Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors and Urinary Tract Infection: Is There Room for Real Concern?

Kidney360. 2022 Sep 12;3(11):1991-1993. doi: 10.34067/KID.0005722022. eCollection 2022 Nov 24.

Abstract

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have revolutionized our armamentarium for kidney and heart protection in patients with or without diabetes. Based on early reports of a limited number of cases, a concern for increased risk of urinary tract infections arose, which has become one of the main areas of concern for some clinicians. However, data from large randomized clinical trials and real-world population-based studies have not shown a significantly increased risk of UTI in patients on SGLT2 inhibitors. The goal of this brief review article is to review the literature and provide reassurance to patients and prescribers for the broader use of these agents.

Keywords: SGLT2 inhibitor; chronic kidney disease; glucose; urinary tract infection.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / drug therapy
  • Glucose / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Sodium / therapeutic use
  • Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors* / adverse effects
  • Urinary Tract Infections* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors
  • Glucose
  • Sodium