Relationship of Dapagliflozin With Serum Sodium: Findings From the DAPA-HF Trial

Drug-induced hyponatremia in clinical care

PURPOSE

Over the last decades, advances in understanding of previously described associations have important implications for diagnosis and workup of hyponatremia. In addition, new drug groups potentially affecting sodium balance and water homeostasis have evolved. The aim of this review is to summarize current evidence on drug-induced hyponatremia in clinical care.

METHODS

We searched PubMed using the string "Inappropriate ADH Syndrome/chemically induced"[Mesh] OR "Inappropriate ADH Syndrome/diagnosis"[Mesh]) OR ("Hyponatremia/chemically induced"[Mesh] OR "Hyponatremia/diagnosis"[Mesh]), January 1st, 2008, to September 2nd 2024. In total 2003 articles were found and reviewed. Relevant articles referenced herein were subsequently traced backwards and also reviewed.

RESULTS

Drugs associated with hyponatremia, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, antipsychotics, antiepileptic drugs and proton pump inhibitors, typically cause hyponatremia shortly after initiation of treatment. For thiazide diuretics, the number one culprit in drug-induced hyponatremia, the risk for hyponatremia is highest the first weeks after initiation and then gradually decreases to a stable but still increased level after around 3 months. Several drugs that promote a negative water balance such as loop diuretics, lithium and of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors appear to decrease the risk for hyponatremia. Treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors is associated with an increased risk of hypophysitis and adrenalitis resulting in hyponatremia due to secondary and primary cortisol deficiency.

CONCLUSION

For most drugs associated with hyponatremia, including thiazides, the cause-effect relationship is tightly linked to newly initiated treatment. Further research is warranted to characterize the association between hyponatremia and newly developed drugs such as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors.

The impact of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors on serum sodium and potassium in patients with Heart Failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Managing electrolyte abnormalities, particularly sodium and potassium, in patients with heart failure (HF) remains a concern. A novel anti-diabetic drug, sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, has become suitable for HF patients, improving cardiovascular outcomes. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on serum sodium and potassium.

METHODS

We systematically searched five databases, identifying randomized clinical trials (RCTs) reporting changes in serum sodium and potassium levels with SGLT2 inhibitors compared to comparator groups. Outcomes were presented as weighted mean differences (WMD) and standardized MD (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also conducted.

RESULTS

13 studies were included, with 13 studies with 10,617 participants reporting on serum sodium and nine studies with 9877 participants on serum potassium. In acute HF, SGLT2 inhibitors did not significantly affect serum sodium (WMD: 1.21 mmol/L; 95% CI: - 0.79, 3.21) or potassium levels (WMD: 0.11 mEq/L; 95% CI: - 0.20, 0.42). Subgroup analyses suggested possible variations by follow-up duration (< 7 days vs. ≥ 30 days) and drug type, but findings remained non-significant. Sensitivity analysis using the leave-one-out method and risk of bias assessment results showed no considerable changes in the statistical significance of the pooled results. Similarly, in chronic HF, no significant differences were observed for serum sodium (WMD: 0.23 mmol/L; 95% CI: - 0.45, 0.91) or potassium (WMD: 0.07 mEq/L; 95% CI: - 0.29, 0.44). Sensitivity and subgroup analyses based on duration, drug type, diabetes status, renal function, or systolic blood pressure did not reveal clinically meaningful differences across all analyses. For all analyses, Egger's test was non-significant, indicating no strong evidence of small-study effects. Moreover, the trim-and-fill method combined with the funnel plot did not identify any missing studies, and the recalculated effect size remained unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

SGLT2 inhibitors did not significantly alter serum sodium or potassium levels in acute or chronic HF, suggesting that these drugs can be safe regarding electrolyte disturbances. Additional RCTs are warranted to enhance the robustness of evidence regarding the mechanisms and effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on serum electrolyte levels, considering variations across different types of SGLT2 inhibitors.

Association of initial serum sodium change and clinical outcome in patients with diabetes receiving sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor therapy: A multicentre database analysis in Taiwan

AIM

The study aimed to assess the impact of varying degrees of initial serum sodium change among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) starting sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) therapy and their subsequent clinical outcome.

METHODS

We used medical data from a multicentre health care provider in Taiwan and recruited 4400 patients with T2D with baseline normal serum sodium (135-145 mmol/L) and follow-up serum sodium measures available after 3 months of SGLT2i treatment from 1 June 2016 to 31 December 2021.

