Saudi Consensus on the Usage of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors on the Management of Chronic Kidney Diseases

Abstract

According to recent epidemiological data, chronic kidney diseases (CKDs) affect approximately 10% of the global population. Like many countries, CKD is a significant public health issue in Saudi Arabia. The prevalence of CKD in Saudi Arabia is estimated to be around 4.5% of the adult population, with a higher prevalence in older age groups. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are a class of oral medications used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In addition to their glucose-lowering effects, SGLT2i have been shown to have beneficial effects on kidney function in patients with or without T2DM. Therefore, a Saudi task force gathered to develop an explicit, evidence-based consensus on SGLT2i use in CKD Saudi patients. A panel of 14 experts made up a task force. An initial concept proposal was obtained. The proposal was divided into several topics discussed on 24 May 2023. A literature review was carried out. The literature search was completed on 3 rd June 2023. A drafted report was distributed to the entire panel. Approval of the recommendations required consensus, defined as a majority approval ( i.e. above 75%). The recommendations were revised to accommodate any differences of opinion until a consensus was reached. Recommendations were finally formulated on 21 st June 2023. Subsequently, the panel reviewed and discussed the supporting rationale of the revised recommendations. This article presents these practical recommendations.