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Safety and efficacy of the SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a phase I/II trial

Wang H, Li T, Sun F, Liu Z, Zhang D, Teng X, Morel L, Wang X et al.

RMD open, 2022

38 participants · 39 citations

Abstract

Objective: Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors have been identified profound renal/cardiac protective effects in different diseases. Here, we assessed the safety and efficacy of dapagliflozin among adult patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods: We conducted a single-arm, open-label, investigator-initiated phase I/II trial of dapagliflozin in Chinese patients with SLE with/without lupus nephritis (LN). Patients received oral dapagliflozin at a daily dose of 10 mg added to the standard of care for 6 months. The primary end point was the safety profile. The secondary efficacy end points were composite assessments of disease activity.

Results: A total of 38 eligible patients were enrolled. Overall, 19 (50%) adverse events (AEs) were recorded, including 8 (21%) AEs leading to drug discontinuation, of which 4 (10.5%) were attributed to dapagliflozin. Two serious AEs (one of major lupus flare and one of fungal pneumonia) were recorded. Lower urinary tract infection was observed in one (2.63%) patient. The secondary end points revealed no improvement of SLE Disease Activity Index scores or proteinuria (among 17 patients with LN); the cumulative lupus flare rate was 18%, and a reduction of ~30% in the prednisone dose was captured. Net changes in body mass index (-0.50 kg/m2), systolic blood pressure (-3.94 mm Hg) and haemoglobin levels (+8.26 g/L) were detected. The overall estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was stable, and there was an improvement in…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a clinical trial, 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: 38 participants or records.

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