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Association between sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and lower extremity amputation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Heyward J, Mansour O, Olson L, Singh S, Alexander GC

PloS one, 2020

424 participants · 110 citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The association between sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i's) and lower extremity amputation is unclear.

PURPOSE: To systematically review randomized control trials (RCTs) and observational studies quantifying risk of lower extremity amputations associated with SGLT2i use.

DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from January 2011 to February 2020 for RCTs and observational studies including lower extremity amputation outcomes for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with SGLT2i's vs. alternative treatments or placebo.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Two reviewers independently extracted data.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Our primary outcome was risk of lower limb amputation. Secondary outcomes included peripheral arterial disease, peripheral vascular disease, venous ulcerations, and diabetic foot infections. We also evaluated the risk of bias. We conducted random and fixed effects relative risk meta-analysis of RCTs.

RESULTS: After screening 2,006 studies, 12 RCTs and 18 observational studies were included, of which 7 RCTs and 18 observational studies had at least one event. The random effects meta-analysis of 7 RCTs suggested the absence of a statistically significant association between SGLT2i exposure with evidence of substantial statistical heterogeneity (n = 424/23,716 vs n = 267/18,737 in controls; RR 1.28, CI's 0.93-1.76; I2 = 62.0%; p = 0.12)…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 424 participants or records.

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