Available in Argentina
The DIG-DICA study is a randomized, controlled, open-label, single-center trial designed
to evaluate the clinical impact of low-dose digoxin in patients with heart failure with
reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) following an episode of acute decompensation. Despite
significant advances in guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT), many patients continue
to experience persistent symptoms, recurrent congestion, impaired functional capacity,
and reduced quality of life after stabilization. Digoxin, at low serum concentrations,
remains a potentially valuable adjunct therapy, but contemporary evidence in the
post-decompensation setting is limited.
Eligible patients are adults with HFrEF hospitalized or treated in urgent care for acute
heart failure decompensation who have achieved clinical stabilization and are receiving
standardized GDMT according to current guidelines. Participants are randomized to either
continue their usual care alone or receive low-dose digoxin in addition to standard
therapy. The dosing strategy aims to achieve low therapeutic concentrations consistent
with current safety recommendations.
The primary outcome is the proportion of patients who are "Alive and Well" at 180 days,
defined as achieving a Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ-12) score ≥75.
Secondary assessments include changes in symptoms, functional capacity (6-minute walk
test and timed walk), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), renal
function, and other markers of clinical course. Exploratory analyses evaluate the
incidence of major cardiovascular events, including cardiovascular death,
hospitalizations for heart failure, and urgent visits for decompensation.
This study seeks to provide contemporary evidence on whether the addition of low-dose
digoxin after an acute heart failure episode can meaningfully improve medium-term
clinical status, patient-reported outcomes, and stability in routine practice. The
results are intended to clarify the role of digoxin as a practical, accessible, and
low-cost adjunct in the modern management of HFrEF.
1Research sites
120Patients around the world