Effect of dapagliflozin on the initial estimated glomerular filtration rate dip in chronic kidney disease patients without diabetes mellitus

Effect of administration and withdrawal of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, tofogliflozin, on renal protection in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy: A multicenter, single-arm study (RESTORE-nephropathy study)

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

The mechanisms of the renoprotective effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors are unknown. This study aimed to explore the effect and mechanism of tofogliflozin on urinary albumin by administration, withdrawal, and re-administration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus and stage 2 or 3 diabetic nephropathy were enrolled. Tofogliflozin was administered for 24 weeks, withdrawn for 12 weeks (withdrawal period), and re-administered for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change in urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR). The secondary endpoints included hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), hepatic biomarkers, lipid profiles, physical examinations, and blood counts.

RESULTS

A total of 47 individuals were enrolled. UACR significantly decreased throughout the observation period. It also significantly decreased, increased, and again decreased during the period of the 1st administration, withdrawal, and re-administration, respectively. HbA1c, body weight, waist circumference, and systolic blood pressure also showed the same tendency. Aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase significantly decreased throughout the observation period, but did not increase during the withdrawal period.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary albumin improved during the administration of tofogliflozin and worsened during its withdrawal, suggesting the reversibility of its renoprotective effect. The administration of tofogliflozin should be continued to avoid the reversal of glycemic control, renoprotective effects, and other beneficial effects.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors: a novel approach to prevent the transition from acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Acute kidney injury (AKI) often progresses to chronic kidney disease (CKD), yet standardized clinical guidelines for managing this transition remain lacking. Recent studies suggest that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) or flozins improve AKI outcomes. Studies on patients living with diabetes post-AKI show flozins reduce mortality, CKD progression, and recurrent AKI, highlighting their potential in mitigating maladaptive kidney repair. We discuss recent preclinical evidence supporting a role of SGLT2i during AKI repair and subsequent CKD.

RECENT FINDINGS

AKI is characterized by endothelial and tubular injury, hypoperfusion, metabolic dysfunction, inflammation, and cell death. SGLT2i restore renal hemodynamics, mitochondrial dysfunction, and reduce oxidative stress, improving recovery following AKI. Additionally, SGLT2i mitigate cell death by counteracting apoptosis and ferroptosis while reducing inflammation through suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammasome activation. Beyond AKI, flozins exhibit long-term antifibrotic effects, reducing extracellular matrix deposition even after treatment discontinuation. Preclinical studies demonstrate a sustained protective effect on kidney integrity months after short-term treatment.

SUMMARY

These inhibitors hold promise for broad nephroprotection, with robust biological rationale in maladaptive repair. Further research is needed to optimize their use and establish clinical guidelines for AKI management in both diabetic and nondiabetic populations.

Systolic blood pressure is associated with early and long-term changes in renal function in patients with dapagliflozin-treated moderate-to-advanced chronic kidney disease

AIMS

We investigated factors associated with early and long-term changes in renal function after initiating dapagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, in patients with moderate-to-advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD).

METHODS

A total of 124 patients (mean age, 70.0 ± 13.1 years; 93 men and 31 women) were retrospectively evaluated after 12 months of 10 mg dapagliflozin treatment based on changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). All patients had moderate-to-advanced CKD (mean eGFR: 36.8 ± 11.4 mL/min/1.73 m2; stage G3, n = 86; G4, n = 36; G5, n = 2). We used a multiple linear regression analysis to determine the independent factors associated with changes in eGFR during the administration of 12 months and first 1 month following dapagliflozin treatment.

RESULTS

Systolic blood pressure (SBP) (standard coefficient (β) =  - 0.499, probability (p) = 0.002) was independently correlated with change in eGFR during the administration of dapagliflozin. SBP (β =  - 0.265, p = 0.040), change in eGFR during the 12 months before dapagliflozin administration (β =  - 0.453, p < 0.001), and urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio (β =  - 0.282, p = 0.028) were independently correlated with the change in eGFR during the first 1 month of dapagliflozin administration.

CONCLUSIONS

SBP was associated with long-term change in eGFR after initiating dapagliflozin treatment in moderate-to-advanced CKD patients; SBP, urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio, and eGFR change before dapagliflozin administration were associated with early change in eGFR following dapagliflozin treatment in these patients.

Favorable changes in the eGFR slope after dapagliflozin treatment and its association with the initial dip

BACKGROUND

Renoprotective effects of sodium glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, including dapagliflozin, were observed in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The suspected underlying mechanism is a correction of hyperfiltration, observed as an "initial dip". Whether SGLT2 inhibitors can attenuate the rate of decline in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in clinical settings, even when considering the pre-treatment decline rate, is unknown. Although several RCTs identified an association between the initial dip and long-term renal prognoses, a conclusion has not been reached.

METHODS

We collected the eGFR data of patients for whom dapagliflozin was initiated in our hospital and then calculated their eGFR slopes before and after the start of the treatment. We investigated the changes in the eGFR slopes (ΔeGFR slope) and the association between the ΔeGFR slope and the initial dip. Risks for rapid eGFR decliners (eGFR slope < - 3 mL/min/1.73 m2/year) were also examined.

