INCIDENCE OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION IN PATIENTS TAKING SODIUM-DEPENDENT GLUCOSE COTRANSPORTERS-2 INHIBITORS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background: New drug classes for treating type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (D.M.) have emerged, such as inhibitors of renal sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2). Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors are commonly prescribed anti-hyperglycemic agents
worldwide due to extensive evidence supporting their efficacy in controlling hyperglycemia. Despite these benefits, SGLT-2 inhibitors are hypothesized and linked to a higher incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Thus, the United States Food and Drug Administration issued a safety warning for prescribers and patients using SGLT-2 inhibitors in 2015. With this background, a study was planned to determine the incidence of UTIs in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
Material & Methods: This study was conducted in the Medicine Department, NIMS Hospital, Jaipur, between July 1, 2022, and May 31, 2023, and included patients of age 30-80 years presented with Diabetes Mellitus using SGLT-2 inhibitors (cases) and not using SGLT2 inhibitors (controls).
Results: Urinary tract infections generally were reported to be 42% using SGLT-2 inhibitors (cases) and 16% patients not using SGLT-2 inhibitors (controls). Study subjects using SGLT2 inhibitors have twice fold of risk of UTI than those treated with non-SGLT-2 inhibitors
with an odds ratio +/- 95% CI of 2.75 (1.73–4.37);
Conclusion: This study investigated the high incidence of UTI in patients treated with SGLT-2 inhibitors. Females gender and older age had a higher risk of UTI, as prevalent in previous studies.