RESULTS

After a median of 2.9 (2.4, 3.4) months of SGLT2i treatment, overall, there was a minimal change in serum sodium levels (from 139.6 ± 2.4 to 139.5 ± 3.7 mmol/L). Most patients (87.8%) maintained normal sodium levels, while 8.6% (n = 378) experienced hyponatraemia (<135 mmol/L) and 3.6% (n = 158) hypernatraemia (>145 mmol/L). Factors independently associated with hyponatraemia included cancer history, chronic lung disease, insulin use, higher glycated haemoglobin, impaired liver function, lower baseline sodium and greater initial decline in kidney function. Conversely, factors linked to hypernatraemia included older age, absence of cancer history, loop diuretic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, higher baseline sodium and a lesser initial decline in kidney function. Over a median of 26.0 months of follow-up, hyponatraemia shortly after starting SGLT2i therapy was associated with significantly increased risks of major adverse cardiovascular events [hazard ratio (HR): 2.52; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.83-3.48], heart failure for hospitalization (HR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.16-2.37), major adverse renal events (HR: 2.27; 95% CI: 1.73-2.96) and all-cause death (HR: 2.98; 95% CI: 2.17-4.11) after adjusting for clinically relevant factors. Non-linear analysis indicated that a more pronounced initial decline in serum sodium levels correlated steeply with higher risks of these adverse events.

CONCLUSION

While most patients with T2D maintain stable serum sodium homeostasis on SGLT2i therapy, a subset may experience dysnatraemic events with potential worse clinical consequences. Physicians should be vigilant about monitoring sodium levels and considering the associated risks when initiating SGLT2i therapy in patients with risk.

Pharmacological Interventions for Cirrhotic Ascites: From Challenges to Emerging Therapeutic Horizons

Ascites is the most common complication in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. This condition results in a severely impaired quality of life, excessive healthcare use, recurrent hospitalizations and significant morbidity and mortality. While loop diuretics and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists are commonly employed for symptom relief, our understanding of their impact on survival remains limited. A comprehensive understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanism of ascites is crucial for its optimal management. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is increasingly believed to play a pivotal role in the formation of cirrhotic ascites, as RAAS overactivation leads to a reduction in urine sodium excretion then a decrease in the ability of the kidneys to excrete water. In this review, the authors provide an overview of the pathogenesis of cirrhotic ascites, the challenges associated with current pharmacologic treatments, and the previous attempts to modulate the RAAS, followed by a description of some emerging targeted RAAS agents with the potential to be used to treat ascites.

Effects of Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitors on Serum Chloride Concentrations in Patients with Heart Failure

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

In the past few years, some reports have shown that serum chloride concentration is a more powerful prognostic predictor than serum sodium levels in heart failure (HF). Elevated Na/Cl ratio has shown to be independently associated with all-cause death in acute HF. We evaluated changes in serum chloride concentrations and Na/Cl ratio in correlation with various clinical factors during 12 months of follow-up in patients in whom SGLT2is were initiated as part of HF therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a prospective observational study conducted at University Hospital Dubrava and involving patients with HF. We included 241 participants between May 2021 and April 2023. All data were obtained before the introduction of SGLT2is, and the same parameters were obtained at 6 and 12 months of follow-up as well.

RESULTS

The results show that higher chloride concentration at both 6 and 12 months is an independent predictor of lower NT-proBNP levels. The chloride concentrations did not differ significantly between these groups in the follow-up period. There were no statistically significant differences in the Na/Cl ratio at different timepoints. The presence of cardiovascular risk factors did not significantly affect the increase in chloride concentration.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that hypochloremia could be a potentially modifiable risk factor, given the influence of SGLT2is on chloride concentration, but also an ominous sign of a poor outcome in patients with HF. We believe that the determination of chloride concentrations should become routine in the monitoring of patients with HF.

Evaluation and Management of Hyponatremia in Heart Failure

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To provide a contemporary overview of the pathophysiology, evaluation, and treatment of hyponatremia in heart failure (HF).

