Empagliflozin for kidney protection in cardiorenal syndrome type 1

The Treatment Effects of Empagliflozin on Renal Outcomes in Cardiorenal Syndrome Type 1

Phase2; Phase3 Interventional Chulalongkorn University · NCT06030843

This trial will test whether taking empagliflozin 10 mg compared with placebo helps protect the kidneys in adults hospitalized with acute heart failure who develop acute kidney injury.

Quick facts

PhasePhase2; Phase3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorChulalongkorn University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bangkok, Pathumwan)
Trial IDNCT06030843 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional Phase 2/3 trial compares empagliflozin 10 mg to a matching placebo in adults hospitalized with acute de novo or decompensated chronic heart failure who develop acute kidney injury or have elevated urine NGAL. Participants must be enrolled within 12 hours of AKI diagnosis or a urine NGAL ≥ 150 ng/mL. The main outcome is major adverse kidney events at 30 days (MAKE30), and the intervention is given during the acute hospitalization period. Patients with other causes of AKI, hemodynamic instability, recent SGLT2 inhibitor use, or need for immediate dialysis are excluded.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (age ≥18) hospitalized for acute de novo or decompensated chronic heart failure who develop AKI by KDIGO criteria or have urine NGAL ≥150 ng/mL and can be enrolled within 12 hours are the intended participants.

Not a fit: Patients with AKI due to causes other than cardiorenal syndrome (for example sepsis or nephrotoxins), those who are anuric, already on or expected to require dialysis within 24 hours, hemodynamically unstable, with baseline eGFR ≤20 ml/min/1.73m2, recent SGLT2 inhibitor use, or prior heart or kidney transplant are unlikely to benefit from this trial.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, empagliflozin could reduce short-term kidney complications such as the need for dialysis and improve 30-day kidney outcomes in patients with cardiorenal syndrome type 1.

How similar studies have performed: SGLT2 inhibitors have shown kidney and heart benefits in chronic heart failure and chronic kidney disease, but their use specifically in acute cardiorenal syndrome type 1 is less well tested and remains relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria

* Age 18 years or more
* Hospitalized for the primary diagnosis of acute denovo or decompensated chronic heart regardless of ejection fraction
* AKI KDIGO any stage or urine NGAL ≥ 150 ng/mL
* Must be able to be enrolled into the trial ≤ 12 hours of diagnosis of AKI or elevated urine NGAL

Exclusion criteria

* Denied to participate in the study
* Cardiogenic shock or unstable hemodynamic (systolic blood pressure of at least 100 mmHg or required inotropic support within last 24 hours)
* Cardiac mechanical support (i.e. extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and intra-aortic balloon pump)
* Acute coronary syndrome
* Diagnosed with cause of AKI other than cardiorenal syndrome (eg. sepsis, nephrotoxic, dehydration)
* Anuria or requiring dialysis or expected to required dialysis within 24 hr
* Baseline eGFR ≤ 20 ml/min/1.73m2 with or without dialysis initiated
* Heart or kidney transplanted
* Previously received any SGLT2i in the last 3 months before admission
* Allergic to any SGLT2i
* Type 1 diabetes mellitus
* History of ketoacidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis
* Pregnancy
* Comorbid conditions with an expected survival of less than 1 months such as end-stage liver or heart disease, or uncurable malignancy

Where this trial is running

Bangkok, Pathumwan

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Empagliflozin in Cardiorenal Syndrome Type 1EmpagliflozinSGLT2iCardiorenal syndromeADHFAKI
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.