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Plasma liraglutide concentrations increase in end-stage renal disease
In patients with type 2 diabetes and end-stage renal disease, plasma liraglutide concentrations were increased during treatment, according to recent findings published in Diabetes Care.
According to the researchers, reduced doses as well as a prolonged titration period may be advisable for these patients.
Thomas Idorn , MD, PhD, of the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, and colleagues evaluated 20 adults aged 60 to 71 years with type 2 diabetes and dialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease and 20 adults aged 57 to 65 years with type 2 diabetes and normal kidney function randomized to liraglutide (n = 10 in each group) or placebo (n = 10 in each group) to determine the safety and efficacy of liraglutide in those with end-stage renal disease.
There was a 49% increase in dose-corrected plasma trough liraglutide concentrations at the final visit in the liraglutide-treated group with end-stage renal disease compared with liraglutide-treated controls (P = .02). Throughout the intervention period, dose-corrected plasma trough liraglutide concentrations were increased in the liraglutide-treated group with end-stage renal disease compared with liraglutide-treated controls.
Reductions in HbA1c were found for both liraglutide-treated groups compared with the placebo groups. From baseline to week 12, blood glucose was reduced among all groups (P < .01), and doses of basal insulin were significantly reduced among both liraglutide-treated groups (P < .04).
The liraglutide-treated group with end-stage renal disease experienced more initial and temporary nausea and vomiting compared with the control groups (P < .04).
“In conclusion, our data suggest that continuous liraglutide treatment is applicable in patients with type 2 diabetes and [end-stage renal disease], although larger-scale studies are needed to confirm this,” the researchers wrote. “Dose reduction and prolongation of the titration period may be advisable to reduce nausea and vomiting, which occurred more frequently in patients with [end-stage renal disease] ... Glycemic control did not deteriorate during liraglutide treatment in the group with [end-stage renal disease], despite a significant reduction in basal insulin doses.” – by Amber Cox
Disclosure: Idorn reports financial ties with Novo Nordisk. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.