The effects of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on renal outcomes in routine clinical practice have been investigated in a Scandinavian cohort study. 29,887 new users of SGLT2 inhibitors (such as dapagliflozin, empagliflozin and canagliflozin) were included in one cohort, and propensity score matched with another cohort of 29,887 new users of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, an active comparator. In the study population (mean age 61.3 years), cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease were prevalent in 19% and 3% of participants, respectively. SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with reduced risk of overall serious renal events compared to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.34-0.53), specifically for renal replacement therapy (HR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.22-0.47) and hospitalisation associated with renal events (HR: 0.41, 95% CI 0.32-0.52). The significantly reduced risk of adverse renal outcomes associated with SGLT2 inhibitors compared with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors supports the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with conditions such as type 2 diabetes. Read the full details here.
Contributed by Australian Medication Safety Services Associate – Isabella Singh