RECENT FINDINGS

Potassium and magnesium losses due to poor nutritional intake and treatment with diuretics cause an intracellular sodium shift in HF that may contribute to hyponatremia. Impaired renal blood flow leading to a lower glomerular filtration rate and increased proximal tubular reabsorption lead to an impaired tubular flux through diluting distal segments of the nephron, compromising electrolyte-free water excretion. Hyponatremia in HF is typically a condition of impaired water excretion by the kidneys on a background of potassium and magnesium depletion. While those cations can and should be easily repleted, further treatment should mainly focus on improving the underlying HF and hemodynamics, while addressing congestion. For decongestive treatment, proximally acting diuretics such as sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors, acetazolamide, and loop diuretics are the preferred options.

Chronic heart failure with reduced EF: A decade of major pharmacological innovations

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Because of its severity, prevalence, and medical economic importance, heart failure is a chronic disease that is the subject of intense medical research. The aim of this article was to review the therapeutic innovations of the last decade that have been incorporated into the latest international recommendations for the treatment of heart failure.

METHOD

Review of literature and current guidelines.

CONCLUSION

The results of the clinical trials reviewed here represent major advances that will have a significant impact on quality of life, survival, rehospitalisation and, for certain treatments, a beneficial joint effect on commonly associated comorbidities such as diabetes and chronic renal failure.

Similarities and distinctions between acetazolamide and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in patients with acute heart failure: Key insights into ADVOR and EMPULSE

Both acetazolamide and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors block sodium reabsorption in the proximal renal tubule primarily through inhibition of sodium-hydrogen exchanger isoform 3 (NHE3), but neither SGLT2 inhibitors nor acetazolamide produce a sustained natriuresis due to compensatory upregulation of sodium reabsorption at distal nephron sites. Nevertheless, acetazolamide and SGLT2 inhibitors have been used as adjunctive therapy to loop diuretics in states where NHE3 is upregulated, e.g. acute heart failure. Two randomized controlled trials have been carried out with acetazolamide in acute heart failure (DIURESIS-CHF and ADVOR). In ADVOR, acetazolamide improved physical signs of fluid retention, but this finding could not be explained by the modest observed diuretic effect. Acetazolamide did not produce a natriuresis in the DIURESIS-CHF trial, and in ADVOR, immediate effects on symptoms and body weight were not reported, and the drug had no effect on morbidity or mortality after 90 days. Three randomized controlled trials have been carried out with empagliflozin (EMPAG-HF, EMPA-RESPONSE-AHF and EMPULSE) in acute heart failure. The EMPULSE trial did not report effects on diuresis or in changes in physical signs of congestion during the first week of treatment, but in EMPAG-HF and EMPA-RESPONSE-AHF, empagliflozin had no effect of dyspnoea, urinary sodium excretion or body weight during the first 4 days. In the EMPULSE trial, empagliflozin improved health status at 15 days and reduced the risk of worsening heart failure events at 90 days, but these effects are similar in magnitude and time course to the early statistical significance on the risk of heart failure hospitalizations achieved within 14-30 days in the major trials of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with chronic heart failure. Neurohormonal inhibitors produce this early effect in the absence of a diuresis. Additionally, in numerous randomized controlled trials, in-hospital diuretic intensification has not reduced the risk of major heart failure events, even when treatment is sustained. These findings, taken collectively, suggest that any immediate diuretic effects of acetazolamide and SGLT2 inhibitors in acute heart failure are not likely to influence the short- or long-term clinical course of patients.

Critical Analysis of the Effects of SGLT2 Inhibitors on Renal Tubular Sodium, Water and Chloride Homeostasis and Their Role in Influencing Heart Failure Outcomes

