Sodium glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT) inhibitors in patients with compensated cirrhosis and diabetes: A prospective study

Abstract

Aims and objective: Diabetes in patients with cirrhosis is common. SGLT-2 inhibitors are newer class of antidiabetic drugs with pleiotropic effects. Its safety and efficacy has not been evaluated in patients with advanced cirrhosis and diabetes. We evaluated safety and efficacy of SGLT-2 inhibitors in patients with compensated cirrhosis and diabetes. Material and method: Consecutive patients with compensated cirrhosis and diabetes who were started on SGLT-2 inhibitors were enrolled and followed every month for six months. Their clinical and biochemical parameters which include liver and kidney function tests, urine test, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), transient elastography (fibroscan), Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) and change in weight since treatment initiation were noted. Any relevant side effects (urinary and genital infection, hypotension) were noted. Results: Twenty patients [(M:F: 13:7), age (55±11 yr), CTP score (6±1.3), etiology of cirrhosis (NASH related 17, HBV, n=1 and HCV, n=2), baseline MAP (91±5 mmHg)] were enrolled. Five patients had hypertension and taking angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and 15 patients were also on carvidelol. Mean Fibroscan was (37±11kPa), large varices (n=3), small varices (n=16) and no varices were seen in one patient. All patients were followed up for 6 months. Patient were on dapagliflogin (n=11, 55%), empagliflogin (n=6, 30%) and remogliflogin (n=3, 15%). Twelve (60%) patients were also on metformin and 7 (35%) on Dipeptidyl peptidase 4(DPP4) inhibitors. Significant improvement was seen in total bilirubin Baseline (B), 1.19±0.5, Month 3 (Mo 3), 1.02±0.4 and Month 6 (Mo 6), 1.01±0.3 mg/dl], AST (B, 50.8±20.8, Mo 3, 49.4±20.5, Mo 6, 42.8±13.0 IU/L) and GGT (B, 63.8±24.5, Mo 3, 66.5±31.0 and Mo 6, 58.3±21.4 IU/dl) level at month 3 and 6. Glycemic index improved at month 3 and 6 and significant weight loss was seen at month 3 and 6. Serum creatinine, serum sodium level and mean arterial pressure remained unchanged at month 6. Urinary tract infection occurred in n=3 (15%), genital infection in (n=2, 10%) and compliant of frothy urine was seen in (n=4, 20%) without discontinuation of medicines.