Empagliflozin and uric acid metabolism in diabetes: A post hoc analysis of the EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial
Abstract
AIM: To evaluate the effect of empagliflozin on uric acid (UA) levels, antigout medication and gout episodes in the EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial (NCT01131676).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 7020 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) were randomized to either empagliflozin (10 or 25 mg) or placebo. The effects of empagliflozin versus placebo on UA concentration were assessed using mixed linear models. A composite outcome of new prescription of antigout medication or gout episode was studied with Cox proportional hazards models.
RESULTS: Empagliflozin reduced serum UA levels versus placebo: week 52 adjusted mean treatment difference = -0.37 (95% confidence interval [CI] -0.42, -0.31) mg/dL; this was more pronounced in patients with baseline UA ≥ 7.0 mg/dL versus <7.0 mg/dL: week 52 adjusted mean treatment difference = -0.56 (95% CI -0.68, -0.43) and -0.30 (95% CI -0.37, -0.24) mg/dL, respectively. Among 6607 patients not taking antigout medications at baseline, 5.2% had a gout episode or initiated antigout treatment versus 3.6% in the placebo and empagliflozin groups, respectively: hazard ratio 0.67 (95% CI 0.53, 0.85; P = 0.001). Both components of the composite outcome contributed to the reduction with empagliflozin in the composite. Risk reduction was similar with both empagliflozin doses.
CONCLUSIONS: Empagliflozin reduced UA levels and the composite of gout episodes or prescription of antigout medication. These clinically important findings expand the utility of empagliflozin…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a secondary / pooled analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 7,020 participants or records.
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