defined by exploratory objectives in subgroups of interest.

Keywords
Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF), Guideline Directed Medical Therapy, Real-World Evidence
Medical subject headings
Heart Diseases, Heart Failure, Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart Failure, Systolic

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Proportion of patients treated with HFrEF GDMT

    Proportion of patients treated with phenotype-concordant guideline-recommended HF drug classes and the corresponding doses as noted in patients electronic medical records

    Measured: Baseline to hospital discharge, on average 6 days after hospitalization/baseline

Secondary outcomes (23)
  1. Number of recommended HF-drug classes

    The HF-drug classes including the corresponding doses that are recommended in discharge letter at hospital discharge

    Measured: Baseline to hospital discharge, on average 6 days after hospitalization/baseline

  2. Change of percentage in HFrEF GDMT

    The percentage of patients who are newly initiated on guideline-directed HFrEF medical therapy

    Measured: Baseline to 12 months

  3. Change of phenotype-concordant guideline-recommended HF drug classes

    The number of patients with change in phenotype-concordant guideline- recommended HF drug classes

    Measured: Hospital Discharge (on average 6 days after hospitalization/baseline) to 12 months

  4. Reasons for GDMT adjustments

    The reasons for guideline-directed medical therapy changes as noted in patients electronic medical records will be described as the number and proportion of patients who experienced adjustment in guideline-directed medical therapy according to each reasons presented

    Measured: Hospital Discharge (on average 6 days after hospitalization/baseline) to 12 months

  5. Reasons for not having guideline-recommended drug classes or doses

    The reasons for not having maximal phenotype-concordant guideline-recommended HF drug classes as noted in patients electronic medical records will be described as the number and proportion of patients who are not having maximal GDMT drug classes according to each reasons presented

    Measured: Hospital Discharge (on average 6 days after hospitalization/baseline) to 12 months

  6. Number of outpatient post-discharge visits

    The number of outpatient visits for heart failure treatment within the first three months after hospital discharge

    Measured: Hospital Discharge (on average 6 days after hospitalization/baseline) to 3 months

  7. Proportion of patients conducting post-discharge visits

    Proportion of patients conducting post-discharge visits for heart failure treatment within the first three months after hospital discharge

    Measured: Hospital Discharge (on average 6 days after hospitalization/baseline) to 3 months

  8. Absolute change from baseline in NYHA class

    The NYHA classification is a regimen for the classification of heart failure into certain stages according to clearly defined criteria. Treatment of heart failure is usually based on the NYHA classification. Symptoms used to evaluate the stages include dyspnea, nocturia at night, cyanosis, general weakness and fatigue, angina pectoris or cold extremities, edema. NYHA-I: No limitation on resilience. Complete absence of symptoms or signs of exertion when heart disease is diagnosed; NYHA-II: Slight decrease in endurance. Freedom from discomfort during rest and with mild exertion, occurrence of symptoms with increased stress; NYHA-III: Severe limitation of resilience. Freedom from discomfort at rest, occurrence of symptoms even with mild exertion; NYHA-IV: Permanent symptoms, even during rest.

    Measured: Measured at 6 and 12 months

  9. Change from Baseline in blood pressure

    Changes in patients blood pressure as noted in patients electronic medical records /

    Measured: Baseline to 12 months

  10. Change from Baseline in heart rate

    Changes in patients heart rate as noted in patients electronic medical records

    Measured: Baseline to 12 months

  11. Change from Baseline in electrolyte level

    Changes in patients electrolyte level as noted in patients electronic medical records

    Measured: Baseline to 12 months

  12. Change from Baseline in potassium level

    Changes in patients potassium level as noted in patients electronic medical records

    Measured: Baseline to 12 months

  13. Change from Baseline in estimated glomerular filtrations rate

    Changes in patients estimated glomerular filtration rate as noted in patients electronic medical records

    Measured: Baseline to 12 months

  14. Change from Baseline in serum creatinine concentration

    Changes in patients serum creatinine concentration as noted in patients electronic medical records

    Measured: Baseline to 12 months

  15. Number of rehospitalization for heart failure

    The number of patients being rehospitalized for heart failure within the observational period

