Liraglutide Improves Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Slopes in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and Type 2 Diabetes: A 7-year Retrospective Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Liraglutide was administered to patients with type 2 diabetes, and its effects on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) slopes and albuminuria were retrospectively evaluated. METHODS: This study included 568 patients with type 2 diabetes who received liraglutide therapy (up to 0.9 mg/day) >1 year and were followed-up for a maximum of 2 years before and 7 years after treatment. The decline in renal function was estimated as the slope of the individual linear regression line of eGFR over the follow-up time. Spot urine samples were collected to measure albuminuria, which were calculated using creatinine levels. In addition, HbA1c, body weight, blood pressure, and heart rate were monitored. RESULTS: The mean liraglutide treatment period was 3.1 +/- 2.0 years. The mean baseline eGFR slope (mL/min/1.73m2/year) was -2.75 +/- 6.04. After liraglutide treatment, the mean eGFR slope significantly improved (-1.42 +/- 4.30, P < 0.01). This effect appeared more pronounced for baseline eGFRs <45 mL/min/1.73 m2. Albuminuria, HbA1c, body weight, and systolic blood pressure levels were significantly reduced after treatment with liraglutide for 1 year, whereas diastolic blood pressure and heart rates were increased. CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with liraglutide experienced a significantly slower annual decline in kidney function. The benefit appeared more pronounced in patients with the development and progression of diabetic kidney disease. These results suggest that the benefits of liraglutide on kidney function identified in clinical trials appear to be well generalizable to clinical practice.