Prescribing SGLT2 Inhibitors in Patients With CKD: Expanding Indications and Practical Considerations

SGLT2 inhibitors have emerged as a key disease-modifying therapy to prevent the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). These agents prevent decline in kidney function through reduction in glomerular hypertension mediated through tubuloglomerular feedback independent of their effect on glycemic con-trol. The proliferation of clinical trials on SGLT2 inhibitors has rapidly expanded the approved clinical indications for these agents beyond patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). We review the current in-dications for SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with and without diabetic kidney disease, including new evidence for use in patients with heart failure with or without reduced ejection fraction, stage 4 CKD, and chronic glomerulonephritis. The EMPA-KIDNEY trial was recently stopped early for efficacy suggesting that SGLT2 inhibitors may soon be indicated for patients with CKD without albuminuria. We review practical con-siderations for prescription of SGLT2 inhibitors, including the anticipated acute decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on initiation, initiating the lowest dosage used in clinical trials, volume status considerations, and adverse event mitigation. Combination therapy in patients with DM may be considered with agents, including glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1-RAs), novel mineral-ocorticoid receptor antagonists, and selective endothelin receptor antagonists to reduce residual albu-minuria and cardiovascular risk. Kidney Int Rep (2022) 7, 1463-1476; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ekir.2022.04.094

Automated summary

SGLT2 inhibitors play a crucial role in preventing the progression of chronic kidney disease. The clinical indications for these drugs are expanding beyond patients with diabetes, and recent studies suggest that they may soon be indicated for CKD patients without albuminuria. Considerations for prescribing SGLT2 inhibitors include the acute decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate, dosage selection, volume status, and adverse event mitigation.