    Measured: Hospital Discharge (on average 6 days after hospitalization/baseline) to 12 months

  16. Overall Survival

    Number of patients who died during the observational period

    Measured: Baseline to 12 months

  17. CV-specific survival

    Number of patients who died due to cardiovascular disease during observation period

    Measured: Baseline to 12 months

  18. Absolute change from baseline in Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS)-5 questionnaire

    The MARS-5 is five-item self-report adherence scale which assesses both intentional and non-intentional non-adherence. Respondents rate the frequency with which the five different medication-taking behaviours occur, scoring each item on a 1-5-point scale with higher scores indicating higher reported adherence. The MARS-5 has been shown to be reliable and valid across a variety of health conditions, including cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. Only applicable to Prospective cohort.

    Measured: Measured at 6 and 12 months

  19. Absolute change from baseline in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) score

    The KCCQ is a 23-item questionnaire that quantifies physical limitations, self-efficacy, social interference and quality of life. Summary scores will be examined at each assessment point during follow-up. For each of the assessment periods, descriptive statistics for the observed value, change from baseline and the 95% two-sided confidence interval for the mean change will be presented. The proportions of participants with overall health status classified as poor, fair, good, and excellent will be examined at each assessment point. Additionally, the proportions of participants who experience clinically meaningful changes in overall health status: improvement (≥5 point increase), deterioration (≥5 point decrease), and stable (<5 point increase or decrease) will be examined at each assessment point. Only applicable to Prospective cohort

    Measured: Measured at 6 and 12 months

  20. Absolute change from baseline in PROMIS Global Health 10

    The PROMIS 10 is a validated comprehensive and accessible set of tools used to measure self-reported physical, mental and social health; including symptoms, function and general perceptions of health and wellbeing. The PROMIS 10 consists of ten items that measure physical health, physical functioning, general mental health, emotional distress, satisfaction with social activities and relationships, ability to carry out usual social activities and roles, pain, fatigue and overall quality of life.

    Measured: Measured at 6 and 12 months

  21. Absolute change from baseline in the Nine-Item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)

    HF is associated with depressive disorders and manifest depressions. The PHQ-9 that capture depressed mood and anhedonia has been validated as an ultra-brief screening tool with some evidence of responsiveness. The PHQ-9 score is obtained by adding the score for each question (total points). A PHQ-9 score ranges from 0-27, to determine whether they meet criteria for a depressive disorder.

    Measured: Measured at 6 and 12 months

  22. Number of diuretics changes

    The number of patients who experience a switch in their diuretic medication drug class as noted in patients electronic medical record

    Measured: Baseline to 12 months

  23. Number of concomitant medication changes

    The number of patients who experience a switch in their concomitant medication drug class as noted in patients electronic medical record

    Measured: Baseline to 12 months

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted5 Nov 2024
  2. Study start15 Nov 2024
  3. Primary completion30 Jun 2027 (estimated)
  4. Study completion30 Jun 2027 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Observational
Observational model
Cohort
Time perspective
Prospective
Enrolment
338 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06675552
Sponsor's protocol ID
D1699R00045
Acronym
PHRASE-HF
Status last verified
Aug 2026
First submitted
20 Sep 2024
Last updated
20 Aug 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: Qualified researchers can request access to anonymized individual patient-level data from AstraZeneca group of companies sponsored clinical trials via the request portal. All request will be evaluated as per the AZ disclosure commitment: https://astrazenecagrouptrials.pharmacm/ST/Submission/Disclosure Yes, indicates that AZ are accepting requests for IPD, but this does not mean all requests will be shared.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

An observational study of Heart Disease and Heart Failure, run by AstraZeneca at 6 sites in Germany.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 20 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 6 sites in Germany. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Proportion of patients treated with HFrEF GDMT (time frame: Baseline to hospital discharge, on average 6 days after hospitalization/baseline). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 20 Aug 2026.

Free account

Log in to keep searching

You’ve used your 3 free searches. AzTrials is free: log in or create a free account to keep searching clinical trials and save the ones you want to follow.

Create a free accountLog in