AuthorisedTherapeutic use (Phase IV)Interventional

Discontinuation or Continuation of SGLT-2 Inhibitors Before Cardiac Surgery: Impact on Postoperative Cardiovascular Outcomes – DISCO Study

The DISCO study is investigating if patients with heart failure who are taking specific medications, called SGLT-2 inhibitors (like dapagliflozin and empagliflozin), should continue or stop these drugs before heart surgery. Researchers want to see how this decision impacts their recovery and overall health after the operation. They will be looking at important measures like preventing heart damage, reducing the need for readmission, and improving survival. The study aims to help doctors make the best choices for patients undergoing heart surgery.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Therapeutic use (Phase IV)

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire De Toulouse

Enrolment target

458

Start

29 May 2026

heart failure

What is this study about?

Imagine you're facing heart surgery, and you're already taking medication for heart failure. This study, called DISCO, is looking into whether it's better for you to keep taking those specific heart failure medications (SGLT-2 inhibitors like dapagliflozin or empagliflozin) right up until your operation, or if you should stop them beforehand. It's a really important question because doctors want to do everything they can to help you recover smoothly and safely after major heart surgery.

Heart surgery, while often life-saving, can be tough on the body. Sometimes, people experience complications like further heart damage, needing more hospital care, or other issues in the days and weeks after the operation. This study specifically wants to see if continuing or stopping these SGLT-2 inhibitor medications influences these kinds of outcomes. By understanding this better, doctors can give clearer guidance to patients with heart failure who are preparing for surgery.

The main goal is to improve how well people with heart failure do after heart surgery. If we can figure out the best way to manage these medications around the time of surgery, it could lead to safer procedures and better, faster recoveries for many patients across the UK.

Key takeaways

The DISCO study investigates SGLT-2 inhibitor use before heart surgery for heart failure patients.
It aims to find out if continuing or stopping these medicines before surgery is safer and more effective.
The study assesses important outcomes like heart complications and recovery after surgery.
It could help doctors worldwide make better decisions for patients with heart failure undergoing operations.
Participation involves monitoring your health closely before and after heart surgery.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 and over, of any gender. To be considered, you must have heart failure and be taking certain medications called SGLT-2 inhibitors, such as dapagliflozin or empagliflozin. You must also be scheduled for heart surgery.

The research team will check other details from your medical history to make sure the study is a good fit for you and safe. This helps ensure that the results of the study are clear and apply to the right group of patients.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have heart failure?
Are you currently taking an SGLT-2 inhibitor medication (like dapagliflozin or empagliflozin)?
Are you scheduled to have heart surgery soon?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the DISCO study, you will continue to receive the standard care for your upcoming heart surgery. The study involves closely monitoring your health before, during, and after your operation. This includes regular checks of your heart health, blood tests (like assessing troponin levels for heart injury), and tracking if you experience any complications such as low heart pumping function or needing to be re-admitted to the hospital. Researchers will also look at how quickly you resume your SGLT-2 inhibitor medication after surgery. The study also involves completing a questionnaire about your quality of life both before your surgery and again later. The total duration of your participation will involve observations up to 30 days after your surgery.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might help improve understanding of the best way to manage heart failure medications around the time of heart surgery, potentially benefiting future patients. However, this study might not directly benefit you personally. All medical procedures and medications carry some risks, and by participating, you agree to close monitoring for any side effects. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

—
Unverified
France

Common questions

What are SGLT-2 inhibitors?

These are a type of medication commonly used to treat heart failure and sometimes diabetes. Examples include Dapagliflozin and Empagliflozin.

What is 'heart failure'?

Heart failure means your heart isn't pumping blood as well as it should. It can lead to symptoms like breathlessness and tiredness.

What does a 'composite endpoint' mean?

It means the study is looking at several important health outcomes together, like heart damage after surgery, needing to go back to hospital for heart failure, or survival.

Will I know if I'm continuing or stopping my medicine?

The study design will determine whether you, or your doctors, will know which treatment plan you are following. This ensures the study's results are fair and unbiased.

Is this a new medication?

No, this study is about how to best use existing, approved medications (SGLT-2 inhibitors) that are already used to treat heart failure.