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BACKGROUND: Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) consistently improve heart failure and kidney-related outcomes; however, effects on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) across different patient populations are less clear. METHODS: This was a collaborative trial-level meta-analysis from the SGLT2i Meta-analysis Cardio-Renal Trialists Consortium, which includes all phase 3, placebo-controlled, outcomes trials of SGLT2i across 3 patient populations (patients with diabetes at high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, heart failure [HF], or chronic kidney disease). The outcomes of interest were MACE (composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction , or stroke), individual components of MACE (inclusive of fatal and nonfatal events), all-cause mortality, and death subtypes. Effect estimates for SGLT2i versus placebo were meta-analyzed across trials and examined across key subgroups (established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, previous myocardial infarction, diabetes, previous HF, albuminuria, chronic kidney disease stages, and risk groups). RESULTS: A total of 78 607 patients across 11 trials were included: 42 568 (54.2%), 20 725 (26.4%), and 15 314 (19.5%) were included from trials of patients with diabetes at high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, HF, or chronic kidney disease, respectively. SGLT2i reduced the rate of MACE by 9% (hazard ration [HR], 0.91 [95% CI, 0.87-0.96], P<0.0001) with a consistent effect across all 3 patient populations (I2=0%) and across all key subgroups. This effect was primarily driven by a reduction in cardiovascular death (HR, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.81-0.92], P<0.0001), with no significant effect for myocardial infarction in the overall population (HR, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.87-1.04], P=0.29), and no effect on stroke (HR, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.91-1.07], P=0.77). The benefit for cardiovascular death was driven primarily by reductions in HF death and sudden cardiac death (HR, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.46-1.02]

Introduction Relationships between glycemic-lowering effects of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors and impact on kidney and cardiovascular outcomes are uncertain. Research design and methods We analyzed 4395 individuals with prebaseline and postbaseline hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) randomized to canagliflozin (n=2193) or placebo (n=2202) in The Canagliflozin and Renal Events in Diabetes with Established Nephropathy Clinical Evaluation trial. Effects on HbA1c were assessed using mixed models. Mediation of treatment effects by achieved glycemic control was analyzed using proportional hazards regression with and without adjustment for achieved HbA1c. End points included combined kidney or cardiovascular death, end-stage kidney disease or doubling of serum creatinine (primary trial outcome), and individual end point components. Results HbA1c lowering was modified by baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). For baseline eGFR 60-90, 45-59, and 30-44 mL/min/1.73 m 2, overall HbA1c (canagliflozin vs placebo) decreased by -0.24%, -0.14%, and -0.08% respectively and likelihood of >0.5% decrease in HbA1c decreased with ORs of 1.47 (95% CI 1.27 to 1.67), 1.12 (0.94 to 1.33) and 0.99 (0.83 to 1.18), respectively. Adjustment for postbaseline HbA1c marginally attenuated canagliflozin effects on primary and kidney composite outcomes: unadjusted HR 0.67 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.80) and 0.66 (95% CI 0.53 to 0.81); adjusted for week 13 HbA1c, HR 0.71 (95% CI 0.060 to 0.84) and 0.68 (95% CI 0.55 to 0.83). Results adjusted for time-varying HbA1c or HbA1c as a cubic spline were similar and consistent with preserved clinical benefits across a range of excellent and poor glycemic control. Conclusions The glycemic effects of canagliflozin are attenuated at lower eGFR but effects on kidney and cardiac end points are preserved. Non-glycemic effects may be primarily responsible for the kidney and cardioprotective benefits of canagliflozin.22

BACKGROUND: Sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce systolic blood pressure (SBP), but whether they affect SBP variability is unknown. There also remains uncertainty regarding the prognostic value of SBP variability for different clinical outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using individual participant data from the CANVAS (Canagliflozin Cardiovascular Assessment Study) Program and CREDENCE (Canagliflozin and Renal Events in Diabetes with Established Nephropathy Clinical Evaluation) trial, we assessed the effect of canagliflozin on SBP variability in people with type 2 diabetes across 4 study visits over 1.5 years as measured by standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and variability independent of the mean. We used multivariable Cox regression models to estimate associations of SBP variability with cardiovascular, kidney, and mortality outcomes. In 11 551 trial participants, canagliflozin modestly lowered the standard deviation of SBP variability (−0.25 mm Hg [95% CI, –0.44 to −0.06]), but there was no effect on coefficient of variation (0.02% [95% CI, –0.12 to 0.16]) or variability independent of the mean (0.08 U [95% CI, –0.11 to 0.26]) when adjusting for correlation with mean SBP. Each 1 standard deviation increase in standard deviation of SBP variability was independently associated with higher risk of hospitalization for heart failure (hazard ratio [HR], 1.19 [95% CI, 1.02–1.38]) and all-cause mortality (HR, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.01–1.25]), with consistent results observed for coefficient of variation and variability independent of the mean. Increases in SBP variability were not associated with kidney outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In people with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk or with chronic kidney disease, higher visit-to-visit SBP variability is independently associated with risks of hospitalization for heart failure and all-cause mortality. Canagliflozin has little to no effect on SBP variability, independent of its established SBP-lowering effect

Rationale & Objective: It is unclear whether the effect of canagliflozin on adverse kidney and cardiovascular events in those with diabetic kidney disease varies by age and sex. We assessed the effects of canagliflozin among age group categories and between sexes in the Canagliflozin and Renal Endpoints in Diabetes with Established Nephropathy Clinical Evaluation (CREDENCE) study. Study Design: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Setting & Participants: Participants in the CREDENCE trial. Intervention: Participants were randomly assigned to receive canagliflozin 100 mg/d or placebo. Outcomes: Primary composite outcome of kidney failure, doubling of serum creatinine concentration, or death due to kidney or cardiovascular disease. Prespecified secondary and safety outcomes were also analyzed. Outcomes were evaluated by age at baseline (<60, 60-69, and ≥70 years) and sex in the intention-to-treat population using Cox regression models. Results: The mean age of the cohort was 63.0 ± 9.2 years, and 34% were female. Older age and female sex were independently associated with a lower risk of the composite of adverse kidney outcomes. There was no evidence that the effect of canagliflozin on the primary outcome (a composite of kidney failure, a doubling of serum creatinine concentration, or death from kidney or cardiovascular causes) differed between age groups (HRs, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.52-0.87], 0.63 [0.48-0.82], and 0.89 [0.61-1.29] for ages <60, 60-69, and ≥70 years, respectively; P = 0.3 for interaction) or sexes (HRs, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.54-0.95] and 0.69 [0.56-0.84] in women and men, respectively; P = 0.8 for interaction). No differences in safety outcomes by age group or sex were observed. Limitations: This was a post hoc analysis with multiple comparisons. Conclusions: Canagliflozin consistently reduced the relative risk of kidney events in people with diabetic kidney disease in both sexes and across age subgroups. As a result of greater background risk, the

Background: Diabetes is a common condition that often requires increasing intensity of glucose lowering regimens. We describe the population trends in the intensity of regimens, and associations of achieved HbA1c and treatment persistence. Methods: We performed an episode-based analysis of the EXTEND-45 dataset, assessing trends in glucose lowering therapy and the associated outcomes of HbA1c and treatment persistence. Trends from 2009 to 2014 were assessed for each intensity level of a glucose lowering therapy regimen, according to the year prescribed. Episodes were defined as the length of time that an individual adhered to a regimen through ongoing prescription, and this was used as to define persistence. Mean HbA1c were calculated for each episode. Persistence and HbA1c were compared across the different regimens of treatment intensity. Results: The intensity of glucose lowering therapy remained stable over time with around one third of episodes utilising a single glucose lowering agent. Mean HbA1c was higher for insulin-based treatment (mean 7.9 % SD = 1.3 %), and lowest for episodes of no glucose lowering treatment (mean 6.3 % (SD = 0.8 %). Around half of participants achieved glycemic targets of 7 %. While there was considerable variation in persistence, the median persistence was around 3 months (94 days, IQR 51–201 days). Conclusions: Therapeutic intensity for diabetes has remained stable over 9 years. Whilst there was considerable variability in persistence with glucose lowering regimens, the mean duration of all regimens was less than a year. Requirement for higher intensity treatment with insulin was related to poorer glycemic control.

