Semaglutide and kidney function: friends or enemies?

Published: 5 February 2024
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Authors

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RAs) approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic weight management in obesity. GLP-1RAs are being investigated to slow the decline of kidney function in type 2 diabetics with chronic kidney disease. These agents prevent renal complications and have proven beneficial effects on cardiac outcomes. We describe a rare case of semaglutide-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in a young woman with obesity, T2DM, hypertensive cardiomyopathy, and no pre-existing chronic kidney disease (CKD). This case is relevant as GLP1-RAs is used frequently in patients with and without kidney disease. Currently, only 3 cases of AKI ascribed to semaglutide of which only 1 without CKD have been described. Only in this case, kidney function improves after semaglutide discontinuation. However, because GLP1-RAs will be prescribed more and more frequently, we sought to highlight this possible, serious adverse effect of semaglutide.

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How to Cite

Giofrè, F., Trapanese, V., Natale, M. R., Vatalaro, C., Cosentino, F., Melina, M., Pelle, M. C., Carullo, N., Capria, M., & Arturi, F. (2024). Semaglutide and kidney function: friends or enemies?. Italian Journal of Medicine, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.4081/itjm.2024.1694