Evidence Hub

SGLT2 Inhibitors and Kidney Outcomes by Glomerular Filtration Rate and Albuminuria: A Meta-Analysis

Neuen BL, Fletcher RA, Anker SD, Bhatt DL, Butler J, Cherney DZI, Docherty KF, Inzucchi SE et al.

JAMA, 2026

500 participants · 70 citations

Abstract

Importance

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression in individuals with type 2 diabetes, CKD, or heart failure. However, their effects in those with stage 4 CKD or little to no albuminuria remain uncertain.

Objective

To assess whether estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or degree of albuminuria, measured by urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR), modifies the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on kidney outcomes.

Data Sources

SGLT2 inhibitor trials participating in the SGLT2 Inhibitor Meta-Analysis Cardio-Renal Trialists' Consortium (SMART-C).

Study Selection

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials within SMART-C evaluating an SGLT2 inhibitor with label indications for reducing CKD progression including at least 500 participants in each group with at least 6 months of follow-up.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Treatment effects in individual trials were pooled using inverse variance-weighted meta-analysis.

Main Outcomes and Measures

CKD progression, defined as kidney failure, at least 50% reduction in eGFR, or death due to kidney failure. Other outcomes included annual rate of eGFR decline and kidney failure.

Results

Among 70 361 participants (mean [SD] age, 64.8 [8.7] years; 24 595 [35.0%] females) in 10 randomized trials, 2314 (3.3%) experienced CKD progression and 988 (1.4%) reached kidney failure. SGLT2 inhibitors reduced the risk of CKD progression (25.4 vs 40.3 events per 1000 patient-years; hazard…

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: 500 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

Read the paper

Related studies

Go deeper in Evidence Hub

Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.

Open this study Sign up free