RESULTS

The eGFR slope was significantly milder after dapagliflozin treatment (p < 0.01). A deeper initial dip was associated with a milder rate of eGFR decline (adjusted beta: - 0.29, p < 0.001). Dapagliflozin treatment reduced the proportion of rapid eGFR decliners from 52.9 to 14.7%, and a smaller initial dip was identified as a significant risk for post-treatment rapid eGFR decline (adjusted odds ratio: 1.73, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to before the administration of dapagliflozin, the rate of eGFR decline was significantly milder after its administration. The initial dip was significantly associated with long-term renoprotective effects and may be a useful predictor of treatment response.

Dapagliflozin-induced Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) Followed by Acute Interstitial Nephritis (AIN)

A 78-year-old male was admitted to the hospital with acute renal failure and generalized erythema after starting dapagliflozin 10 mg/day for chronic kidney disease (CKD). A skin biopsy revealed superficial perivascular dermatitis with eosinophils. A renal biopsy revealed lymphocytic and eosinophilic infiltration of the interstitium, and focal tubulitis. The patient was diagnosed with a dapagliflozin-induced drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), followed by acute interstitial nephritis (AIN), and prednisolone therapy was therefore initiated. The patient's renal function improved, and erythema disappeared. To our knowledge, this is the first report of DRESS caused by dapagliflozin, and the patient was successfully treated with prednisolone.

Efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin in children with kidney disease: real-world data

BACKGROUND

Dapagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor, has shown results in slowing estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline and reducing proteinuria in adult patients with chronic kidney disease. This retrospective study examines dapagliflozin's effects in 22 children with kidney disease and proteinuria.

METHODS

Children with a median age of 15.6 years were treated with dapagliflozin for > 3 months between July 2022 and December 2023. All children had been treated with either an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker for at least 1 month before starting dapagliflozin.

RESULTS

The most common kidney disease diagnoses in this study included Alport syndrome (n = 7) and medication-resistant nephrotic syndrome or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (n = 7). After 6.1 months of treatment, dapagliflozin treatment did not result in significant changes in eGFR or proteinuria. However, at the latest follow-up, a statistically significant decrease in eGFR was noted (65.5 compared to the baseline 71.1 mL/min/1.73 m2, P = 0.003). Proteinuria remained stable between baseline and the last follow-up (final spot urine protein/creatinine ratio (uPCR) 0.7 vs. baseline uPCR 0.6 mg/mg, P = 0.489). In the subgroup analysis of children treated for > 8 months, the eGFR decline post-treatment changed from - 0.5 to - 0.2 ml/min/1.73 m2 per month (P = 0.634). Only two children discontinued dapagliflozin due to suspected adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Dapagliflozin has not been associated with serious side effects. Further prospective clinical trials are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin in children with kidney disease.

Factors affecting the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors-related initial decline in glomerular filtration rate and its possible effect on kidney outcome in chronic kidney disease with type 2 diabetes: The Japan Chronic Kidney Disease Database

AIM

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors often cause a transient decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) shortly after the initiation, referred to as the 'initial drop'. However, the clinical significance of this initial drop in real-world practice remains unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using the nationwide Japan Chronic Kidney Disease Database, we examined factors that affected the initial drop, in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We also evaluated the effects of the initial drop on a composite kidney outcome (a decline in GFR of ≥50% or progression to end-stage kidney disease).

RESULTS

Data from 2053 patients with CKD and T2DM newly prescribed an SGLT2 inhibitor were analysed. The follow-up period after SGLT2 inhibitor administration was 1015 days (interquartile range: 532, 1678). Multivariate linear regression models revealed that the concomitant use of the renin-angiotensin system inhibitors and diuretics, urinary protein levels ≥2+, and changes in GFR before the initiation of the SGLT2 inhibitor were associated with a larger initial GFR decline (β = -0.609, p = .039; β = -2.298, p < .001; β = -0.936, p = .048; β = -0.079, p < .001, respectively). Patients in the quartile with the largest initial GFR decline experienced a higher incidence of the subsequent composite kidney outcome than those in the other quartiles (p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The concomitant use of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors and diuretics, higher urine protein levels and pre-treatment GFR changes were associated with a larger initial GFR decline. Of these factors, the use of a diuretic had the largest effect. Furthermore, patients with CKD and T2DM experiencing an excessive initial GFR drop might be at a higher risk of adverse kidney outcomes.

