#496 Hotcakes: Cannabidiol (CBD)-induced liver injury, IV iron for HFrEF, bedtime BP meds, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome & RA, & Finerenone for HFpEF
Digest
This podcast summarizes key findings from several recent clinical trials. A study on CBD revealed elevated liver enzymes in some individuals at intermediate doses, warranting further investigation. The FAIR-HF2 trial showed high-dose ferric carboxymaltose ineffective in reducing cardiovascular events in heart failure patients. The BEDMED trial found no significant difference in cardiovascular outcomes between morning and bedtime blood pressure medication administration, with adherence being a more crucial factor. A population-based study indicated a strong association between carpal tunnel syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis, requiring further research to establish causality. Finally, the podcast announces the FDA approval of feneronone for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), comparing it to spironolactone.
Outlines

CBD and Liver Enzymes: A JAMA Internal Medicine Study
A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial revealed elevated liver enzymes in some individuals taking intermediate doses of CBD, raising concerns about liver function. Further long-term studies are needed.

IV Iron in Heart Failure: FAIR-HF2 Trial Results
The FAIR-HF2 trial showed high-dose ferric carboxymaltose did not significantly reduce cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization in ambulatory heart failure patients, despite adjustments for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bedtime vs. Morning Blood Pressure Medication: The BEDMED Trial
The BEDMED trial, a large Canadian study, found no significant difference in cardiovascular outcomes between taking blood pressure medication at bedtime versus in the morning. Adherence was higher in the morning group.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Population-Based Study
A population-based study showed a significantly increased risk of carpal tunnel syndrome before and after a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, suggesting a potential association. Further research is needed to clarify the causal relationship.

FDA Approval of Feneronone for Heart Failure
The podcast announces the FDA approval of feneronone for heart failure with an ejection fraction above 40%, based on the FINE-ARTS HF trial. Discussion includes comparison with spironolactone.
Keywords
CBD
Non-psychoactive component of cannabis; study showed potential link to elevated liver enzymes in some users at intermediate doses.
Ferric Carboxymaltose
Intravenous iron preparation; used in FAIR-HF2 trial for heart failure patients; study showed no significant benefit on cardiovascular outcomes.
Blood Pressure Medication Timing
BEDMED trial showed no significant difference in cardiovascular outcomes between morning and bedtime dosing; adherence is crucial.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Autoimmune disease causing chronic inflammation; associated with increased risk of carpal tunnel syndrome; study suggests potential early manifestation or shared underlying cause.
Feneronone
Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist; FDA-approved for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF); positive results in FINE-ARTS HF trial.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Common peripheral nerve entrapment; study shows association with rheumatoid arthritis; potential for misdiagnosis in primary care.
Heart Failure
Several studies address treatment options and outcomes in heart failure patients with preserved and reduced ejection fraction.
Clinical Trials
The podcast summarizes findings from multiple large-scale clinical trials on various health conditions.
Q&A
Does taking CBD affect liver function?
A study showed elevated liver enzymes in some individuals taking intermediate doses of CBD, but more research is needed to determine long-term effects and causality.
Is high-dose intravenous iron beneficial for heart failure patients?
The FAIR-HF2 trial showed no significant benefit on cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization.
Should blood pressure medication be taken at bedtime or in the morning?
The BEDMED trial found no significant difference in cardiovascular outcomes. Adherence is more important.
Is there a link between carpal tunnel syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis?
A study showed a significantly increased risk of carpal tunnel syndrome before and after an RA diagnosis, suggesting a potential association.
Is feneronone a viable treatment option for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction?
Yes, feneronone is now FDA-approved for HFpEF based on the FINE-ARTS HF trial.
What are the key takeaways from these clinical trials?
The podcast highlights the importance of further research on CBD's liver effects, the limitations of high-dose IV iron in heart failure, the significance of medication adherence, a potential link between rheumatoid arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome, and the FDA approval of a new heart failure treatment.
Show Notes
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Credits
- Written and Hosted by: Rahul Ganatra MD, MPH; Nora Taranto MD, Paul Williams, MD, FACP, Matthew Watto MD, FACP
- Cover Art: Rahul Ganatra MD, MPH
- Reviewer: Emi Okamoto, MD
- Technical Production: Pod Paste
- Showrunners: Matthew Watto MD, FACP; Paul Williams MD, FACP
Show Segments
- Intro, disclaimer
- CBD-induced liver injury
- IV Iron in HFrEF
- Bedtime administration of BP medications
- Carpal tunnel syndrome and RA
- FDA approves Finerenone for HFpEF
- Outro
Sponsor: Permanente
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