Objective: To determine whether disrupting the renin angiotensin system with angiotensin receptor blockers will improve clinical outcomes in people with covid-19. Design: CLARITY was a pragmatic, adaptive, multicentre, phase 3, randomised controlled trial. Setting: 17 hospital sites in India and Australia. Participants: Participants were at least 18 years old, previously untreated with angiotensin receptor blockers, with a laboratory confirmed diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection who had been admitted to hospital for management of covid-19. Intervention: Oral angiotensin receptor blockers (telmisartan in India) or placebo (1:1) for 28 days. Main outcome measures: The primary endpoint was covid-19 disease severity using a modified World Health Organization Clinical Progression Scale (WHO scale) at day 14. Secondary outcomes were WHO scale scores at day 28, mortality, intensive care unit admission, and respiratory failure. Analyses were evaluated on an ordinal scale in the intention-to-treat population. Results: Between 3 May 2020 and 13 November 2021, 2930 people were screened for eligibility, with 393 randomly assigned to angiotensin receptor blockers (of which 388 (98.7%) to telmisartan 40 mg/day) and 394 to the control group. 787 participants were randomised: 778 (98.9%) from India and nine (1.1%) from Australia. The median WHO scale score at day 14 was 1 (interquartile range 1-1) in 384 participants assigned angiotensin receptor blockers and 1 (1-1) in 382 participants assigned placebo (adjusted odds ratio 1.51 (95% credible interval 1.02 to 2.23), probability of an odds ratio of >1 (Pr(OR>1)=0.98). WHO scale scores at day 28 showed little evidence of difference between groups (1.02 (0.55 to 1.87), Pr(OR>1)=0.53). The trial was stopped when a prespecified futility rule was met. Conclusions: In patients admitted to hospital for covid-19, mostly with mild disease, not requiring oxygen, no evidence of benefit, based on

BACKGROUND: The sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor canagliflozin reduced the risk of first cardiovascular composite events in the CREDENCE (Canagliflozin and Renal Events in Diabetes With Established Nephropathy Clinical Evaluation) trial. In this post hoc analysis, we evaluated the effect of canagliflozin on total (first and recurrent) cardiovascular events. METHODS AND RESULTS: The CREDENCE trial compared canagliflozin or matching placebo in 4401 patients with type 2 diabetes, albuminuria, and estimated glomerular filtration rate of 30 to <90 mL/min per 1.73 m2, over a median of 2.6 years. The primary outcome was analyzed as a composite of any cardiovascular event including myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalization for heart failure, hospitalization for unstable angina, and cardiovascular death. Negative binomial regression models were used to assess the effect of canagliflozin on the net burden of cardiovascular events. During the trial, 634 patients had 883 cardiovascular events, of whom 472 (74%) had just 1 cardiovascular event and 162 (26%) had multiple cardiovascular events. Canagliflozin reduced first cardiovascular events by 26% (hazard ratio, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.63– 0.86]; P<0.001) and total cardiovascular events by 29% (incidence rate ratio, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.59– 0.86]; P<0.001). The absolute risk difference per 1000 patients treated over 2.5 years was −44 (95% CI, −67 to −21) first cardiovascular events and −73 (95% CI, −114 to −33) total events. CONCLUSIONS: Canagliflozin reduced cardiovascular events, with a larger absolute benefit for total cardiovascular than first cardiovascular events. These findings provide further support for the benefit of continuing canagliflozin therapy after an initial event to prevent recurrent cardiovascular events.

Background: Previous reports on the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Asia have suggested important sex disparities but have been inconsistent in nature. We sought to synthesize available sex-disaggregated CKD prevalence data in Asia to quantify sex disparities in the region. Methods: We systematically searched MEDLINE and Embase for observational studies involving ≥500 adults who reported sex-disaggregated CKD prevalence data in any of the 26 countries in East, Southeast and South Asia. For each study we calculated the female:male prevalence ratio (PR), with a ratio >1 indicating a higher female prevalence. For each country, log-transformed PRs were pooled using random effects meta-analysis. These were then combined using a fixed effects model, weighting by population size, to estimate a pooled PR for each of East, Southeast and South Asia and Asia overall. Results: Sex-disaggregated data were available from 171 cohorts, spanning 15 countries and comprising 2 550 169 females and 2 595 299 males. Most studies (75.4%) came from East Asia (China, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea). Across Asia, CKD prevalence was higher in females {pooled prevalence 13.0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 11.3-14.9]} compared with males [pooled prevalence 12.1% (95% CI 10.3-14.1)], with a pooled PR of 1.07 (95% CI 0.99-1.17). Substantial heterogeneity was observed between countries. The pooled PRs for East, Southeast and South Asia were 1.11 (95% CI 1.02-1.21), 1.09 (0.88-1.36) and 1.03 (0.87-1.22), respectively. Conclusions: Current evidence suggests considerable between-country and-region heterogeneity in the female:male PR of CKD. However, there remains a large part of the region where data on sex-specific CKD prevalence are absent or limited. Country-level assessment of the differential burden of CKD in females and males is needed to define locally relevant policies that address the needs of both sexes.

Aim: Canagliflozin reduces the risk, and progression, of diabetic kidney disease. We hypothesized that it may improve the microvascular complication of neuropathy. Methods: The CREDENCE trial randomized participants with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease to canagliflozin 100 mg daily or placebo. Neuropathy events were defined post-hoc as any reported adverse event consistent with a peripheral or autonomic neuropathy event. The effect of canagliflozin and predictors of neuropathy events were estimated using Cox regression analysis. In sensitivity analyses the endpoint was restricted to sensorimotor polyneuropathy, diabetic neuropathy, and non-autonomic neuropathy events. Results: Almost half (48.8%) of the 4401 participants had a diagnosis of neuropathy at baseline. Over a median of 2.45 years of follow up, 657 people experienced a neuropathy event (63.2 per 1000 patient-years). Independent factors associated with higher risk of experiencing neuropathy events were non-white race, younger age, higher glycated haemoglobin and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate. The incidence of neuropathy events was similar in people randomized to canagliflozin and placebo (334/2202 vs. 323/2199; HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.21, P = 0.66). Canagliflozin had no impact on sensorimotor polyneuropathy (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.25, P = 0.63), diabetic neuropathy (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.22, P = 0.52), or non-autonomic neuropathy (HR 1.03, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.21, P = 0.77). The lack of effect on neuropathy events was consistent in subgroup analyses. Conclusion: Canagliflozin did not affect the risk of neuropathy events in the CREDENCE trial. Future large randomized studies with prespecified neuropathy endpoints are required to determine the impact of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors on diabetic neuropathy.

