[SGLT2 inhibitors: focus on kidneys and nephroprotection]

The relationships between sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) and kidney are complex: reduction of the glucose-lowering effect with the decline of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), biphasic effects on GFR along with treatment duration, low risk of acute kidney injury, rapid reduction of albuminuria, and, most importantly in clinical practice, a remarkable nephroprotection, with a decrease of the risk of end-stage renal disease or death from renal cause. This article describes the renal outcomes in the main clinical trials and analyses the impact of treatment with SGLT2is on renal prognosis according to different patient baseline characteristics. A nephroprotection is observed whatever the severity (even if GFR < 45 ml/min/1,73 m²) and type (with or without albuminuria, with or without diabetes) of renal disease.