What Researchers Did
This systematic review examined the clinical characteristics, therapy, and outcomes of Fournier Gangrene in patients using sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors by analyzing English language case reports.
What They Found
Out of 78 identified studies, 14 case reports were included, revealing that patients' age ranged from 34 to 72 years and SGLT2i use varied from 6 months to 6 years.
All included studies reported discontinuation of SGLT2i, replacement with other anti-diabetic drugs, and improved patient outcomes after treatment, with seven studies reporting discharge within 9-51 days.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors should be aware that Fournier Gangrene is a rare but serious complication, and prompt medical attention is crucial if symptoms arise.
If diagnosed, SGLT2i will likely be discontinued and replaced with alternative diabetes medications, alongside aggressive local and systemic treatment, leading to improved outcomes.
Canadian Relevance
This systematic review does not have a direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The findings are limited by the nature of case reports, which may not be generalizable to the broader patient population, and the small number of included studies.