Background: People with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have elevated cardiovascular (CV) risk, including for hospitalization for heart failure (HHF). Canagliflozin reduced CV and kidney events in patients with T2DM and high CV risk or nephropathy in the CANVAS (CANagliflozin cardioVascular Assessment Study) Program and the CREDENCE (Canagliflozin and Renal Events in Diabetes with Established Nephropathy Clinical Evaluation) trial. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of canagliflozin on CV outcomes according to baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin:creatinine ratio (UACR) in pooled patient-level data from the CANVAS Program and CREDENCE trial. Methods: Canagliflozin effects on CV death or HHF were assessed by baseline eGFR (<45, 45-60, and >60 mL/min/1.73 m2) and UACR (<30, 30-300, and >300 mg/g). HRs and 95% CIs were estimated by using Cox regression models overall and according to subgroups. Results: A total of 14,543 participants from the CANVAS Program (N = 10,142) and the CREDENCE (N = 4,401) trial were included, with a mean age of 63 years, 35% female, 75% White, 13.2% with baseline eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m2, and 31.9% with UACR >300 mg/g. Rates of CV death or HHF increased as eGFR declined and/or UACR increased. Canagliflozin significantly reduced CV death or HHF compared with placebo (19.4 vs 28.0 events per 1,000 patient-years; HR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.62-0.79), with consistent results across eGFR and UACR categories (all P interaction >0.40). Conclusions: Risk of CV death or HHF was higher in those with lower baseline eGFR and/or higher UACR. Canagliflozin consistently reduced CV death or HHF in participants with T2DM and high CV risk or nephropathy regardless of baseline renal function or level of albuminuria. (Canagliflozin Cardiovascular Assessment Study [CANVAS], NCT01032629; A Study of the Effects of Canagliflozin [JNJ-24831754] on Renal Endpoints in Adult Participants With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus [CA

Background: Large trials have shown that sodium glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce the risk of adverse kidney and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with heart failure or chronic kidney disease, or with type 2 diabetes and high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. None of the trials recruiting patients with and without diabetes were designed to assess outcomes separately in patients without diabetes. Methods: We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of SGLT2 inhibitor trials. We searched the MEDLINE and Embase databases for trials published from database inception to Sept 5, 2022. SGLT2 inhibitor trials that were double-blind, placebo-controlled, performed in adults (age ≥18 years), large (≥500 participants per group), and at least 6 months in duration were included. Summary-level data used for analysis were extracted from published reports or provided by trial investigators, and inverse-variance-weighted meta-analyses were conducted to estimate treatment effects. The main efficacy outcomes were kidney disease progression (standardised to a definition of a sustained ≥50% decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] from randomisation, a sustained low eGFR, end-stage kidney disease, or death from kidney failure), acute kidney injury, and a composite of cardiovascular death or hospitalisation for heart failure. Other outcomes were death from cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular disease considered separately, and the main safety outcomes were ketoacidosis and lower limb amputation. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42022351618. Findings: We identified 13 trials involving 90 413 participants. After exclusion of four participants with uncertain diabetes status, we analysed 90 409 participants (74 804 [82·7%] participants with diabetes [>99% with type 2 diabetes] and 15 605 [17·3%] without diabetes; trial-level mean baseline eGFR range 37–85 mL/min per 1·73 m2). Compared with placebo, allocation to an SGLT2 inhibitor re

Rationale & Objective: Canagliflozin reduced the risk of kidney failure and related outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the CREDENCE (Canagliflozin and Renal Events in Diabetes with Established Nephropathy Clinical Evaluation) trial. This analysis of CREDENCE trial data examines the effect of canagliflozin on the incidence of kidney-related adverse events (AEs). Study Design: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter international trial. Setting & Participants: 4,401 trial participants with T2DM, CKD, and urinary albumin-creatinine ratio >300-5,000 mg/g. Interventions: Participants were randomly assigned to receive canagliflozin 100 mg/d or placebo. Outcomes: Rates of kidney-related AEs were analyzed using an on-treatment approach, overall and by screening estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) strata (30-<45, 45-<60, and 60-<90 mL/min/1.73 m2). Results: Canagliflozin was associated with a reduction in the overall incidence rate of kidney-related AEs (60.2 vs 84.0 per 1,000 patient-years; hazard ratio [HR], 0.71 [95% CI, 0.61-0.82]; P < 0.001), with consistent results for serious kidney-related AEs (HR, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.51-1.00]; P = 0.05) and acute kidney injury (AKI; HR, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.64-1.13]; P = 0.3). The rates of kidney-related AEs were lower with canagliflozin relative to placebo across the 3 eGFR strata (HRs of 0.73, 0.60, and 0.81 for eGFR 30-<45, 45-<60, and 60-<90 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively; P = 0.3 for interaction), with similar results for AKI (P = 0.9 for interaction). Full recovery of kidney function within 30 days after an AKI event occurred more frequently with canagliflozin versus placebo (53.1% vs 35.4%; odds ratio, 2.2 [95% CI, 1.0-4.7]; P = 0.04). Limitations: Kidney-related AEs including AKI were investigator-reported and collected without central adjudication. Biomarkers of AKI and structural tubular damage were not measured, and creatinine data after an AKI ev

BACKGROUND: The fracture pathophysiology associated with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is incompletely understood. We examined individual fracture predictors and prediction sets based on different pathophysiological hypotheses, testing whether any of the sets improved prediction beyond that based on traditional osteoporotic risk factors. METHODS: Within the CREDENCE cohort with adjudicated fracture outcomes, we assessed the association of individual factors with fracture using Cox regression models. We used the Akaike information criteria (AIC) and Schwartz Bayes Criterion (SBC) to assess six separate variable sets based on hypothesized associations with fracture, namely, traditional osteoporosis, exploratory general population findings, cardiovascular risk, CKD-mineral and bone disorder, diabetic osteodystrophy, and an all-inclusive set containing all variables. RESULTS: Fracture occurred in 135 (3.1%) participants over a median 2.35 [1.88-2.93] years. Independent fracture predictors were older age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.04, confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.06), female sex (HR 2.49, CI 1.70-3.65), previous fracture (HR 2.30, CI 1.58-3.34), Asian race (HR 1.74, CI 1.09-2.78), vitamin D therapy requirement (HR 2.05, CI 1.31-3.21), HbA1c (HR 1.14, CI 1.00-1.32), prior cardiovascular event (HR 1.60, CI 1.10-2.33), and serum albumin (HR 0.41, CI 0.23-0.74) (lower albumin associated with greater risk). The goodness of fit of the various hypothesis sets was similar (AIC range 1870.92-1849.51, SBC range 1875.60-1948.04). CONCLUSION: Independent predictors of fracture were identified in the CREDENCE participants with type 2 diabetes and CKD. Fracture prediction was not improved by models built on alternative pathophysiology hypotheses compared with traditional osteoporosis predictors.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: To determine risk factors for incident chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a large population-based cohort. METHODS: This prospective opt-in population-based cohort study is based on the 45 and Up Study, where New South Wales residents aged ≥45 years were randomly sampled from the Services Australia database and agreed to complete the 45 and Up Study baseline questionnaire and have their responses linked to their health data in routinely collected databases. The primary outcome was the development of incident CKD, defined as eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 . CKD incidence was calculated using Poisson regression. Risk factors for incident CKD were assessed using Cox regression in multivariable models. RESULTS: In 39 574 participants who did not have CKD at enrolment, independent factors associated with developing CKD included: older age, regional residence (HR 1.38 (1.27-1.50) for outer regional vs major city), smoking (1.13 (1.00-1.27) for current smoker vs non-smoker), obesity (1.25 (1.16-1.35) for obese vs normal body mass index), diabetes mellitus (1.41 (1.33-1.50)), hypertension (1.53 (1.44-1.62)), coronary heart disease (1.13 (1.07-1.20)), depression/anxiety (1.16 (1.09-1.24)) and cancer (1.29 (1.20-1.39)). Migrants were less likely to develop CKD compared with people born in Australia (0.88 (0.83-0.94)). Gender, partner status and socioeconomic factors were not independently associated with developing CKD. CONCLUSIONS: This large population-based study found multiple modifiable and non-modifiable factors were independently associated with developing CKD. In the Australian setting, the risk of CKD was higher with regional residence. Differences according to socioeconomic status were predominantly explained by age, comorbidities and harmful health-related behaviours.

