Real-world evidence on sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor use and risk of Fournier's gangrene

Risk of Urogenital Bacterial Infection with Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors: A Retrospective Cohort Study Using a Claims Database

INTRODUCTION

The association between sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and the risk of urogenital infections remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the association between SGLT2 inhibitors and the incidence of perineal soft tissue infections, including Fournier's gangrene (FG), genital bacterial infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs), using administrative claims data in Japan.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, we utilized the JMDC Claims Database. The study included patients aged 18 years or older diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus, identified by a diagnostic code, who received new prescriptions for SGLT2 inhibitors or dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors between April 2014 and August 2020. Using one-to-one propensity score (PS) matching, we compared the incidence of perineal soft tissue infections, including FG, genital bacterial infection, and UTIs between groups treated with SGLT2 and DPP-4 inhibitors. Hazard ratios (HR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using the Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

We identified 34,897 patients in the SGLT2 inhibitor group and 135,311 patients in the DPP-4 inhibitor group. After one-to-one PS matching, 31,665 pairs were generated. The mean age of the patients was 51 years, with approximately 70% being male. The use of SGLT2 inhibitors was associated with a decreased risk of UTI (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.83-0.98) and an increased risk of genital bacterial infection (HR 1.23, 95% CI 1.03-1.46) compared to DPP-4 inhibitors. However, no significant association was observed with perineal soft tissue infection (HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.61-1.81).

CONCLUSIONS

SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with a reduced risk of UTI and an increased risk of genital bacterial infection. They showed no significant association with perineal soft tissue infection when compared to DPP-4 inhibitors. Future research should explore broader demographics, focusing on the elderly and achieving gender balance, to gain a comprehensive understanding of infection risks.

Fournier's Gangrene as an Adverse Event Following Treatment with Sodium Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors

We present the case of a 51-year-old male with known congestive heart failure and acute myocarditis who presented to the emergency department (ED) with swollen testicles and urinary symptoms two weeks after the initiation of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor treatment. Abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (CT) scan was consistent with the diagnosis of Fournier's gangrene (FG). Intravenous antibiotics were administered and surgical exploratory intervention and excision of necrotic tissue were performed, stopping the evolution of necrotizing fasciitis. FG, a reported adverse event, may rarely occur when SGLT2 inhibitors are administered in patients with diabetes. To our knowledge, there have been no reported cases of FG in Romania since SLGT2 inhibitors were approved. The distinguishing feature of this case is that the patient was not diabetic, which emphasizes that patients without diabetes who are treated for heart failure with SGLT2 inhibitors may also be at risk of developing genitourinary infections. The association of predisposing factors may have contributed to the development of FG in this case and even though the benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors outweigh the risks, serious adverse events need to be voluntarily reported in order to intervene promptly, verify the relationship, and minimize the risk of bias.

SGLT2 Inhibitors - The New Standard of Care for Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Protection in Type 2 Diabetes: A Narrative Review

A substantial evidence base supports the use of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This class of medicines has demonstrated important benefits that extend beyond glucose-lowering efficacy to protective mechanisms capable of slowing or preventing the onset of long-term cardiovascular, renal and metabolic (CVRM) complications, making their use highly applicable for organ protection and the maintenance of long-term health outcomes. SGLT2is have shown cost-effectiveness in T2DM management and economic savings over other glucose-lowering therapies due to reduced incidence of cardiovascular and renal events. National and international guidelines advocate SGLT2i use early in the T2DM management pathway, based upon a plethora of supporting data from large-scale cardiovascular outcome trials, renal outcomes trials and real-world studies. While most people with T2DM would benefit from CVRM protection through SGLT2i use, prescribing hesitancy remains, potentially due to confusion concerning their place in the complex therapeutic paradigm, variation in licensed indications or safety perceptions/misunderstandings associated with historical data that have since been superseded by robust clinical evidence and long-term pharmacovigilance reporting. This latest narrative review developed by the Improving Diabetes Steering Committee (IDSC) outlines the place of SGLT2is within current evidence-informed guidelines, examines their potential as the standard of care for the majority of newly diagnosed people with T2DM and sets into context the perceived risks and proven advantages of SGLT2is in terms of sustained health outcomes. The authors discuss the cost-effectiveness case for SGLT2is and provide user-friendly tools to support healthcare professionals in the correct application of these medicines in T2DM management. The previously published IDSC SGLT2i Prescribing Tool for T2DM Management has undergone updates and reformatting and is now available as a Decision Tool in an interactive pdf format as well as an abbreviated printable A4 poster/wall chart.

