2926 The impact of GLP-1 receptor agonists on metabolic control and diabetic kidney disease progression

• Published in: Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation Vol. 39; no. Supplement_1
• Main Authors: Venda, João, Henriques, Andreia Dos Santos, Monsanto, Alice, Pompermayer, Micael, Leal, Rita, Alves, Rui
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 23.05.2024
• ISSN: 0931-0509; 1460-2385
• DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfae069.736

Abstract Background and Aims Diabetic kidney disease is the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease in developed world. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) are a class of drugs that have shown benefits beyond glycemic control, with a reduction in cardiovascular risk and renoprotective effects. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of GLP-1 RA in metabolic control and progression of CKD. Our objective was to analyze the impact and efficacy of GLP-1 RA in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Method This was a retrospective cohort study, that included type 2 diabetic patients with CKD, followed in Nephrology outpatient clinic, who started treatment with GLP-1 RA between January 2019 and February 2022. Clinical, demographic and laboratory data were collect at the initiation of the therapy, 6 months and 1 year during follow-up. Results A total of 66 patients were included, of whom 63.6% (n = 42) males with a mean age of 67.8 ± 10.9 years. 95.5% (n = 63) had history of hypertension, 59.1% (n = 39) heart failure and 16.7% (n = 11) peripheral arterial disease. The median estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at beginning of the treatment was 45 [31.8-65] mL/min/1.73 m2, mean HbA1c of 9.1 ± 1.7%, and mean weight 89.4 ± 15.4 kg. The most frequently prescribed GLP-1 RA were liraglutide (34.8%, n = 23) and dulaglutide (34.8%, n = 23), followed by semaglutide (21.2%, n = 14) and exenatide (1.5%, n = 1). Regarding concomitant therapy, all of the patients were on renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system antagonists, 90.9% (n = 60) were on SGLT2 inhibitors, and 68.2% (n = 45) were on insulin. At 6 months follow-up, there was a statistically significant reduction in HbA1c (9.2 ± 1.8 VS 7.8 ± 1.7, p < 0.001) and weight (89.4 ± 15.4 VS 86.8 ± 15.7, p = 0.002). There were no significant differences in eGFR, lipidic profile and albuminuria. At 1 year follow-up, there was significant reduction of HbA1c (Z = −4.6, p < 0.001), weight (Z = −3.1, p = 0.002), and a statistically significant increase of eGFR (49.5 ± 25.4 VS 56.9 ± 27.0, p = 0.007), with no significant differences in lipidic profile and albuminuria. During the follow-up period, 5 patients voluntarily discontinued the treatment, and 1 patient suspended it due to gastrointestinal adverse effects. Conclusion Our study findings reinforce the existing evidence supporting the renoprotective effects of GLP-1 RA. We observed a notable improvement in metabolic control, as evidenced by significant reduction of HbA1c and weight, particularly at the 6th month. There were no significant differences in albuminuria during the follow up time, but an unexpected increase in eGFR.