Archive | 2021
SGLT2 inhibitors and the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis among adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Importance: The risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors is unclear. Objective: To examine the risk of DKA with SGLT2 inhibitors in both observational studies and large clinical trials. Data Sources: Searches of PubMed, EMBASE and CENTRAL (inception to 15 April 2019) without language restrictions; conference proceedings; and reference lists. Study Selection: Randomized controlled trials and observational studies that quantified the rate of diabetic ketoacidosis with an SGLT2 inhibitor in comparison to another diabetes medication or placebo. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Two independent investigators abstracted study data and assessed the quality of evidence. Data were pooled using random effects models with the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman method. Main Outcome and Measures: Absolute event rates and hazard ratios for diabetic ketoacidosis were extracted from each study. Results: Seven randomized trials encompassing 42,375 participants and five cohort studies encompassing 318,636 participants were selected. Among the 7 randomized controlled trials, the absolute rate of DKA among patients randomized to an SGLT2 inhibitor ranged from 0.6 to 2.2 events per 1000 person years. Four randomized trials were included in the meta-analysis, and compared to placebo or comparator medication, SGLT2 inhibitors had a 2.4-fold higher risk of DKA (Relative Risk [RR] = 2.46 [95% CI, 1.16-5.21]; I2 = 0%; P = 0.54). Among the 5 observational studies, the absolute rate of DKA associated with SGLT2 inhibitor use ranged from 0.6 to 4.9 per 1000 person years and a 1.7-fold higher rate of DKA compared to another diabetes medication (RR = 1.74 [95% CI, 1.01-2.93]; I2 = 45%; P = 0.12). Conclusions and Relevance: In adults with type 2 diabetes, SGLT2 inhibitors increase the risk of DKA in both observational studies and large randomized clinical trials. Registration: CRD42019146855 Funding Source: None