Clinical Efficacy of Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter-2 (SGLT2) Inhibitor in Cardiovascular Outcomes Among Patients with and Without Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

\n BackgroundHeart failure (HF) has become a healthcare challenge worldwide. Recently, certain trials on sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor showed benefits for patients with HF. This study aimed to systematically review the literature and investigate the clinical efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors in cardiovascular events among patients with and without HF. Methods We searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in PubMed, Cochrane databases, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov registry form inception to October 2020. Dichotomous variables were pooled using a random-effects model and presented with a risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup meta-analyses were carried out by high/low SGLT2/SGLT1 selectivity and individual SGLT2 inhibitor.ResultsA total of 10 RCTs comprised of 52,607 patients were eligible for the analyses. SGLT2 inhibitors reduced the risk of total cardiovascular death or hospitalization for HF (RR 0.79, [95% CI: 0.74 to 0.84]; p < 0.01, I2 = 31%). Apart from stroke, SGLT2 inhibitors contributed to a risk reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE, RR 0.93, [95% CI: 0.88 to 0.99]; p = 0.03, I2 = 0), all-cause mortality (RR 0.92, [95% CI: 0.85 to 0.99]; p = 0.03, I2 = 0), cardiovascular death (RR 0.91, [95% CI: 0.83 to 0.99]; p = 0.03, I2 = 0), hospitalization for HF (RR 0.72, [95% CI: 0.66 to 0.79]; p < 0.01, I2 = 0), and myocardial infarction (RR 0.89, [95% CI: 0.80 to 0.99]; p = 0.03, I2 = 0). For HF patients, SGLT2 inhibitors had more clinical benefits in terms of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular death, while advantages were observed in MACE and myocardial infarction for non-HF patients. Furthermore, SGLT2 inhibitors with low SGLT2/SGLT1 selectivity have better efficacy for hospitalization of HF, compared with high-selectivity inhibitors (RR 0.51 [95% CI: 0.35-0.75] versus 0.73 [95% CI: 0.66-0.81] for HF patients). ConclusionsSGLT2 inhibitors significantly mitigate hospitalization for HF. Between HF and non-HF populations, this regimen reduce mortality for HF patients and improve MACE and myocardial infarction for non-HF patients. The SGLT2 inhibitor, mixed with the effect of SGLT1 inhibitors, may lead to a lower risk of hospitalization for HF.