Introduction: Despite optimal current care, up to 30% of individuals suffering from immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) will develop kidney failure requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation. The Therapeutic Evaluation of STeroids in IgA Nephropathy Global (TESTING) study was designed to assess the benefits and risks of steroids in people with IgAN. We report the trial design as well as the baseline characteristics of study participants. Methods: It is an investigator-initiated, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of individuals with kidney biopsy-confirmed IgAN, proteinuria ≥1 g/day, and an estimated GFR of 20-120 mL/min/1.73 m2, following at least 3 months of standard of care including maximum labelled (or tolerated) dose of renin-angiotensin system blockade. The original study design randomized participants 1:1 to oral methylprednisolone (0.6-0.8 mg/kg/day, maximum 48 mg/day) for 2 months, with subsequent weaning by 8 mg/day/month over 6-8 months, or matching placebo. The intervention was modified in 2016 (due to an excess of serious infection) to low-dose methylprednisolone (0.4 mg/kg/day, maximum 32 mg/day) for 2 months, followed by weaning by 4 mg/day/month over 6-9 months, or matching placebo. Participants recruited after 2016 also received prophylaxis against Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia during the first 12 weeks of treatment. Results: The study recruitment period extended from May 2012 to November 2019. By the time the excess of serious infections was observed, 262 participants had been randomized to the original full-dose treatment algorithm, and an interim analysis was reported in 2016. Subsequently, 241 additional participants were randomized to a revised low-dose protocol, for a total of 503 participants from China (373), India (78), Canada (24), Australia (18), and Malaysia (10). The mean age of randomized participants was 38, 39% were female, mean eGFR at randomization was 62.7 mL/min/1.73 m2, and mean 24-h urine prot

Aims: The CANVAS Program identified the effect of canagliflozin on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) differed according to whether participants were using diuretics at study commencement. We sought to further evaluate this finding related to baseline differences, treatment effects, safety, and risk factor changes. Methods and results: The CANVAS Program enrolled 10 142 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus and high cardiovascular risk. Participants were randomized to canagliflozin or placebo and followed for a mean of 188 weeks. The primary outcome was major cardiovascular events, a composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke. Secondary outcomes included multiple cardiovascular, renal, and safety events. In this post hoc subgroup analysis, participants were categorized according to baseline use of any diuretic. The effect on outcomes was compared using Cox proportional hazards models, while risk factor changes were compared using mixed-effect models. At baseline, 4490 (44.3%) participants were using a diuretic. Compared with those not using a diuretic, participants using a diuretic were more likely to be older (mean age ± standard deviation, 64.3 ± 8.0 vs. 62.5 ± 8.3), be female (38.9% vs. 33.4%), and have heart failure (19.6% vs. 10.3%) (all Pdifference < 0.0001). The effect of canagliflozin on major cardiovascular events was greater for those using diuretic at baseline than for those who were not [adjusted hazard ratio 0.65 (95% confidence interval 0.54–0.78) vs. adjusted hazard ratio 1.13 (95% confidence interval 0.93–1.36), Pheterogeneity < 0.0001]. Changes in most risk factors, including blood pressure, body weight, and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, were similar between groups (all Pdifference > 0.11), although the effect of canagliflozin on haemoglobin A1c reduction was slightly weaker in participants using compared with not using diuretics at baseline (−0.52% vs. −0.64%, Pheterogeneity = 0.0007). Ov

Background: People with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease experience a high burden of hypertension, but the magnitude and consistency of blood pressure (BP) lowering with canagliflozin in this population are uncertain. Whether the effects of canagliflozin on kidney and cardiovascular outcomes vary by baseline BP or BP-lowering therapy is also unknown. Methods: The CREDENCE trial (Canagliflozin and Renal Events in Diabetes with Established Nephropathy Clinical Evaluation) randomized people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease to canagliflozin or placebo. In a post hoc analysis, we investigated the effect of canagliflozin on systolic BP across subgroups defined by baseline systolic BP, number of BP-lowering drug classes, and history of apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (BP ≥130/80 mm Hg while receiving ≥3 classes of BP-lowering drugs, including a diuretic). We also assessed whether effects on clinical outcomes differed across these subgroups. Results: The trial included 4401 participants, of whom 3361 (76.4%) had baseline systolic BP ≥130 mm Hg, and 1371 (31.2%) had resistant hypertension. By week 3, canagliflozin reduced systolic BP by 3.50 mm Hg (95% CI, -4.27 to -2.72), an effect maintained over the duration of the trial, with similar reductions across BP and BP-lowering therapy subgroups (all P interaction ≥0.05). Canagliflozin also reduced the need for initiation of additional BP-lowering agents during the trial (hazard ratio, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.61-0.75]). The effect of canagliflozin on kidney failure, doubling of serum creatinine, or death caused by kidney or cardiovascular disease (hazard ratio, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.59-0.82]) was consistent across BP and BP-lowering therapy subgroups (all P interaction ≥0.35), as were effects on other key kidney, cardiovascular, and safety outcomes. Conclusions: In people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease, canagliflozin lowers systolic BP across all BP-defined subgroups and reduces the need for

Background: Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are predisposed to derangements in serum Magnesium (Mg), which may have implications for cardiometabolic events and outcomes. In clinical trials, participants with T2D randomized to sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have shown mild to moderate increases in serum Mg from baseline levels. This post hoc analysis assesses the relation between serum Mg with cardiovascular outcomes in 10,140 participants of the Canagliflozin Cardiovascular Assessment Study (CANVAS) Program. Methods: We evaluated the association of baseline serum Mg with the primary composite end point of death from cardiovascular causes, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and non-fatal stroke, and tested whether this association is modified by baseline serum Mg. Using mediation analysis, we determined whether change in serum Mg post-randomization mediates the beneficial effect of canagliflozin on cardiovascular outcomes. Results: Mean serum Mg levels at baseline were 0.77 ± 0.09 mmol/L in both canagliflozin group and placebo groups. The canagliflozin group experienced an average increase in serum Mg by 0.07 mmol/L (95% CI, 0.065–0.072 mmol/L; p <.001) for the duration of the trial. We found no association between baseline serum Mg levels and the primary composite end point, and no evidence of effect modification by baseline Mg levels. Change in serum Mg post-randomization was not a mediator of the effects of canagliflozin on cardiovascular outcomes. Conclusions: In participants of the CANVAS Program, baseline and post-randomization serum Mg levels are not associated with cardiovascular outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Chronic kidney disease with reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate or elevated albuminuria increases risk for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. This study assessed the effects of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on stroke and atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF/AFL) from CREDENCE (Canagliflozin and Renal Events in Diabetes With Established Nephropathy Clinical Evaluation) and a meta-Analysis of large cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) of SGLT2i in type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: CREDENCE randomized 4401 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease to canagliflozin or placebo. Post hoc, we estimated effects on fatal or nonfatal stroke, stroke subtypes, and intermediate markers of stroke risk including AF/AFL. Stroke and AF/AFL data from 3 other completed large CVOTs and CREDENCE were pooled using random-effects meta-Analysis. RESULTS: In CREDENCE, 142 participants experienced a stroke during follow-up (10.9/1000 patient-years with canagliflozin, 14.2/1000 patient-years with placebo; hazard ratio [HR], 0.77 [95% CI, 0.55-1.08]). Effects by stroke subtypes were: ischemic (HR, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.61-1.28]; n=111), hemorrhagic (HR, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.19-1.32]; n=18), and undetermined (HR, 0.54 [95% CI, 0.20-1.46]; n=17). There was no clear effect on AF/AFL (HR, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.53-1.10]; n=115). The overall effects in the 4 CVOTs combined were: Total stroke (HRpooled, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.82-1.12]), ischemic stroke (HRpooled, 1.01 [95% CI, 0.89-1.14]), hemorrhagic stroke (HRpooled, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.30-0.83]), undetermined stroke (HRpooled, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.49-1.51]), and AF/AFL (HRpooled, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.71-0.93]). There was evidence that SGLT2i effects on total stroke varied by baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (P=0.01), with protection in the lowest estimated glomerular filtration rate (45 mL/min/1.73 m2]) subgroup (HRpooled, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.31-0.79]). CONCLUSIONS: Although we found no clear effect