Evaluating the Safety of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors in a Nationwide Veterans Health Administration Observational Cohort Study

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is) are indicated in patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, or heart failure. Postmarket surveillance data have identified many safety signals which warrants further investigation. We aimed to compare the safety of SGLT-2i and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA). Using the Veterans Health Administration nationwide database, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were newly initiated on a SGLT-2i or GLP-1RA between April 1, 2013 and September 1, 2020 were identified. The primary outcome was the incidence of any amputation, below-knee amputation (BKA), all clinical fractures, hip fracture, Fournier gangrene, acute pancreatitis, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), serious urinary tract infections (UTIs), and venous thromboembolism (VTE). All outcomes were compared between the treatment groups. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for the comparative analysis. A total of 70,694 propensity-matched new users of SGLT-2i and GLP-1RA were identified. The use of SGLT-2 inhibitors, compared with GLP-1RA, was not associated with an increased rate of any amputation (aHR 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.82 to 1.27), BKA (aHR 1.05, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.32), all clinical fractures (aHR 0.94, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.03), hip fractures (aHR 0.82, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.32), DKA (aHR 1.66, 95% CI 0.97 to 2.85), VTE (aHR 1.02, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.30), acute pancreatitis (aHR 1.02, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.30), and Fournier gangrene (aHR 0.92 95% CI 0.61 to 1.38). Lower rates of serious UTIs were observed in the SGLT-2i group than in the GLP-1RA group (aHR 0.74, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.84). This real-world study found that SGLT-2i use compared with GLP-1RA did not increase the rate of amputation, BKA, clinical fractures, hip fracture, Fournier gangrene, acute pancreatitis, DKA, serious UTIs, and VTE in veteran patients.

Causative Micro-Organisms in Necrotizing Fasciitis and their Influence on Inflammatory Parameters and Clinical Outcome

Background: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a potentially fatal soft tissue infection. Four types of pathogens can be distinguished in the pathogen spectrum, although there are strong regional differences with regard to the most common pathogens. Patients and Methods: All cases of NF between 2003 and 2021 with an identified causative agent were analyzed retrospectively. The cases were divided into three groups: polymicrobial, gram-positive and gram-negative. Demographic factors, localization of infection, inflammatory parameters, and clinical outcome were compared between the three groups. Results: A total of 95 cases were analyzed, 41% of which were caused by multiple pathogens. A gram-positive pathogen was reported in 40% of cases and a gram-negative pathogen in 19%. There were significant differences between the three groups with respect to age (with patients in the gram-negative group being on average the oldest) and intensive care unit admissions (which was most frequent in the polymicrobial group). Conclusions: The pathogen spectrum of NF has rarely been studied in a large patient population. Gram-positive pathogens account for the majority of monomicrobial infections in our study. Nevertheless, we recommend calculated broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy given the high number of polymicrobial infections and gram-negative infections. Gram-negative infections may be associated with increased mortality, elevated procalcitonin levels, and are relatively frequent in NF of the lower extremities.

Practice Patterns in Fournier's Gangrene in Europe and Implications for a Prospective Registry Study

BACKGROUND

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a life-threatening, necrotizing infection. Due to the rareness of the disease, it is challenging to plan robust prospective studies. This study aims to describe current practice patterns of FG in Europe and identify implications for planning a prospective FG registry.

METHODS

Online non-validated 17-items survey among urologists treating FG in in European hospitals. Questionnaires were analyzed with LimeSurvey (LimeSurvey GmbH Hamburg, Germany).

RESULTS

229 responses from ten different European countries were submitted, and 117 (51.1%) urologists completed the questionnaire. The departments treat a mean of 4.2 (SD 3.11) patients per year. The urology department mostly takes the lead in treating FG patients (n = 113; 96.6%). The practice in FG is very heterogenic and mostly case-based all over Europe, e.g., vacuum-assisted wound closure (VAC) is mostly used (n = 50; 42.7%) as adjunct wound. The biggest challenges in FG are the short time to diagnosis and treatment, standardization and establishment of guidelines, and disease awareness. Additionally, participants stated that an international registry is an outstanding initiative, and predictive models are needed.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no standard of care in the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care of FG all over Europe. Further research could be conducted with a prospective registry.

Bibliometric insights in fournier's gangrene: Research landscapes, turning points, and global trends

Study Design

Bibliometric and visualization analysis.

Objective

To analyze the research landscapes and hotspots of Fournier's gangrene, and reveal the dynamic changes and development trend of research hotspots for the purpose of providing ideas and a basis for clinical and basic research in this field.

