Luseogliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, preserves renal function irrespective of acute changes in the estimated glomerular filtration rate in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes.

Acute decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a typical finding after initiating sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, is associated with maintaining renal function in type 2 diabetes. However, the relationship between the magnitude of acute decline in eGFR and the course of eGFR thereafter is not known. A pooled analysis of four 52-week phase III trials of luseogliflozin 2.5 mg daily (or up to 5 mg daily) in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes was conducted and stratified according to the tertile of magnitude of acute change in eGFR during the 2 weeks after initiation. The mean age, glycated hemoglobin, eGFR, and urinary albumin were 60 years, 7.8%, 79.6 mL/min/1.73 m2, and 62.7 mg/g Cr, respectively. Acute change in eGFR varied widely between patients (N = 941; mean, -2.3; min, -35.5; max, 27.6). Patients with greater acute decline in eGFR, characterized by higher baseline eGFR and increased diuretic use, showed rapid recovery and maintenance of eGFR thereafter. Higher eGFR, longer duration of diabetes, and higher body mass index and diuretic use were associated with greater acute decline in eGFR. The course of eGFR from 12 to 52 weeks was maintained regardless of acute changes. Although acute changes in eGFR varied widely among patients with type 2 diabetes, the course of eGFR thereafter was stable regardless of the degree of acute changes.