Precipitation of Euglycemic DKA (euDKA) From the Initiation of SGLT2 Inhibitor (SGLT2i) and 0-Carb Diet Inpatient

Abstract

Background: SGLT2i are increasingly prescribed for their cardiorenal benefits. Nationally renowned endocrinologists have begun to actively discuss the need for guidelines on safe use of SGLT2i inpatient, with the most common indication being treatment for advanced heart failure (HF). However, no consensus has been reached to date. While in the hospital, patients with HF who are taking SGLT2i are at an increased risk for developing euDKA due to volume depletion, critical illnesses, and restricted dietary intake. We present a case of euDKA inpatient in a man admitted for HF treated with empagliflozin (EMPA). Clinical Case: A 54-year-old man with HF and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy was admitted for decompensated HF. The patient was also newly diagnosed with T2D on admission when he presented with an elevated blood glucose (BG) of 395 mg/dL (n 62–125 mg/dL) and an elevated A1C of 13.6% (n 4–6%). Cardiologists initiated EMPA 25 mg PO daily on hospital day (HD) 2, in addition to MDI insulin. On HD3, a 0-carb diet was started for a planned FDG PET/CT scan to assess the etiology of cardiomyopathy. With an extremely limited food selection, the patient became largely fasting between HD3-6 while awaiting the PET scan, eating only eggs once a day. On HD6, patient developed chest pain and hypotension and was found to be in euDKA with AKI. Labs were notable for arterial pH 7.14 (n 7.35–7.45), CO2 12 meq/L (n 22–32 meq/L), anion gap (AG) 23 (n 4–12), BG 238 mg/dL (n 62–125 mg/dL), beta-hydroxybutyrate 7.29 mmol/L (n <0.30 mmol/L), and an acute rise in creatinine from 0.8 to 1.4 mg/dL (n 0.51–1.18 mg/dL). In addition to stopping the EMPA, the patient required treatment with IV insulin and fluids for 24 hours, with resolution of euDKA, hypovolemia, and AKI. Patient was safely discharged on HD14 on MDI insulin and metformin. Conclusion: While euDKA is increasingly recognized outpatient and perioperatively, it is under-recognized in the hospital setting. A study reported 94 patients at one center using SGLT2i inpatient experiencing no euDKA (1). However, hospitalized patients taking SGLT2i remain vulnerable to euDKA, especially with concurrent critical illnesses, volume depletion and restricted dietary intake. Zero-carb intake triggers energy production by ketosis, which greatly amplifies the risk of euDKA on SGLT2i. There are currently no guidelines for safe use of SGLT2i inpatient. When using SGLT2i inpatient, we advocate for clinicians to closely monitor patients’ symptoms and AG twice a day and consider holding SGLT2i with prolonged fasting of >24 hours to readily prevent, diagnose and treat euDKA. We recommend educating clinicians on the side effects associated with SGLT2i, developing EMR alerts, and involving endocrinologists with inpatient use of SGLT2i in high-risk patients.