ASN's Mission

To create a world without kidney diseases, the ASN Alliance for Kidney Health elevates care by educating and informing, driving breakthroughs and innovation, and advocating for policies that create transformative changes in kidney medicine throughout the world.

learn more

Contact ASN

1401 H St, NW, Ste 900, Washington, DC 20005

email@asn-online.org

202-640-4660

The Latest on X

Kidney Week

Abstract: FR-PO0588

Effects of SGLT2 Inhibitors on Electrolytes in Patients with CKD: A Scoping Review

Session Information

Category: Fluid, Electrolytes, and Acid-Base Disorders

  • 1102 Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Disorders: Clinical

Authors

  • Puttam, Harivarsha, Shasta Regional Medical Center, Redding, California, United States
  • Siddenthi, Sowmya Manjari, Shasta Regional Medical Center, Redding, California, United States
  • Suddapalli, Siva Keerthana, Shasta Regional Medical Center, Redding, California, United States
  • Sambasivan, Sriram, Shasta Regional Medical Center, Redding, California, United States
Background

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have pleiotropic effects and are approved for use in heart failure and CKD apart from Diabetes Mellitus. Because SGLT2i block sodium-glucose reabsorption in the proximal tubule, their influence on electrolyte balance is particularly relevant. While data exist regarding their impact on electrolytes in diabetic populations, evidence is lacking in CKD patients. This scoping review aims to evaluate the effects of SGLT2i on electrolytes in patients with CKD

Methods

We searched PubMed for articles published between 2015 and 2025 using the keywords “CKD,” “SGLT2 inhibitors,” and “electrolytes.” Inclusion criteria were clinical studies involving CKD patients treated with SGLT2 inhibitors, reporting electrolyte outcomes. Exclusion criteria included meta-analyses and literature reviews. Of 625 records screened, 8 studies met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted on study design, population, SGLT2i type, CKD stage, and electrolyte outcomes.

Results

The most commonly used SGLT2i were empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and canagliflozin, mostly in patients with CKD stages 2–4. Some trials showed a mild decrease in serum sodium, while others didn’t find any significant changes in 24-hour urine sodium. Interestingly, a case report did report hypernatremia. The incidence of hyperkalemia and use of potassium binders was lower in patients on SGLT2i. There was also a mild rise in serum magnesium levels. Some studies showed increased calcium, and phosphate, along with FGF23 and PTH levels.

Conclusion

SGLT2 inhibitors exert a modest influence on electrolyte profiles in CKD, with the most consistent findings involving phosphate. Although these changes appear clinically mild, their potential implications in combination with other agents such as RAAS inhibitors or immunosuppressants (e.g., tacrolimus in transplant recipients) require further research. Additional studies are needed to assess their electrolyte effects in advanced CKD, particularly stage 5 and dialysis-dependent patients.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)