Effects of sodium-linked glucose transporter 2 inhibitors in liver transplant recipients with impaired renal function

Introduction Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have gained significant attention in clinical research due to its diverse therapeutic effects. The aim of the following retrospective study was to analyze the nephroprotective effects of SGLT2i in patients experiencing renal insufficiency following liver transplantation.

Methods Patients with renal insufficiency following liver transplantation with and without being treated with SLGT2i between 2022 and 2024 at the LMU University Hospital Munich were included in the study. We analyzed changes in eGFR, creatinine levels, liver parameters and the safety profile.

Results A total of 42 patients with SGLT2i treatment and 42 controls without treatment were included. Main characteristics such as age (p=0.08), gender (p=0.34), baseline kidney and liver parameters were observed to be similar in both study cohorts. Median observation period was 12 (range; 1-24) and 18 months (range, 2-32) in patients with and without treatment of SGLT2i. A significant improvement in creatinine (p=0.02) and eGFR (p=0.04) levels was observed during treatment with SGLT2i, while renal function (creatinine, p=0.01; eGFR, p=0.009) significantly deteriorated in the relating control cohort. Improvement in renal function under treatment with SGLT2i was also observed to be significant in a sub-cohort of patients with a baseline GFR<30ml/min (n=10; creatinine, p=0.02). In contrast, no change in liver parameters could be detected in both cohorts during the observation period. Regarding the safety profile of SGLT2i in this specific population, no adverse events could be detected.

Conclusion SGLT2i seem to be safe and effective in patients with renal insufficiency following liver transplantation.

Publication History

Article published online:
20 January 2025