Introduction: SGLT2 inhibitors are by now well-recognized pharmacotherapeutic agents that have demonstrated efficacy in lowering mortality and morbidity in a variety of cardiovascular and metabolic conditions. Current evidence from randomized trials found no association between SGLT2 inhibitors and risk of venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) among patients with type 2 diabetes. However, as far as the authors of this abstract are aware, no studies have investigated the relationship between SGLT2 inhibitors and recurrence of VTE events. (1,2) The aim of this study was to explore association between SGLT2 and the recurrence of VTE episodes.
Patients and Methods: A real-world cohort of patients with pulmonary embolisms (PE) diagnosed between May 2013 and September 2023 was included in our study. We evaluated the incidence of VTE recurrence in a cohort of patients treated with SGLT2i either before or subsequent to the original VTE episode, and in a cohort not treated with SGLT2i. VTE recurrence was defined as two or more PE and/or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) incidents. We used the chi-squared test for statistical analysis, and a p-value of 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant.
Results: This registry-based study included 852 patients with a median age of 73 years (IQR 61-80) and a median follow-up period of 56.8 months (IQR 15.1-85.6). Recurrent VTE episodes occurred in 172 individuals (20%) and were less common in patients prescribed with SGLT2i medication before or after index VTE events, although this difference was not statistically significant (p =.887).
Conclusion: There was a trend towards lower recurrence rate of VTE episodes in the group of patients treated with SGLT2 inhibitors. However, this sample included only few patients, considering that SGLT2 inhibitors are relatively new medications in the pharmacovigilance field. Additional research and larger sample sizes are required to investigate the potential beneficial effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on the recurrence of VTE.