SGLT-2 Inhibitors and Anemia

Dapagliflozin appeared to prevent or correct anemia in some patients with chronic kidney disease.

In several clinical trials, observers noted that sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors raised the hematocrit in some patients with cardiovascular or renal disease. Researchers now have examined this issue in a post hoc analysis from the industry-sponsored DAPA-CKD trial, in which 4300 patients with glomerular filtration rates of 25 to 75 mL/minute/1.73m² and proteinuria were randomized to dapagliflozin or placebo (NEJM JW Gen Med Nov 1 2020 and N Engl J Med 2020; 383:1436). As reported previously, dapagliflozin was associated with less progression of chronic kidney disease.

At baseline, 40% of patients had anemia, defined as hematocrit <39% in men and <36% in women. Findings were as follows:

During mean follow-up of 2.4 years, he…

Reviewing Author

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

SGLT-2 Inhibitors and Anemia

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Reviewing Author