Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower risk of kidney replacement therapy and mortality in bipolar disorder with chronic kidney disease.

Abstract

Background: Bipolar disorder (BD) is associated with a higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and increased mortality, yet individuals with both BD and CKD are less likely to receive kidney replacement therapy (KRT). Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) provide renal protection in diabetes, but their long-term effects in this high-risk population remain unknown.

Objectives: To evaluate whether SGLT2i use reduces the risk of KRT and all-cause mortality in adults with BD and mild-to-moderate CKD (stage ⩽ 3).

Design: Observational cohort study with propensity score matching (PSM).

Method: In this study using TriNetX (2009-2024) real-world database, 89,369 adults with BD and mild-to-moderate CKD were classified as SGLT2i users (n = 12,736) or nonusers (n = 76,633). Primary outcomes were progression to KRT and all-cause mortality over 5 years. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models, and 1:1 PSM reduced confounding. Subgroup analyses examined sex, race/ethnicity, diabetes status, CKD stage, and mood stabilizer use.

Results: SGLT2i use was associated with lower risk of KRT (aHR 0.47 (95% CI, 0.42-0.53)) and all-cause mortality (aHR 0.69 (95% CI, 0.65-0.73); both p < 0.001). Protective effects were consistent across subgroups, including individuals receiving lithium, lamotrigine, valproate, or antipsychotics. After PSM (10,967 matched pairs), 5-year KRT-free survival was 94.61% versus 90.99%, and overall survival was 78.67% versus 67.53% (both p < 0.001). Given the observational design, the possibility of residual or unmeasured confounding canot be excluded.

Conclusion: SGLT2i therapy in individuals with BD and mild-to-moderate CKD is associated with substantially lower risks of KRT and all-cause mortality. Prospective trials are needed to confirm these findings.