GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and SGLT-2 Inhibitors in Patients With Versus Without Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Trial Sequential Analysis

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1Ra) and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) reduce major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). We assessed whether the effect differs in patients with and without cardiovascular (CV) disease, and rated the certainty of evidence by conducting a systematic review, meta-analysis, and trial sequential analysis of randomized controlled trials. Certainty of the evidence (CoE) was rated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation guidelines. The reduction in the risk of MACE was significant for both medications (high CoE), and the effect was similar in patients with and without CV disease (moderate CoE). GLP1Ra and SGLT2i reduced the risk of CV death (with high and moderate CoE, respectively), and the effects were consistent in the subgroups, but with very low CoE. While SGLT2i reduced the risk of fatal or non-fatal MI with a consistent effect in the subgroups, GLP1Ra reduced the risk of fatal or non-fatal stroke (with high CoE). In conclusion, GLP1Ra and SGLT2 inhibitors reduce the MACE to a similar extent in patients with and without CV disease, but have a differential effect on the reduction of fatal or non-fatal MI and stroke.

Automated summary

GLP1Ra and SGLT2i both reduce the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). A systematic review, meta-analysis, and trial sequential analysis of randomized controlled trials were conducted to assess the differential effect in patients with and without cardiovascular disease, and to rate the certainty of evidence using GRADE guidelines. Both medications significantly reduce the risk of MACE, with similar effects in patients with and without CV disease. However, the reduction of fatal or non-fatal MI and stroke varies between GLP1Ra and SGLT2i.