Impact of Dapagliflozin on the Renal Function and Damage in Patients with Heart Failure with a Reduced Ejection Fraction

Objective Whether or not the initial dip in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) after the initiation of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) is associated with renal tubular injury in patients with heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is unclear. We therefore investigated the relationship between changes in the estimated GFR (eGFR) and urine N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (uNAG) after the initiation of dapagliflozin in patients with HFrEF. Methods We prospectively investigated 89 patients with HFrEF who were newly started on dapagliflozin 10 mg/day. Changes in the eGFR and uNAG-to-creatinine ratio (uNAG/Cre) were evaluated at 2 weeks and 2 months after the initiation of dapagliflozin. Results The eGFR was decreased at 2 weeks but had not declined further by 2 months. The uNAG/Cre was increased at 2 weeks but had not increased further by 2 months. There was no correlation between the changes in the eGFR and uNAG/Cre (r=-0.022, p=0.853 at 2 weeks and r=0.078, p=0.538 at 2 months). The relative change in the systolic blood pressure, hematocrit, plasma volume, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were correlated with the relative change in the eGFR. In a multiple linear regression analysis, the relative change in the eGFR at 2 weeks was significantly associated with NT-proBNP, and the relative change in the uNAG/Cre was significantly associated with the use of loop diuretics and the relative change in urine osmolality at 2 weeks. Conclusion A transient decrease in the eGFR after the initiation of dapagliflozin in patients with HFrEF was not generally associated with renal tubular injury and might have been the result of hemodynamic alteration.

Short-Term Dapagliflozin Administration in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease-A Retrospective Single-Arm Case Series Study

Treatment with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors may have pleiotropic and beneficial effects in terms of ameliorating of risk factors for the progression of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). However, there is insufficient evidence regarding the use of these drugs in patients with ADPKD, as they were excluded from several clinical trials conducted to explore kidney protection provided by SGLT2 inhibitors. This retrospective single-arm case series study was performed to investigate the effects of dapagliflozin, a selective SGLT2 inhibitor administered at 10 mg/day, on changes in height-adjusted kidney volume (htTKV) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in ADPKD patients. During a period of 102 ± 20 days (range 70-156 days), eGFR was decreased from 47.9 (39.7-56.9) to 40.8 (33.7-44.5) mL/min/1.73 m2 (p < 0.001), while htTKV was increased from 599 (423-707) to 617 (446-827) mL/m (p = 0.002) (n = 20). The annual increase in htTKV rate was significantly promoted, and urinary phosphate change was found to be correlated with the change in htTKV (rs = 0.575, p = 0.020). In the examined patients, eGFR was decreased and htTKV increased during short-term administration of dapagliflozin. To confirm the possibility of the effects of dapagliflozin on ADPKD, additional interventional studies are required.

The proteinuria-lowering effects of dapagliflozin are associated with an initial decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate in patients with chronic kidney disease

AIM

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor, dapagliflozin (DAPA) reduced albuminuria and slowed down the decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the DAPA-CKD trial. However, proteinuria (albuminuria) does not necessarily decrease in all patients in real-world clinical settings. Therefore, we aimed to identify the clinical characteristics of patients with CKD and decreased proteinuria in response to DAPA treatment.

METHODS

Of 106 patients with CKD, 54 patients were finally included who received 10 mg of DAPA once daily. Patients whose urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) decreased by >30% or ≤30% from baseline after 1 month of treatment were defined as responders and non-responders, respectively.

RESULTS

At baseline, median eGFR and UPCR were 45.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 (interquartile range [IQR], 29.7, 54.6) and 1.09 g/gCr (IQR, 0.52, 1.91), respectively. After 1 month of treatment, the mean decline in eGFR and reduction in UPCR was 6.5% (standard deviation [SD], 7.2%) and 6.6% (SD, 42.1%) from baseline, respectively. Moreover, the blood pressure, eGFR, and uric acid decreased significantly from baseline, but haemoglobin and serum potassium did not change. The median UPCR decreased significantly in patients with UPCR ≥0.5 g/gCr, but not <0.5 g/gCr at baseline. UPCR responders had a greater initial decline in eGFR at 1 month than non-responders.

CONCLUSION

The percent changes in UPCR were positively associated with the initial decline rate in eGFR in patients with CKD with a UPCR ≥0.5 g/gCr at baseline after 1 month of DAPA treatment.

A systematic review of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and renal profiles among Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the available literature and comprehensively appraise the renal profiles of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

The electronic databases MEDLINE, Ichushi-web, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for studies without language restrictions from their inception until 20 July 2023 and CENTRAL until 21 September 2021. Studies were included if they were double-masked randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (1) including Japanese patients with T2DM aged > 18 years who received SGLT2i or a placebo, (2) reporting at least one renal outcome of serum creatinine or the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and (3) with a follow-up of > 12 weeks. Cross-over and open label trials were excluded. The risk of bias based on the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2) was appraised. We computed the weighed mean difference with 95%CI for each renal outcome and used a random-effects model (inverse variance method).

RESULTS

We ultimately retrieved 13 RCTs including 2687 individuals in our review. The durations of RCTs ranged between 12 and 104 weeks. Only one trial had a longer duration of more than one year. Ten out of 13 RCTs reported serum creatinine, while nine included eGFR. Serum creatinine and eGFR were slightly worse with SGLT2i than with a placebo [mean difference 0.01 (95%CI 0.00 to 0.02) mg/dL, p = 0.002, mean difference - 1.30 (95%CI -2.23 to -0.37) mL/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.006, respectively]. Merged results revealed insignificant heterogeneity (I2 < 30%).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that SGLT2i slightly worsens serum creatinine and eGFR in Japanese patients with T2DM. However, since the durations of most RCTs were short, the effects of eGFR in particular may be transient. Further evidence is needed from rigorous studies that focus on renal outcomes with a longer duration to confirm the present results.