SGLT2 (sodium-glucose cotransporter 2) inhibitors interfere with the reabsorption of glucose and sodium in the early proximal renal tubule, but the magnitude and duration of any ensuing natriuretic or diuretic effect are the result of an interplay between the degree of upregulation of SGLT2 and sodium-hydrogen exchanger 3, the extent to which downstream compensatory tubular mechanisms are activated, and (potentially) the volume set point in individual patients. A comprehensive review and synthesis of available studies reveals several renal response patterns with substantial variation across studies and clinical settings. However, the common observation is an absence of a large acute or chronic diuresis or natriuresis with these agents, either when given alone or combined with other diuretics. This limited response results from the fact that renal compensation to these drugs is rapid and nearly complete within a few days or weeks, preventing progressive volume losses. Nevertheless, the finding that fractional excretion of glucose and lithium (the latter being a marker of proximal sodium reabsorption) persists during long-term treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors indicates that pharmacological tolerance to the effects of these drugs at the level of the proximal tubule does not meaningfully occur. This persistent proximal tubular effect of SGLT2 inhibitors can be hypothesized to produce a durable improvement in the internal set point for volume homeostasis, which may become clinically important during times of fluid expansion. However, it is difficult to know whether a treatment-related change in the volume set point actually occurs or contributes to the effect of these drugs to reduce the risk of major heart failure events. SGLT2 inhibitors exert cardioprotective effects by a direct effect on cardiomyocytes that is independent of the presence of or binding to SGLT2 or the actions of these drugs on the proximal renal tubule. Nevertheless, changes in the volume set point mediated by SGLT2 inhibitors might potentially act cooperatively with the direct favorable molecular and cellular effects of these drugs on cardiomyocytes to mediate their benefits on the development and clinical course of heart failure.

A profile of SGLT-2 inhibitors in hyponatremia: The evidence to date

Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder in clinical practice, which may lead to life-threatening complications. Several lines of evidence suggest that hyponatremia is associated not only with significant increases in length of stay, cost, and financial burden, but also with increased morbidity and mortality. Hyponatremia is also considered to be a negative prognostic factor in patients with heart failure and cancer. Although multiple therapeutic methods are available for treating hyponatremia, most have some limitations, such as poor compliance, rapid correction of serum Na⁺, other negative side effects and high cost. Given these limitations, identifying novel therapies for hyponatremia is essential. Recent clinical studies have shown that SGLT-2 inhibitors (SGLT 2i) significantly increased serum Na⁺ levels and were well tolerated by patients who underwent this treatment. Therefore, oral administration of SGLT 2i appears to be an effective treatment for hyponatremia. This article will briefly review the etiology of hyponatremia and integrated control of sodium within the kidney, current therapies for hyponatremia, potential mechanisms and efficacy of SGLT 2i for hyponatremia, and the benefits in cardiovascular, cancer, and kidney disease by regulating sodium and water balance.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis Management: Updates and Challenges for Specific Patient Population

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is the most common hyperglycemic emergency and causes the greatest risk for death that could be prevented in patients with diabetes mellitus. DKA occurs more commonly among patients with type-1 diabetes with a thirty percent of the cases take place in patients with type 2 diabetes. DKA is characterized by sever hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis and ketosis. Proper management of DKA requires hospitalization for aggressive replacement and monitoring of fluids, electrolytes and insulin therapy. Management of DKA has been updated with guidelines, to help standardize care, and reduce mortality and morbidity. The major precipitating factors for DKA include new diagnosis of diabetes, non-adherence to insulin therapy as well as infection in patients with diabetes. Discharge plans should include appropriate selection of insulin dosing and regimens as well as patient education to prevent recurrence of DKA. Further, definition and management of euglycemic DKA in patients prescribed sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors are discussed. Special consideration is reviewed for specific patient population including pregnancy, renal replacement, acute pancreatitis, and insulin pump users as well as patients with COVID-19.

Role of Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitors in the Regulation of Inflammatory Processes in Animal Models

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, also known as gliflozins, were developed as a novel class of anti-diabetic agents that promote glycosuria through the prevention of glucose reabsorption in the proximal tubule by sodium-glucose co-transporter 2. Beyond the regulation of glucose homeostasis, they resulted as being effective in different clinical trials in patients with heart failure, showing a strong cardio-renal protective effect in diabetic, but also in non-diabetic patients, which highlights the possible existence of other mechanisms through which gliflozins could be exerting their action. So far, different gliflozins have been approved for their therapeutic use in T2DM, heart failure, and diabetic kidney disease in different countries, all of them being diseases that have in common a deregulation of the inflammatory process associated with the pathology, which perpetuates and worsens the disease. This inflammatory deregulation has been observed in many other diseases, which led the scientific community to have a growing interest in the understanding of the biological processes that lead to or control inflammation deregulation in order to be able to identify potential therapeutic targets that could revert this situation and contribute to the amelioration of the disease. In this line, recent studies showed that gliflozins also act as an anti-inflammatory drug, and have been proposed as a useful strategy to treat other diseases linked to inflammation in addition to cardio-renal diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In this work, we will review recent studies regarding the role of the main sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors in the control of inflammation.