Methods

Research datasets were acquired from the Web of Science. The publication years were limited from January 1, 1900 to August 5, 2022. The bibliometric tools CiteSpace (v5.8) and VOSviewer (v1.6) were used to analyze the data and generate visualization knowledge maps. Trends in annual publications, distribution, H-index status, coauthorships status and research hotspots were analyzed.

Results

According to the search strategy, we identified and enrolled 688 publications regarding to Fournier's gangrene. The number of published papers showed an overall upwards trend. The USA was the largest contributor, ranking first in total publications, citations and the H-index. The top 10 most productive institutions were all from the USA. De Simone B and Sartelli M were the most productive authors. There was close cooperation among countries, but the cooperation among institutions and authors had little contact and poor interactivity. The research hotspots included the pathogenesis factors and treatment. All the identified keywords were divided into 14 clusters, and the label of the latest cluster was "empagliflozin". Prognosis and risk factors, emerging treatment methods, and pathogenesis were at the forefront of the Fournier's gangrene field and were predicted to be the next hot topics.

Conclusion

The research of Fournier's gangrene has made some achievements, but the overall research level is still in the primary stage. The academic cooperation between different institutions and authors needs to be strengthened. At the early stage, the mainstream of research was the infected tissue and site, pathogenesis, and diagnosis of disease, while research on newly discovered sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, adjuvant therapy and prognostic factors may be the main directions in the future.

The Role of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibition in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a novel class of antidiabetic mediations found to also reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and hospitalization for heart failure. Positive results from the EMPEROR-Preserved (empagliflozin) and PRESERVED-HF (dapagliflozin) studies led to recommendations for SGLT2 inhibitors in HFpEF within major international heart failure guidelines. However, studies of ipragliflozin and luseogliflozin, agents approved outside the United States (U.S.), reported different outcomes relative to pivotal trials and failed to realize benefits in the HFpEF population. Varying definitions of HFpEF and outcomes studied complicate the interpretation of study results. SGLT2 inhibitors may cause common adverse events (genital mycotic infections, volume depletion) in addition to rare but severe sequela, including euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis, Fournier's gangrene, and lower limb amputation. While evidence of CV benefits grows, SGLT2 inhibitor prescribing has lagged, particularly among patients without diabetes. In the U.S., high cost and administrative hurdles may contribute to decreased patient and clinician uptake of this drug class. Future trial results and clinical experience with SGLT2 inhibitors may lead to expanded use and greater uptake among patients with heart failure.

Progress in the management of patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Diabetic kidney disease is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage kidney disease in the world. Risk factor modification, glucose control, and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade have remained the standard of care for 2 decades. New therapeutic agents have emerged in recent years, demonstrating kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and herein we review recent clinical trials on this topic.

RECENT FINDINGS

After the publication of several cardiovascular outcome trials for sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i), new trials have focused ON primary kidney-specific outcomes demonstrating safety and benefits among patients with proteinuric CKD; patients with or without diabetes, and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) respectively. Similarly, nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (ns-MRAs) and glucagon-like-peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have improved cardiovascular and kidney outcomes. Recently, clinical practice guidelines have also been updated to reflect this new evidence.

SUMMARY

In summary, SGLT-2i, GLP-1 RAs, and ns-MRAs have demonstrated cardiovascular and kidney benefits, including all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, progression to end-stage kidney disease, and hospitalizations for heart failure exacerbation among diverse patient population.

Fournier's Gangrene: A Coexistence or Consanguinity of SGLT-2 Inhibitor Therapy

BACKGROUND

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2 inhibitors) are a relatively new class of medications used for the management of type II diabetes mellitus targeting the kidneys. Within the last decade, several warnings have been issued regarding the development of severe genitourinary infections, including necrotizing fasciitis, or Fournier's gangrene, in those with pre-existing type II diabetes and concomitant use of this drug class.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this review is to highlight and discuss the factors contributing to the development of Fournier's gangrene, its pathogenesis, and a review of existing literature describing patient outcomes, treatment, and future directions regarding early detection of this complication.

METHODS

Articles and studies addressing effective treatment adherence and key factors contributing to Fournier's gangrene with SGLT2 inhibitors were identified by effective keyword searches in PubMed Central, Google Scholar, and Cochrane, as well as the references found within these articles.

RESULTS

Using the keywords provided, 55 case reports, review articles, and meta-analysis reports written within the last 20 years were utilized as the source of the data presented in this systematic review article.