Canagliflozin slows the progression of chronic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes and induces a reversible acute drop in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), believed to be a hemodynamic effect. Predictors of the initial drop and its association with long-term eGFR trajectories and safety outcomes are unknown. To assess this, we performed a post-hoc analysis of 4289 participants in the CREDENCE trial with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease equally split into treatment and placebo groups who had eGFR measured at both baseline and week three. The eGFR was categorized at week three as greater than a 10% decline; between 0 and 10% decline; and no decline. Long-term eGFR trajectories and safety outcomes were estimated in each category of acute eGFR change by linear mixed effects models and Cox regression after adjustment for baseline characteristics and medications use. Significantly more participants in the canagliflozin (45%) compared to the placebo (21%) group experienced an acute drop in eGFR over 10%. An over 30% drop occurred infrequently (4% of participants with canagliflozin and 2% with placebo). The odds ratio for a drop in eGFR over 10% with canagliflozin compared to placebo was significant at 3.03 (95% confidence interval 2.65, 3.47). Following the initial drop in eGFR, multivariable adjusted long-term eGFR trajectories, as well as overall and kidney safety profiles, in those treated with canagliflozin were similar across eGFR decline categories. Thus, although acute drops in eGFR over 10% occurred in nearly half of all participants following initiation of canagliflozin, the clinical benefit of canagliflozin was observed regardless. Additionally, safety outcomes were similar among subgroups of acute eGFR drop.

Background: Large-scale outcome trials of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes have identified consistent effects on major adverse cardiovascular events, heart failure, and progression of kidney disease. However, the magnitude of effects on cardiovascular and all-cause death appeared to vary between some of the studies. Methods: We explored the impact of differences in trial methodologies, participant characteristics, types of deaths, follow-up duration, effects on intermediate markers of risk, and drug selectivity for SGLT2 on the magnitude of the protective effect against fatal events achieved in the 4 trials. Results: The trial populations differed substantively in the proportions with baseline atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease history (99.2% in EMPA-REG OUTCOME to 40.6% in DECLARE-TIMI 58), and macroalbuminuria (88.0% in CREDENCE to 7.6% in the CANVAS Program). Meta-regression analyses identified no clear effect of these (both P > 0.09) or other participant characteristics on mortality benefits (all P > 0.55). Other differences between the trials (duration, selectivity of the SGLT2 inhibitor, or effects on intermediate markers of risk) also did not explain the heterogeneity in effects on mortality observed (all P > 0.30). Conclusion: No clear explanation for the statistical evidence of heterogeneity in effects of SGLT2 inhibition on fatal outcomes between the trials could be identified. While the analyses had limited statistical power, these results raise the possibility that the observed variations in treatment effects on fatal outcomes between trials may be at least partly due to chance.

Aim: To assess whether the effects of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on cardiovascular, kidney and mortality outcomes are consistent with and without concomitant metformin use. Material and methods: We conducted a meta-analysis of event-driven, randomized, placebo-controlled SGLT2 inhibitor trials that reported cardiovascular, kidney or mortality outcomes by baseline metformin use. Treatment effects, reported as hazards ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. The main outcomes in this analysis were (i) major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and (ii) hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) or cardiovascular death. Results: We included six trials of four SGLT2 inhibitors that enrolled a total of 51 743 participants. Baseline metformin use varied from 21% in DAPA-HF to 82% in DECLARE-TIMI 58. SGLT2 inhibitors reduced the risk of MACE, with and without concomitant metformin use (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.87–1.00 and HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.71–0.86, respectively; P-heterogeneity = 0.14). There were also clear and separate reductions in HHF or cardiovascular death with SGLT2 inhibitors, irrespective of metformin use (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.73–0.86 and HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.63–0.87, respectively; P-heterogeneity = 0.48), as well as for major kidney outcomes and all-cause mortality (all P-heterogeneity > 0.40). Conclusion: Treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors results in clear and consistent reductions in cardiovascular, kidney and mortality outcomes regardless of whether patients are receiving or not receiving metformin.

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are effective for the treatment of macrovascular complications and nephropathy in type 2 diabetes, but effects on microvascular eye outcomes are unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials to evaluate the effect of SGLT2 inhibition on total ocular events and retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes. We searched MEDLINE and Embase for the period from database inception date to October 11, 2019. Two reviewers working independently extracted relevant data. Random-effects models with inverse variance weighting were selected to estimate summary risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We included nine studies, involving 39 982 patients with a mean follow-up of 2.8 years. There were 1414 total ocular events, of which 624 were retinopathy events. SGLT2 inhibition was not associated with a change in the risk of total ocular events (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.85, 1.11) or retinopathy (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.84, 1.16), with consistent effects across studies (P for heterogeneity = 0.35 and 0.45, respectively). The effects of SGLT2 inhibition on eye disease in individuals with type 2 diabetes are probably null, although the available data cannot exclude small to moderate benefits or harms.

Rationale & Objective: Canagliflozin reduces the risk for cardiovascular and kidney outcomes in type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to assess the relative and absolute effects of canagliflozin on clinical outcomes across different KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) risk categories based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin-creatinine ratio. Study Design: Post hoc analysis of the CANagliflozin cardioVascular Assessment Study (CANVAS) Program. Settings & Participants: The CANVAS Program randomly assigned 10,142 participants with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk and with eGFR ≥ 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 to treatment with canagliflozin or placebo. Intervention(s): Canagliflozin or matching placebo. Outcomes: The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke, with a set of other cardiovascular and kidney prespecified outcomes. Results: Of 10,142 participants, 10,031 (98.9%) had available baseline eGFR and urinary albumin-creatinine ratio data. The proportion of participants in low-, moderate-, high-, and very high–risk KDIGO categories was 58.6%, 25.8%, 10.6%, and 5.0%, respectively. The relative effect of canagliflozin on the primary outcome (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.75-0.97) was consistent across KDIGO risk categories (P trend = 0.2), with similar results for other cardiovascular and kidney outcomes. Absolute reductions in the primary outcome were greater within higher KDIGO risk categories (P trend = 0.03) with a similar pattern of effect for the composite of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure (P trend = 0.06) and for chronic eGFR slope (P trend = 0.04). Limitations: Predominantly a low kidney risk population, relatively few participants in higher KDIGO risk categories, and exclusion of individuals with eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2. Conclusions: Although the relative effects of canagliflozin are similar across KDIGO risk categories, absolute risk r

The advent of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors represents a major advance for people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The results of the Canagliflozin and Renal Events in Diabetes with Established Nephropathy Clinical Evaluation (CREDENCE) trial have clearly demonstrated that canagliflozin prevents kidney failure and cardiovascular events. The results from three other large-scale randomized trials, collectively enrolling >30 000 participants, have provided further evidence that the effects of SGLT2 inhibition on major kidney outcomes in people with T2DM may be present across the class, although this will only be known for certain when Dapagliflozin and Renal Outcomes and Cardiovascular Mortality in Patients with CKD (DAPA-CKD) (NCT03036150) and The Study of Heart and Kidney Protection with Empagliflozin (EMPA-KIDNEY) (NCT03594110) are reported over coming years. Importantly, the benefits of SGLT2 inhibition have been achieved in addition to the current standard of care. This review summarizes evidence for SGLT2 inhibition in people with T2DM and CKD, evaluates key patient characteristics and concomitant drug use that may influence the use of these drugs in people with CKD, discusses current guideline recommendations and explores how these drugs may be used in people with CKD in the future, including in combination with other treatments.

