Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, May 2: A class of diabetes drugs known as SGLT2 inhibitors may significantly reduce the risk of organ rejection in patients undergoing heart transplantation, according to a recent meta-analysis.

The study, based on eight research papers involving 2,755 participants, examined outcomes in patients with pre-existing Diabetes Mellitus, a group known to face higher risks of graft failure and mortality following transplant procedures.

Rejection remains a major complication after heart transplantation, particularly among patients with end-stage heart disease and diabetes, which is present in nearly 30 per cent of transplant recipients.

Researchers found that patients receiving SGLT2 inhibitors had a significantly lower risk of rejection, with statistical analysis indicating a clear benefit. However, the study did not observe meaningful differences in other outcomes such as mortality, sepsis, body weight, kidney function, or blood sugar control after transplantation.

While SGLT2 inhibitors are widely used for glycaemic control, their broader benefits — including potential effects on heart and kidney health as well as immune response — are increasingly being explored.

The researchers noted that despite the promising reduction in rejection risk, the overall impact of these drugs on long-term transplant outcomes remains uncertain. They emphasised the need for further large-scale studies to better understand their role in improving survival and other clinical outcomes in transplant patients.

The findings highlight a potential new avenue in post-transplant care, particularly for high-risk patients with diabetes.