[New aspects in Fournier's gangrene - a rapid review]

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a sporadic, life-threatening, necrotising infection affecting the perineum, perineal region and genitals. Published literature provides hints that the outcome of this disease has failed to improve in recent years. We have therefore performed a rapid evidence synthesis by searching the database MEDLINE. The literature from 2020 was studied to identify new aspects to improve the care of FG patients and plan further therapeutic research. 18 publications were chosen for this review, 15 of these were original research and three systematic reviews. 12 were retrospective case series, 2 epidemiological studies, with one prospective clinical study, one systematic review and 2 systematic reviews, together with a meta-analysis. Most of the authors of the studies concluded that FG is still a severe disease with unacceptable mortality rates, so that there is urgent need for therapy improvement. New risk factors for higher mortality in FG have been identified in these studies, namely dyslipoproteinemia, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, as well as both acute and chronic kidney failure. Furthermore, 4 of the included studies investigated the association of SGLT2- and DDP4-inhibitors, which are drugs used in diabetes mellitus, and the incidence of FG. No studies reported a significant association between these drugs and FG, especially not a meta-analysis with 84 included studies. New promising concepts for wound conditioning are hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO), vacuum-assisted wound closure (VAC) and Maggot therapy (blowfly larvae). In summary, FG is still a severe disease, the prognosis has not improved in recent years and so there is an urgent need for improved therapy. This could only be achieved with further research in FG. In our opinion and due to the rarity of FG, this would be possible with a national registry study. For example, it might be possible to calculate risk stratification from this registry to identify patients who would benefit from treatment in a centre or with special wound conditioning.

Fournier Gangrene in the Emergency Department: Diagnostic Dilemmas, Treatments and Current Perspectives

Fournier gangrene (FG) is a rare and life-threatening urosurgical emergency characterized most often by a polymicrobial infection of the perineal, genital, or perianal region. FG has an increased incidence in male patients, patients with alcoholism, and patients with immunocompromise including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and uncontrolled diabetes. FG often begins as a simple abscess or cellulitis with progression to necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI). Delays in diagnosis and treatment confer high mortality. Early recognition and high clinical suspicion are important in making a timely diagnosis, as early manifestations are often subtle. The most significant modifiable risk factor associated with NSTI mortality is delay to surgical intervention. Coordination of both inpatient medical and surgical teams to implement appropriate therapy is vital to successful outcomes. The emergency medicine clinician must be vigilant for this condition and be aware of risk factors, prognostic indicators, and proper treatment protocols to recognize FG early and initiate appropriate management. The objective of this review is to provide updated and relevant information regarding recognition, diagnosis, and management of FG for the emergency medicine provider.

2020 Consensus of Taiwan Society of Cardiology on the pharmacological management of patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases

The global incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes have been escalating in recent decades. The total diabetic population is expected to increase from 415 million in 2015 to 642 million by 2040. Patients with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). About two-thirds of patients with type 2 diabetes died of ASCVD. The association between hyperglycemia and elevated cardiovascular (CV) risk has been demonstrated in multiple cohort studies. However, clinical trials of intensive glucose reduction by conventional antidiabetic agents did not significantly reduce macrovascular outcomes.In December 2008, U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a mandate that every new antidiabetic agent requires rigorous assessments of its CV safety. Thereafter, more than 200,000 patients have been enrolled in a number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). These trials were initially designed to prove noninferiority. It turned out that some of these trials demonstrated superiority of some new antidiabetic agents versus placebo in reducing CV endpoints, including macrovascular events, renal events, and heart failure. These results are important in clinical practice and also provide an opportunity for academic society to formulate treatment guidelines or consensus to provide specific recommendations for glucose control in various CV diseases.In 2018, the Taiwan Society of Cardiology (TSOC) and the Diabetes Association of Republic of China (DAROC) published the first joint consensus on the "Pharmacological Management of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases." In 2020, TSOC appointed a new consensus group to revise the previous version. The updated 2020 consensus was comprised of 5 major parts: (1) treatment of diabetes in patients with multiple risk factors, (2) treatment of diabetes in patients with coronary heart disease, (3) treatment of diabetes in patients with stage 3 chronic kidney disease, (4) treatment of diabetes in patients with a history of stroke, and (5) treatment of diabetes in patients with heart failure. The members of the consensus group thoroughly reviewed all the evidence, mainly RCTs, and also included meta-analyses and real-world evidence. The treatment targets of HbA1c were finalized. The antidiabetic agents were ranked according to their clinical evidence. The consensus is not mandatory. The final decision may need to be individualized and based on clinicians' discretion.