Aim: To determine the reasons for hospitalizations in the CANagliflozin cardioVascular Assessment Study (CANVAS) programme and the effects of the sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor canagliflozin on hospitalization. Materials and Methods: A secondary analysis was performed on the CANVAS programme that included 10 142 participants with type 2 diabetes randomized to canagliflozin or placebo. The primary outcome was the rate of total (first plus all recurrent) all-cause hospitalizations (ACH). Secondary outcomes were total hospitalizations categorized by the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities hierarchy at the system organ class level, reported by investigators at each centre. Outcomes were assessed using negative binomial models. Results: Of the 7115 hospitalizations reported, the most common reasons were cardiac disorders (23.7%), infections and infestations (15.0%), and nervous system disorders (9.0%). The rate of total ACH was lower in the canagliflozin group (n = 5795) compared with the placebo group (n = 4347): 197.9 versus 215.8 participants per 1000 patient-years, respectively (rate ratio [RR] 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.86, 0.98). Canagliflozin reduced the rate of total hospitalizations because of cardiac disorders (RR 0.81; 95% CI 0.75, 0.88). There was no significant difference between the canagliflozin and placebo groups in the rates of total hospitalizations because of infections and infestations (RR 0.96; 95% CI 0.86, 1.02) or nervous system disorders (RR 0.96; 95% CI 0.88, 1.05). Conclusions: In the CANVAS programme, the most common reasons for hospitalization were cardiac disorders, infections and infestations, and nervous system disorders. Canagliflozin, compared with placebo, reduced the rate of total ACH.

Aims Hyperkalaemia is a common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and limits the optimal use of agents that block the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, particularly in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In patients with CKD, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors provide cardiorenal protection, but whether they affect the risk of hyperkalaemia remains uncertain. Methods and results The CREDENCE trial randomized 4401 participants with T2DM and CKD to the SGLT2 inhibitor canagliflozin or matching placebo. In this post hoc analysis using an intention-to-treat approach, we assessed the effect of canagliflozin on a composite outcome of time to either investigator-reported hyperkalaemia or the initiation of potassium binders. We also analysed effects on central laboratory-determined hyper- and hypokalaemia (serum potassium ≥6.0 and <3.5 mmol/L, respectively) and change in serum potassium. At baseline, the mean serum potassium in canagliflozin and placebo arms was 4.5 mmol/L; 4395 (99.9%) participants were receiving renin-angiotensin system blockade. The incidence of investigator-reported hyperkalaemia or initiation of potassium binders was lower with canagliflozin than with placebo [occurring in 32.7 vs. 41.9 participants per 1000 patient-years; hazard ratio (HR) 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.64-0.95, P = 0.014]. Canagliflozin similarly reduced the incidence of laboratory-determined hyperkalaemia (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.61-0.98, P = 0.031), with no effect on the risk of hypokalaemia (HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.71-1.20, P = 0.53). The mean serum potassium over time with canagliflozin was similar to that of placebo. Conclusion Among patients treated with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibition with canagliflozin may reduce the risk of hyperkalaemia in people with T2DM and CKD without increasing the risk of hypokalaemia.

INTRODUCTION: Hemodialysis (HD) with medium cut-off (MCO) dialyzers may expand molecular clearance, predominantly larger middle molecules (molecular weight 25-60 kDa). However, the impact of MCO dialyzers on long-term clearance of various other components of the uremic milieu is unknown. The tRial Evaluating Mid cut-Off Value membrane clearance of Albumin and Light chains in HemoDialysis patients (REMOVAL-HD) provided an opportunity to assess the effect of MCO dialyzers on protein-bound uremic toxins and novel markers of mineral metabolism. METHODS: This exploratory sub-study of REMOVAL-HD evaluated changes in protein-bound solutes (total and free indoxyl sulfate [IS] and p-cresyl sulfate [PCS]) and mineral metabolism markers (intact fibroblast growth factor-23 [iFGF23], fetuin-A and endogenous calciprotein particles [CPP-1 and CPP-2]). Mid-week, pre-HD serum samples were collected at baseline and after 12 and 24 weeks of MCO use in stable adult patients. Change from baseline to Week 12 and 24 was estimated using linear mixed effects models. FINDINGS: Eighty-nine participants were studied (mean age 67 ± 15 years, 38% female, 51% diabetic, median urine output 200 ml/24 h). Serum iFGF23 was reduced at Week 12 compared to baseline (-26.8% [95%CI -39.7, -11.1], p = 0.001), which was sustained at Week 24 (-21.7% [95%CI -35.7, -4.5], p = 0.012). There was no significant change in serum IS, PCS, fetuin-A, CPP-1, or CPP-2. DISCUSSION: The use of a MCO dialyzer over 24 weeks was associated with a sustained reduction in FGF23, while other measured components of the uremic milieu were not significantly altered. Further studies are required to determine whether FGF23 reduction is associated with improved patient outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Chronic kidney disease with reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate or elevated albuminuria increases risk for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. This study assessed the effects of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on stroke and atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF/AFL) from CREDENCE (Canagliflozin and Renal Events in Diabetes With Established Nephropathy Clinical Evaluation) and a meta-analysis of large cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) of SGLT2i in type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: CREDENCE randomized 4401 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease to canagliflozin or placebo. Post hoc, we estimated effects on fatal or nonfatal stroke, stroke subtypes, and intermediate markers of stroke risk including AF/AFL. Stroke and AF/AFL data from 3 other completed large CVOTs and CREDENCE were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: In CREDENCE, 142 participants experienced a stroke during follow-up (10.9/1000 patient-years with canagliflozin, 14.2/1000 patient-years with placebo; hazard ratio [HR], 0.77 [95% CI, 0.55-1.08]). Effects by stroke subtypes were: ischemic (HR, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.61-1.28]; n=111), hemorrhagic (HR, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.19-1.32]; n=18), and undetermined (HR, 0.54 [95% CI, 0.20-1.46]; n=17). There was no clear effect on AF/AFL (HR, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.53-1.10]; n=115). The overall effects in the 4 CVOTs combined were: total stroke (HRpooled, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.82-1.12]), ischemic stroke (HRpooled, 1.01 [95% CI, 0.89-1.14]), hemorrhagic stroke (HRpooled, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.30-0.83]), undetermined stroke (HRpooled, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.49-1.51]), and AF/AFL (HRpooled, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.71-0.93]). There was evidence that SGLT2i effects on total stroke varied by baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (P=0.01), with protection in the lowest estimated glomerular filtration rate (<45 mL/min/1.73 m2]) subgroup (HRpooled, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.31-0.79]). CONCLUSIONS: Although we found no clear effect

There are limited data on whether estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) variability modifies the risk of future clinical outcomes in type 2 diabetes (T2D). We assessed the association between 20-month eGFR variability and the risk of major clinical outcomes in T2D among 8241 participants in the ADVANCE trial. Variability in eGFR (coefficient of variation [CVeGFR ]) was calculated from three serum creatinine measurements over 20 months. Participants were classified into three groups by thirds of CVeGFR : low (≤6.4; reference), moderate (>6.4 to ≤12.1) and high (>12.1). The primary outcome was the composite of major macrovascular events, new or worsening nephropathy and all-cause mortality. Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs). Over a median follow-up of 2.9 years following the 20-month period, 932 (11.3%) primary outcomes were recorded. Compared with low variability, greater 20-month eGFR variability was independently associated with higher risk of the primary outcome (HR for moderate and high variability: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.91-1.27 and 1.22, 95% CI: 1.03-1.45, respectively) with evidence of a positive linear trend (p = .015). These data indicate that eGFR variability predict changes in the risk of major clinical outcomes in T2D.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Neuropathy is a common complication of kidney disease that lacks proven disease-modifying treatments. Hemodiafiltration improves clearance of uremic toxins and is associated with better nerve function than hemodialysis. We aimed to determine whether hemodiafiltration reduces the progression of neuropathy in people receiving hemodialysis. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: The Filtration in the Neuropathy of End-Stage Kidney Disease Symptom Evolution (FINESSE) study was an open-label, blinded end point assessment, controlled trial that randomized maintenance hemodialysis recipients to hemodiafiltration or high-flux hemodialysis for 48 months or until death or cessation of dialysis at four study centers. The primary outcome was the mean change in the yearly modified total neuropathy score from baseline, with time points weighted equally. RESULTS: A total of 124 participants were randomized and followed for a mean of 41 months. At baseline, neuropathy was present in 91 (73%) participants (modified total neuropathy score greater than or equal to two), and 38 (31%) had moderate to severe neuropathy (modified total neuropathy score 9-28). Convection volume in the hemodiafiltration arm was a median of 24.7 (interquartile range, 22.4-26.5) L. The mean modified total neuropathy score (SEM) worsened by 1.7 (0.4)/28 and 1.2 (0.4)/28 in the hemodiafiltration and hemodialysis groups, respectively, with a mean difference of 0.5 (95% confidence interval, -0.7 to 1.7; P=0.37). There was no difference in survival (hazard ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.61 to 2.51; log rank P=0.55) or any of the prespecified adverse events. There was no difference between groups in the number of participants who suffered an adverse event adjusted by follow-up time (relative risk, 1.05; 95% confidence interval, 0.83 to 1.32; P=0.68). CONCLUSIONS: Neuropathy is still a common complication of kidney disease without disease-altering therapy. Hemodiafiltratio

