Real world, retrospective experience of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in kidney transplant recipients: A single-center case series.

We conducted a retrospective chart review of adult kidney transplant recipients (KTxR) with type 2 diabetes treated with a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA). A total of 211, 207, 161, and 92 KTxR were followed for 6, 12, 36, and 60 months, respectively. Over 5 years, we observed statistically significant reductions in the primary endpoints of weight, HbA1c, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The mean weight reduction was as follows: 1.17 kg at 6 months (p < 0.006), 1.2 kg at 12 months (p < 0.03), 3.7 kg at 36 months (p < 0.0001), and 4.1 kg at 60 months (p = 0.001) compared to baseline. The HbA1c levels showed reductions of 0.6 mmol/mol at 6 months (p < 0.0001), 0.5 mmol/mol at 12 months (p = 0.0004), 0.3 mmol/mol at 36 months (p = 0.04), and 0.35 mmol/mol at 60 months (p = 0.35). MACE rates fell from 45.5% at GLP-1RA initiation to 18.9% during follow-up (OR 3.6 (2.3 - 5.6), p < 0.0001). Insulin requirements decreased from 50 to 27 units over 5 years. Kidney function reduces over time in KTx, likely secondary to hemodynamic or vascular-mediated risk factors, chronic immunosuppressive agents, treatment for rejections, and solitary transplanted kidney. In our study, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) not only stayed stable but also showed a trend towards improvement (eGFR improved from 50 to 53 mL/min/1.73m2). Further prospective randomized trials are needed to assess GLP-1RA efficacy and safety in KTxR.