Effects of Dapagliflozin on EChOcardiographic Measures of CarDiac StructurE and Function in Patients with CKD

Background: SGLT2 inhibitors, originally developed as glucose-lowering agents for treatment of type 2 diabetes, have been shown to have cardio- and kidney protective effects among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with and without diabetes. However, the mechanisms remain largely unknown. Methods: DECODE-CKD is an investigator-initiated, prospective, single-center, randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the effects of 6 months of treatment with 10 mg of dapagliflozin compared with placebo on cardiac structure and function in 222 adults with CKD. The primary objective is to assess whether dapagliflozin improves LV mass index. Secondary and exploratory endpoints include changes in cardiac- and kidney markers, quality of life, depressive symptoms, and cognitive function. Conclusions: This is the first study to address the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on cardiac structure and function in patients with CKD. The results will provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying the cardioprotective benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with CKD.