Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibition as a potential treatment for idiopathic oedema

Idiopathic oedema is a syndrome affecting primarily women that is characterized by frustrating intermittent fluid retention, with hallmarks of obesity, periodic oedema, anxiety, and a susceptibility to develop type 2 diabetes. Management is typically reassurance and weight control, with no known drug class proven to provide consistent relief. We hypothesise that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibition is a logical intervention in the treatment of idiopathic oedema, having effects on obesity, blood pressure, impaired glucose tolerance, sympathetic overdrive, and reduction in swelling - the most common and distressing complaint. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibition by promoting greater electrolyte-free, but glucose driven, water clearance with preferential fluid clearance from the interstitial space, without compromising intravascular volume, may provide symptomatic relief of swelling and bloating. The consequent weight reduction secondary to caloric loss from renal glycosuria and decreased adiposity would prevent disease progression of type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes. With diminished adrenergic output from central and peripheral autonomic influences, reduction of blood pressure occurs, and by similar mechanisms, anxiety may be reduced.