This protocol has been withdrawn - this protocol has not been converted into full Cochrane Reviews within two years of publication (protocol published Issue 9, 2012).

Background and objectives The Canagliflozin and Renal Events in Diabetes with Established Nephropathy Clinical Evaluation (CREDENCE) trial demonstrated that the sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor canagliflozin reduced the risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular events in participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus and CKD. Little is known about the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with eGFR <30 ml/min per 1.73 m2. The participants in the CREDENCE study had type 2 diabetes mellitus, a urinary albumin-creatinine ratio >300–5000 mg/g, and an eGFR of 30 to <90 ml/min per 1.73 m2 at screening. This post hoc analysis evaluated participants with eGFR <30 ml/min per 1.73 m2 at randomization. Design, setting, participants, & measurements Effects of eGFR slope through week 130 were analyzed using a piecewise, linear, mixed-effects model. Efficacy was analyzed in the intention-to-treat population, on the basis of Cox proportional hazard models, and safety was analyzed in the on-treatment population. At randomization (an average of 29 days after screening), 174 of 4401 (4%) participants had an eGFR <30 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (mean [SD] eGFR, 26 [3] ml/min per 1.73 m2). Results From weeks 3 to 130, there was a 66% difference in the mean rate of eGFR decline with canagliflozin versus placebo (mean slopes,-1.30 versus-3.83 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year; difference,-2.54 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90 to 4.17). Effects of canagliflozin on kidney, cardiovascular, and mortality outcomes were consistent for those with eGFR <30 and ≥30 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (all P interaction >0.20). The estimate for kidney failure in participants with eGFR <30 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (hazard ratio, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.35 to 1.27) was similar to those with eGFR ≥30 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.91; P interaction=0.80). There was no imbalance in the rate of kidney-related adverse events or AKI associated with canagliflozin between participants

Background: Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors might enhance erythropoiesis and increase red blood cell mass. We assessed the long-term effects of canagliflozin on anaemia-related outcomes. Methods: In a post-hoc analysis of the Canagliflozin and Renal Events in Diabetes with Established Nephropathy Clinical Evaluation (CREDENCE) trial, we included patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease who were randomly assigned to treatment with canagliflozin or placebo at 690 sites in 34 countries. We assessed the effects of canagliflozin versus matched placebo on haemoglobin and haematocrit using linear mixed-effects models. The primary outcome of this post-hoc analysis was a composite outcome of investigator-reported anaemia or treatment for anaemia, which was assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression models. All analyses were done by intention to treat. Findings: Between March 24, 2014, and May 5, 2017, 4401 participants were randomly assigned to receive canagliflozin (100 mg; n=2202) or placebo (n=2199). At baseline, mean haemoglobin concentration was 132·0 g/L (SD 17·7), 1599 (36%) of 4401 participants had anaemia (defined as haemoglobin <130 g/L in men or <120 g/L in women), and 33 (<1%) of 4401 participants used erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. During a median follow-up period of 2·6 years (IQR 2·1–3·1), mean haemoglobin concentration was 7·1 g/L (95% CI 6·4–7·8) higher and haematocrit was 2·4% (2·2–2·6) higher in the canagliflozin group than the placebo group. Overall, 573 of 4401 participants had either an investigator-reported anaemia event or initiation of treatment for anaemia: 358 (8%) of 4401 participants reported anaemia events, 343 (8%) initiated iron preparations, 141 (3%) initiated erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, and 114 (2%) received blood transfusion. The risk of the composite outcome of anaemia events or initiation of treatment for anaemia was lower in the canagliflozin group than the placebo group (hazard ratio 0·

Background: Several trials have demonstrated protective effects from inhibition of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. There is uncertainty about the consistency of the cardiovascular benefits achieved across patient subsets. Methods and Results: We included 4 large-scale trials of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibition compared with placebo in patients with diabetes mellitus that reported effects on cardiovascular outcomes overall and for participant subgroups defined at baseline by cardiovascular disease, reduced kidney function, and heart failure. Fixed effects models with inverse variance weighting were used to estimate summary hazard ratios and 95% CIs. There were 38 723 patients from 4 trials, with a mean 2.9 years of follow-up. Of the patients, 22 870 (59%) had cardiovascular disease, 7754 (20%) had reduced kidney function, and 4543 (12%) had heart failure. There were 3828 major adverse cardiac events. There was overall benefit for major adverse cardiac events (0.88; 95% CI, 0.82–0.94; P<0.001) and no evidence that the effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibition varied across patient subgroups, defined by the presence of cardiovascular disease or heart failure at baseline (all P interaction >0.252; I2<25%). All patient subgroups benefited with respect to hospitalization for heart failure (all P interaction>0.302; I2<10%), cardiovascular death (all P interaction>0.167; I2<50%), and death from any cause (all P interaction>0.354; I2=0%). The only difference in effects across subgroups was for stroke, with protection observed among those with reduced kidney function but not those with preserved kidney function (P interaction=0.020; I2=81%). Conclusions: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors protect against cardiovascular disease and death in diverse subsets of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus regardless of cardiovascular disease history.

Background: Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RA) reduce cardiovascular events, and improve intermediate markers of cardiometabolic health, in those with type 2 diabetes. We investigated these effects in the CANVAS Program. Methods and results: The CANVAS Program comprised 2 double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials (CANVAS and CANVAS-R) done in patients with type 2 diabetes and elevated cardiovascular risk. Effects were estimated using mixed-effects models for continuous measures and Cox regression models for other outcomes. Randomized treatment by subgroup interaction terms were used to compare effects of canagliflozin versus placebo across subgroups defined by baseline use of GLP1-RA. There were 10,142 participants, of whom 407 (4%) were using GLP1-RA therapy at baseline. Those using GLP1-RA at baseline were less likely to have a history of cardiovascular disease (60.4% vs 65.8%), had a longer duration of diabetes (15.2 vs 13.5 years) and a higher body mass index (BMI; 35.6 vs 31.8 kg/m2) but were otherwise similar. There were greater reductions with canagliflozin versus placebo for HbA1c (−0.75% versus −0.58%; P =.0091), SBP (−6.26 versus −3.83 mmHg; P =.0018), and body weight (−3.79 versus −2.18 kg; P <.0001) in those on baseline GLP1-RA therapy. Effects across subgroups were similar for UACR (P =.21), eGFR slope (P =.72), major adverse cardiac events (P =.94) and total serious adverse events (P =.74). Conclusions: There may be a synergistic effect of SGLT2 inhibition when used on a background of GLP1-RA for intermediate cardiometabolic markers.

Background: Canagliflozin reduced renal and cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes in the CREDENCE trial. We assessed efficacy and safety of canagliflozin by initial estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Methods: CREDENCE randomly assigned 4401 participants with an eGFR of 30 to <90 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and substantial albuminuria to canagliflozin 100 mg or placebo. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to analyze effects on renal and cardiovascular efficacy and safety outcomes within screening eGFR subgroups (30 to <45, 45 to <60, and 60 to <90 ml/min per 1.73 m2) and linear mixed effects models to analyze the effects on eGFR slope. Results: At screening, 1313 (30%), 1279 (29%), and 1809 (41%) participants had an eGFR of 30 to <45, 45 to <60, and 60 to <90 ml/min per 1.73 m2, respectively. The relative benefits of canagliflozin for renal and cardiovascular outcomes appeared consistent among eGFR subgroups (all P interaction >0.11). Subgroups with lower eGFRs, who were at greater risk, exhibited larger absolute benefits for renal outcomes. Canagliflozin's lack of effect on serious adverse events, amputations, and fractures appeared consistent among eGFR subgroups. In all subgroups, canagliflozin use led to an acute eGFR drop followed by relative stabilization of eGFR loss. Among those with an eGFR of 30 to <45 ml/min per 1.73 m2, canagliflozin led to an initial drop of 2.03 ml/min per 1.73 m2. Thereafter, decline in eGFR was slower in the canagliflozin versus placebo group (-1.72 versus -4.33 ml/min per 1.73 m2; between-group difference 2.61 ml/min per 1.73 m2). Conclusions: Canagliflozin safely reduced the risk of renal and cardiovascular events, with consistent results across eGFR subgroups, including the subgroup initiating treatment with an eGFR of 30 to <45 ml/min per 1.73 m2. Absolute benefits for renal outcomes were greatest in subgroups with lower eGFR.

BACKGROUND: Canagliflozin reduces the risk of kidney failure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease, but effects on specific cardiovascular outcomes are uncertain, as are effects in people without previous cardiovascular disease (primary prevention). METHODS: In CREDENCE (Canagliflozin and Renal Events in Diabetes With Established Nephropathy Clinical Evaluation), 4401 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease were randomly assigned to canagliflozin or placebo on a background of optimized standard of care. RESULTS: Primary prevention participants (n=2181, 49.6%) were younger (61 versus 65 years), were more often female (37% versus 31%), and had shorter duration of diabetes mellitus (15 years versus 16 years) compared with secondary prevention participants (n=2220, 50.4%). Canagliflozin reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events overall (hazard ratio [HR], 0.80 [95% CI, 0.67-0.95]; P=0.01), with consistent reductions in both the primary (HR, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.49-0.94]) and secondary (HR, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.69-1.06]) prevention groups (P for interaction=0.25). Effects were also similar for the components of the composite including cardiovascular death (HR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.61-1.00]), nonfatal myocardial infarction (HR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.59-1.10]), and nonfatal stroke (HR, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.56-1.15]). The risk of the primary composite renal outcome and the composite of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure were also consistently reduced in both the primary and secondary prevention groups (P for interaction >0.5 for each outcome). CONCLUSIONS: Canagliflozin significantly reduced major cardiovascular events and kidney failure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease, including in participants who did not have previous cardiovascular disease. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02065791.

Objectives: The objective of the study was to assess the impact of sustained dietary salt reduction on albuminuria in nearly 2000 community-dwelling adults. Design and Methods: The present study is a prespecified secondary analysis of the China Rural Health Initiative Salt Reduction Study cluster randomized trial undertaken in 120 villages in rural China. Villages were randomized to a sodium reduction program of education and access to reduced-sodium salt substitute or control. Urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) and albuminuria (uACR ≥22.1 or 31.0 mg/g for men and women, respectively) were assessed at 18 months in a stratified random sample of predominantly older individuals living in participating rural villages. Results: A total of 2,566 participants from 119 villages provided 1,903 eligible urine samples. The sodium reduction program reduced sodium intake by an equivalent of 0.82g of salt/day (0.06-1.68 g) (322 [24-661] mg sodium/day). The mean uACR was 8.85 (8.05-9.82) mg/g (1.00 [0.91-1.11] mg/mmol) in intervention participants compared with 10.53 (9.73-11.33) mg/g (1.19 [1.10-1.28] mg/mmol) in control participants (p=0.008). The corresponding odds ratio for albuminuria was 0.67 (0.46-0.99). Conclusions: Dietary sodium reduction was associated with significantly lower uACR and less albuminuria after 18 months. Whether CKD progression can be slowed by dietary sodium reduction should be a global research priority. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01259700.

Background: The effects of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on kidney failure, particularly the need for dialysis or transplantation or death due to kidney disease, is uncertain. Additionally, previous studies have been underpowered to robustly assess heterogeneity of effects on kidney outcomes by different levels of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria. We aimed to do a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on major kidney outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes and to determine the consistency of effect size across trials and different levels of eGFR and albuminuria. Methods: We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised, controlled, cardiovascular or kidney outcome trials of SGLT2 inhibitors that reported effects on major kidney outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes. We searched MEDLINE and Embase from database inception to June 14, 2019, to identify eligible trials. The primary outcome was a composite of dialysis, transplantation, or death due to kidney disease. We used random-effects models to obtain summary relative risks (RRs) with 95% CIs and random-effects meta-regression to explore effect modification by subgroups of baseline eGFR, albuminuria, and use of renin–angiotensin system (RAS) blockade. This review is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019131774). Findings: From 2085 records identified, four studies met our inclusion criteria, assessing three SGLT2 inhibitors: empagliflozin (EMPA-REG OUTCOME), canagliflozin (CANVAS Program and CREDENCE), and dapagliflozin (DECLARE–TIMI 58). From a total of 38 723 participants, 252 required dialysis or transplantation or died of kidney disease, 335 developed end-stage kidney disease, and 943 had acute kidney injury. SGLT2 inhibitors substantially reduced the risk of dialysis, transplantation, or death due to kidney disease (RR 0·67, 95% CI 0·52–0·86, p=0·0019), an effect consistent across studies (I2=0%, pheterogeneity=0·5

Background: Effects of oral anticoagulation in chronic kidney disease (CKD) are uncertain. Purpose: To evaluate the benefits and harms of Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and non-Vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in adults with CKD stages 3 to 5, including those with dialysisdependent end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Data Sources: English-language searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases (inception to February 2019); review bibliographies; and ClinicalTrials.gov (25 February 2019). Study Selection: Randomized controlled trials evaluating VKAs or NOACs for any indication in patients with CKD that reported efficacy or bleeding outcomes. Data Extraction: Two authors independently extracted data, assessed risk of bias, and rated certainty of evidence. Data Synthesis: Forty-five trials involving 34 082 participants who received anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation (AF) (11 trials), venous thromboembolism (VTE) (11 trials), thromboprophylaxis (6 trials), prevention of dialysis access thrombosis (8 trials), and cardiovascular disease other than AF (9 trials) were included. All but the 8 trials involving patients with ESKD excluded participants with creatinine clearance less than 20 mL/min or estimated glomerular filtration rate less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2. In AF, compared with VKAs, NOACs reduced risks for stroke or systemic embolism (risk ratio [RR], 0.79 [95% CI, 0.66 to 0.93]; highcertainty evidence) and hemorrhagic stroke (RR, 0.48 [CI, 0.30 to 0.76]; moderate-certainty evidence). Compared with VKAs, the effects of NOACs on recurrent VTE or VTE-related death were uncertain (RR, 0.72 [CI, 0.44 to 1.17]; low-certainty evidence). In all trials combined, NOACs seemingly reduced major bleeding risk compared with VKAs (RR, 0.75 [CI, 0.56 to 1.01]; lowcertainty evidence). Limitation: Scant evidence for advanced CKD or ESKD; data mostly from subgroups of large trials. Conclusion: In early-stage CKD, NOACs had a benefit-risk profile superior to that of VKAs. For a